As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for the unconventional and a soft spot for stories that push boundaries, I find myself utterly captivated by this year’s cinematic offerings. The diverse array of films on the list reflects the evolving landscape of cinema, with stories that delve deep into the human experience, transcending sexuality, nationality, and social norms.
The movie business as I knew it is now over. Except in New York City, where feel-bad, risk-taking, ratings-defying art flicks still play and I pay to see them in theaters. Thank you, distributors, from the bottom of my damaged little cinematic heart, for getting these films out there to the perverted public, who still demand to be startled and soothed by troublemaking directors from all over the world. Here they are — my ten best. See them and suffer … joyously.
1.
Love Lies Bleeding (Rose Glass)
This witty, violent film noir stands out as the top movie of the year, a production that could possibly have been created by Russ Meyer if he were a lesbian intellectual with a steroid addiction. The pig-like characters even manage to be endearing, in their own unique way.
2.
Queer (Luca Guadagnino)
Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the gay beatnik character based on William Burroughs’ alter ego might seem like a hint at his sexuality, but I wholeheartedly support it. He’s incredibly talented and there’s even a scene involving a “snowball,” which reminds me of an unusual memory from my past experiences. If more members of the LGBTQ+ community were as daring as him, I believe I would find greater joy in my own identity.
3.
The Brutalist (Brady Corbet)
An intense, stone-cold VistaVision masterpiece portraying the harshness of architectural design and the pain of being an early innovator, featuring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce vying for the spotlight among potential Oscar contenders. Despite its 3.5-hour length, the intermission seems to be the only aspect that drags on.
4.
Hard Truths (Mike Leigh)
An exceptionally poignant and occasionally uproariously amusing depiction of one of cinema’s most unsavory characters. She’s a dismal mother and an appalling spouse, causing distress to everyone around her, except the audience who gradually find themselves cheering for her. A wretched yet unforgettable encounter.
5.
Messy (Alexi Wasser)
A fresh, humorous independent film by an emerging female director (who also acts in the movie) that evokes the essence of Woody Allen’s comedies with a distinctly different theme: the lives and complexities of modern women grappling with sexual compulsions. It’s sharp, it’s brash, it’s insightful, and it’s steamy. I’m delighted to see that today’s youth continue to question and navigate relationships with passion and perplexity.
6.
Joker: Folie à Deux (Todd Phillips)
Finally, a love story I can relate to. So insane, so well thought out, so well directed, so much smoking! It’s “Jailhouse Rock” meets Busby Berkeley with a 9/11 “That’s Entertainment!” ending that will make you shake your head in cinematic astonishment. Stupid critics. Gaga so good. Joker so right. Die, dumbbells, die!
7.
Femme (Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping)
A twisted S&M love affair between a black drag queen (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) and a white rough-trade gay-basher (George MacKay) that gives new meaning to sexual role-playing. Butch? Femme? It’s all drag when it comes down to being a “top” or “bottom.” Each man kills the thing he loves, indeed.
8.
Emilia Pérez (Jacques Audiard)
The Rocky Cartel’s Musical Nightmare
9.
Babygirl (Halina Reijn)
This year, it’s all about heteros being trendy, and Nicole Kidman is leading the charge with her bold choices in her professional life. She truly deserves our recognition. In this role, she growls, she cries out. She’s a commanding, vocal subordinate in her successful executive career who encounters a dominant, junior intern who reduces her to lapping milk from a bowl, much like…like… well, a cat might do.
10.
Viet and Nam (Truong Minh Quy)
Which director might outshine Pedro Almodóvar, Sean Baker, and Guy Maddin this year with their remarkable new films? Let me clarify – it’s a relatively unknown filmmaker whose work has captured my attention, and I have high hopes for them based on this exceptional film. It’s an unsettling yet captivating drama that revolves around two young gay coal miners. One of them licks blood from his partner’s abdomen, while the other consumes earwax from his lover before they embark on a journey as immigrants aboard a doomed floating vessel. It’s truly a masterpiece.
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2024-12-06 17:53