My Top 10 Films Of 2022

#1 - After Yang

Critics Score - 9 of 10

This story of an interracial family in this alternate version of humankind’s future that feels almost as real as the world outside our front door is as delicate as it is emotionally heavy hitting. The direction of Kogonada is superb as the film weaves the story of Yang, a technosapien (the name given to the human-like robots), and how he begins to malfunction under the care of owner Jake played by Colin Farrell. The film delves into the topics of memory, our existence as humans and life and death amongst many others and left me in utter awe by the conclusion. After Yang is a film for the ages and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if after a few more years and viewings I increase my score to a perfect 10 out of 10.

#2 - Close

Critics Score - 9 of 10

The film Close by Lukas Dhont was as surprising to me as it was devastating. Watching this at a film festival in late October, I left the theatre in tears and took a walk around the parking lot outside to collect my thoughts before I could process anything else. The story of these two young boys and their special bond (thus the film’s name), only to see this bond subsequently become untethered, was one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. I cried more for this film than I have at any movie in years, from multiple performances within the movie, but the main character Leo played by the amazing young boy Eden Dambrine was my favorite performance of the entire year.

#3 - Navalny

Critics Score - 9 of 10

I got to watch my favorite documentary of 2022 at the Sundance Film Festival back in January last year. This powerful true story of how Putin’s main political rival Alexei Navalny was targeted by the Russian government, they poisoned him and tried to have him killed, is as enthralling as any Bond or Bourne spy thriller. While the war in Ukraine rages on, this effort by Putin to stifle any opposing political voices is as timely as ever. Everyone should make it a point to check out this Oscar Best Documentary Feature Award nominee when they can.Currently streaming on HBOMax.

#4 - Women Talking

Critics Score - 9 of 10

The film Women Talking is a fictional account of some women having a discussion around some events that did actually happen at a rural Bolivian Mennonite community between the years of 2005 and 2009. The film showcases brilliant performances from Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Rooney Mara and portrays the harrowing story of the discussion that the women from the colony have in the aftermath of finding out about the males systematic drugging and raping of the colonies females. The movie demonstrates that men in positions of religious power will far too frequently misuse it and even use “God” as a weapon to abuse and harm others. The direction and screenplay from Sarah Polley are among the years best as she delivers a film as timely as it is riveting.

#5 - Triangle Of Sadness

Critics Score - 9 of 10

When I first heard about Triangle Of Sadness, it was back when the film won the Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. I was fortunate enough to also hear to avoid any and all trailers and info on the film, so I treated any and all content about the film like the plague. It paid off and when I finally got to see the film in November in the theatres, the satire that Ruben Östlund is working with is absolutely scathing and he holds nothing back in what is by far the funniest damn movie of the year.

#6 - The Whale

Critics Score - 9 of 10

The latest film from director Darren Aronofsky also brings us one of Oscars Best Actor performances from Brendan Fraser in The Whale. The story of a man struggling with his obesity, addiction to food, and family relationships, it also touches on depression, religious themes and even the facing of one’s own death and mortality. While the screenplay has some problems and the plot becomes a bit murky, Fraser captivates while on screen and effectively carries the vast majority of the film’s weight, pun intended.

#7 - Holy Spider

Critics Score - 9 of 10

Back in 2000-2001 in the Iranian city of Mashhad, a serial killer went on a killing spree, targeting women of, let’s just say, a certain profession. A journalist comes into the picture as the web of murders thickens and she puts herself into harm’s way in an effort to capture the Spider killer, as he’s called. The story is based on actual events and as the writer/director Ali Abbasi weaves the story, it twists and turns, around and back again, becoming even more fascinating with each turn. This Iranian film was not only one of the best foreign films of the year, but it was one of the best movies of any kind. Period.

#8 - Emily

Critics Score - 9 of 10

Not much is known of Emily Brontë, the woman who wrote Wuthering Heights, but the little that is known suggests her to be a bit odd, reclusive and she is a mysterious figure from history. The new film Emily is a fictionalized account of what her ultimately short life might have been like up to the writing of her acclaimed piece of English literature. The film stars Emma Mackey as Emily, and she is wonderful as the quiet and curious character who’s whirlwind romance and family relationships take this period piece in all kinds of sexy, subversive and wildly entertaining directions.

# 9 - Till

Critics Score - 8 of 10

This is the heartbreaking and blindingly infuriating story of Mamie Till, who sends her son Emmet to visit family back in Mississippi in the 1950’s. Fourteen year old Emmet’s subsequent abduction and lynching at the hands of racist white southerners is among one of the angriest viewing experiences I’ve had in a long time. But among the performances, especially from the brilliant Danielle Deadwyler, the film tells an important story that everyone should pay attention to. Hopefully this film will eventually be shown in high school, the way we as a country don’t make the same mistakes from our past is by teaching our children a better way forward.

#10 - Everything Everywhere All At Once

Critics Score - 8 of 10

Traveling the multiverse can be quite tricky, but the latest film from the writing/directing duo The Daniels traverses the topic of universe jumping with ease. Ease . . . and insanity. As the laundromat managing mother, the wonderful Michelle Yeoh tries to navigate life with her seemingly bland husband, lesbian daughter and intimidating IRS tax auditor. The wackiest film you’re likely to see in some time, this film’s raccoon hair pulling, hot dog finger waving, googly-eyed rocks talking journey truly proves to be Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

Honorable Mentions -

#11 - Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

Critics Score - 8 of 10

My favorite animated film of the year was this wonderfully original film, despite the fact that the story has been redone several times recently. The beautiful visuals of the stop motion combined with the heavy themes of life and death, made this an unusual but truly fascinating movie for younger audiences.

#12 - Thor Love And Thunder

Critics Score - 8 of 10

The first Marvel film to crack into my favorite films since Avengers Endgame, Taika Waititi’s second effort into the Thor universe feels as fresh and exciting as some of the original Marvel films. The self aware humor, rock anthems and Christian Bale’s impressive work as the most ominous villain since Thanos helped propel this film into the best of the MCU.

#13 - Avatar The Way Of Water

Critics Score - 8 of 10

The special effects and cinematography in Avatar The Way Of Water are the best of the year. Unquestionably. This film is the most cinematic experience you could have of 2022, unfortunately the writing and story don’t keep up with the mind-blowing visuals, but this is a movie that has no equal just on pure looks.

#14 - All Quiet On The Western Front

Critics Score - 8 of 10

This German retelling of the 1930’s war film is as gritty, brutal and sobering as it is touching, compelling and engaging. The horrors of war are without number and this retelling of the First World War should be a stark reminder that this outcome is something everyone on this planet should be seeking to avoid.