Top 25 Films of 2016
25. Blue Jay
Directed by Alex Lehmann; Written by Mark Duplass
Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson play old high school sweethearts who meet by a chance encounter two decades later in this darling of an indie film. The two actors give charming and heart-wrenching performances in a film that depicts the old kindlings of a past relationship. With a beautiful story that delves into the melancholy, Blue Jay genuinely conveys the regrets and regressed love between ex lovers.
24. Swiss Army Man
Written and Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Sheinert (known as The Daniels)
Arguably the most original and authentic film to come out in 2016, Swiss Army Man gained momentum and noteriety through its peculiar, yet comedic, storyline. A man (Paul Dano) who had been stranded on an island for a presumably long time was about to end his own life until he comes across a flatulent dead corpse (Daniel Radcliffe) washed up on the beach. Starting out as a survival drama, it quickly evolved into a quirky buddy comedy as the man discovers the dead corpse’s many powers. Disturbing at times, it completely embraces its lunacy and whimsical humor, and it emphasizes the importance of imagination, which it boldly excels at.
23. 13th
Directed by Ava Duvernay; Written by Spencer Averick and Ava Duvernay
With its controversial subject matter, this documentary couldn’t have been released at a more convenient and ironic time. In the span of The Black Lives Matter movement; to the hearing of Trayvon Martin’s shooter, George Zimmerman; and the 2016 presidential election, 13TH shook up viewers with its analysis on the thirteenth amendment and its correlation with America’s issue of mass incarceration of African-Americans. The film goes full depth into the history and business of the privately-owned prison industry and its ties in government. As alarming and concerning as these issues are, 13TH not only effictively tells the history of this dilemma, it commands one’s attention in efforts to act upon it.
22. Jackie
Directed by Pablo Larrain; Written by Noah Oppenheim
Playing the role of Jacqueline Kennedy after the assissination of her husband, Natalie Portman adds a revelatory performance to her illustrious career. Marvellously shot by cinematagrapher, Stephane Fontaine, with the eerie score from Mica Levi, the film commits its attention on the widowed first lady allowing Portman to guide the audience through the absurd and turbulent events during a time in history where paranoia and confusion were set in the hearts and minds of many Americans.
21. Silence
Directed by Martin Scorcese; Adapted Screenplay by Jay Cocks and Martin Scorcese
After twenty years of anticipation, auteur Martin Scorcese crafts a film that portrays theology in an alternative light in which it seperates itself from other films that center around religion. Based on the story from Japanese novelist, Shusaki Endo, Andrew Garfield plays Sebastiao Rodrigues, a Jesuit preist who decides whether to apostatize while searching for his mentor (Liam Neeson) who was captured in a Japanese village in the 17th century. Its long run time and slow pace can pose as a challenge, but its striking cinematography from Rodrigo Prieto is mesmerizing, and its unique perspective on religion emphasizes important moral questions in relation to conflicting ideologies from different cultures.
20. Paterson
Written and Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Jim Jarmusch returns with a bang with this meditative, heart-warming drama starring lead man, Adam Driver, who plays a busdriver named Paterson who lives in Paterson, New Jersey and has a profound love for writing poetry. The film delves into the heart and mind of Paterson as he encounters the many people and places while on the job and at home. It takes one on a journey through an artist’s creative process in this case Paterson’s poetry as he gathers inspiration and tranforms the subtle beauty around him into words on a page. It’s quiet, easy-going, and thoughtful, and Paterson leaves you with an appreciation for the simple things in life.
19. Kubo and the Two Strings
Directed by Travis Wright; Story by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes; Screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler
With a hearfelt story and its eye-dropping visuals from stop animation studio, Laika, Kubo and the Two Strings impresses on many levels. Beyond the incredible images is the story of a rebellious young Japanese boy who must make a decision that will effect his family’s legacy forever. Armed with his masterful abilities to play a two string sitar-like instrument called a shamisen and to tell stories through oragami, Kubo embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both enchanting and enlightening -- a joy from start to finish.
18. The Salesman
Written and Directed by Asghar Farhadi
This acclaimed dramatic thriller from the director of “A Seperation” is a little gem that sublimely blends mystery and comedy in a story where a couple experiences a traumatic event that could unravel their relationship. Being an unmarried and childless couple in Tehren, Rana and Emad are both actors and members of a theater company that is in the middle of production of Arthur Miller’s, “Death of a Salesman.” After abandoning their apartment that was about to collapse from poor infrastructure, they move into a new flat only to encounter the horrors from the previous tenant who was a prostitute. Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti are magnificent as the two protaganists, and the film is well-deserving of its Oscar win for Best Foreign Film.
17. Split
Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
It’s a slippery slope when depicting a character who has dissociative identity disorder, or more commonly known as multiple personality syndrome. The argument in which the disorder is accurately portrayed remains, but as a whole, Split is a return to form for the largely polarized director, M. Night Shyamalan. Undoubtedly, the film owes its success to the audaciousness and dexterity of James McAvoy, who plays a troubled, ominous figure who struggles with DID and kidnaps three girls. The protagonist is one of the estranged girls played by Anya Taylor Joy, who is equally superb with a compelling background story. As per typical Shyamalan films, there is a reveal within the film that may pleasantly surprise his fans, but all in all, the film is entertaining with an ingenious plot and regains positive momentum for the director leading up to his future projects.
16. American Honey
Written and Directed by Andrea Arnold
Messy, beautiful, bewildering, and vibrant. British director, Andrea Arnold’s docudrama follows an abused, poor, and inquisitive female teenager who runs away from her despairing household with a crew of young and reckless kids who travel around the U.S. selling magazine subscriptions for “supposed” fundraisers. Sasha Lane and Shia Leboeuf command the helm with their graceless charm and palpable chemistry, seamlessly weaving their ways through their uncarved path to adulthood. Because it embraces a non-structural narrative format, the film strays away from common stereotypes, inviting complexities and contradictions within the characters and story. It’s a fresh take on an adventure/coming-of-age story that excludes any moral stance or agenda, refraining judgement away from the characters. It simply breathes and lives from one moment to the next.
15. Lion
Directed by Garth Davis; Screenplay by Luke Davies
Lion is an incredibly emotional film that especially tugs on the heart strings of parents. Based on the non-fiction book, “A Long Way Home” by Saroo Brierley, the film is about a young boy named Saroo (Sunny Pawar) who accidently gets lost in India and struggles to survive on his own. After going through the foster care system and growing up with foster parents in Australia, the film flashes forward couple decades where Saroo, now played by Dev Patel, discovers how to track down his biological family using Google Earth. Nominated for a three Oscars, Lion effectively hits all the right notes even if the film is a giant Google product placement.
14. Hidden Figures
Directed by Theodore Melfi; Screenplay by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi; Based on the Book by Margot Lee Shetterly
Hidden Figures tells the story of three influential women who were monumental in the development of NASA in the early sixties. Very much a David versus Goliath story, three of these women had to fight their way against gender and racial discrimination in order to excel in NASA and pave the way for America’s goal to win the space race. Although it focuses on the three characters, the film’s main protagonist centers around Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) who calculated the launch coordinates and trajectory for the Atlas rocket. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae star in an ensemble cast in this powerful biopic that exudes positivity and inspiration.
13. Captain Fantastic
Written and Directed by Matt Ross
Probably portraying the most eccentric and ultra-progressive family in the history of film, Captain Fantastic is a stunningly ethereal adventure/fantasy drama about a radically idealistic father (Viggo Mortensen) and his six children who live an isolated life in the woods and must travel into civilization after a family tragedy had occurred. The father is an extremely well-disciplined man who rigorously teaches his kids through physical training and intense education. Because of his socialist ideals and political beliefs, he has successfully made his family into survivalists, which has lead them to a comfortable and blossoming life in the woods. His ideals are challenged when he faces the real world during their adventure into society. With a charming young cast and a phenomenal performace from Mortensen, Captain Fantastic is a remarkable, feel-good story with a philosophical outlook.
12. Nocturnal Animals
Directed by Tom Ford; Screenplay by Tom Ford; Based on the Novel, “Tony and Susan,” by Austin Wright
Drawing inspiration from Austin Wright’s 1993 novel, “Tony and Susan,” Nocturnal Animals mends elegance and style into its bloody, brutal story which revolves around the themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and revenge. Although Amy Adams is arguably underused in this role, it’s the supporting cast -- Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Michael Shannon, and Karl Glusman -- who carry the film exceptionally well. From the Gucci maestro and director of A Single Man, Tom Ford combines his unique and authetic storytelling with expertly-crafted cinematography engaging the viewer into a world of sheer beauty and peril. It’s vivid and vicious, and even in its peculiar moments, the film shines exponentially.
11. Hell or High Water
Directed by David Mackenzie; Written by Taylor Sheridan
The middle of the year was hit with a bang when this wild and rambunctious thriller was released, making Hell or High Water the highest grossing indie film of the year. From the writer of “Sicario,” Taylor Sheridan composes a skillfully crafted heist story that rather than it completely embracing the Western genre, it portrays more of a humbling family drama. Chris Pine and Ben Foster play Toby and Tanner, two brothers who rob banks in West Texas in order to pay off the local banks before Toby’s farmland is seized. Jeff Bridges is remarkable as the Texas Ranger who takes on the challenge to put them into custody. This neo-Western is masterfully shot with envigorating action scenes and does not disappoint with an exceptional cast.
10. Manchester by the Sea
Written and Directed by Kenneth Lonergan
It takes a special film that can effectively mix humor with densly serious subject matter without being offensive or mean-spirited. Manchester By the Sea is a film that does not shy away from the irony and sarcasm that occurs when the protagonist, Lee (Casey Affleck) is chosen to become the guardian of his late brother’s teenage son (Lucas Hedges). Through a series of flashbacks interspersed throughout the film, the reason becomes clear why Lee has become a damaged man, and since he is no stranger to tragedy, he helps serve as a guide to his nephew as he comes to terms with his father’s death. A powerful yet interesting account on grief, Manchester By the Sea definitely brings the tears but also with a subtle quirkiness that softens the pain.
9. The Lobster
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos; Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filipou
Brilliantly dystopic and hilariously cynical, Colin Farrel stars as David, a lonely introvert living in the futuristic world called The City where he is enrolled into The Hotel and must find a romantic partner in forty-five days or he will be turned into an animal. The film is essentially a critique of the social norms of love in modern society. It highlights the absurdities and ridiculous behaviors within The Hotel with its dark humor and hyperbolic metaphors. With subtle acting; wonderfully crafted and complex characters along with an ingeniuous story, The Lobster impresses on many levels and provokes further thought after the first viewing.
8. La La Land
Written and Directed by Damian Chazelle
It’s an ode to old Holloywood musicals, but it’s fresh in its approach, and it simply bounces off the big screen with its sharp contrasts and hues. It is no surprise that La La Land has recieved critical acclaim and overwhelming attention since its release. It is officially tied with “All About Eve” and “Titanic” with the most Oscar nominations -- fourteen. At the heart of it is an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a traditionalist jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) who fall in love in Los Angeles all the while attempting to reach new heights in their artistic endeavors. It’s a classic tale about love and ambition with incredible fervor and choreographic prowess, and it adds another superb film to the list of the young phenom-director, Damian Chazelle.
7. The Handmaiden
Directed by Chan-wook Park; Screenplay by Seo-Kyeong Jeong and Chan-wook Park; Based on the Novel, “Fingersmith,” by Sarah Waters
Being one of the longest films on this list, The Handmaiden masterfully grasps your attention in every scene, and it does not do so in predictable and obvious ways. From the director of “Stoker” and “Oldboy,” Chan-wook Park returns with a story filled with mystery, betrayal, and deception. Originally written as a novel titled, “Fingersmith,” by Sarah Waters, a handmaiden is hired to care after a Japenese hieress, but inconspicuously, the handmaiden has been hired to beguile her. Because of the story’s many twists and turns, it is one of the most entertaining films to watch and includes one of the most rewarding endings in a film this year.
6. Fences
Directed by Denzel Washington; Screenplay by August Wilson; Based on the Play, “Fences,” by August Wilson
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis give a riveting performance in August Wilson’s film adaptation, Fences. Washington plays Troy Maxson, a rough-around-the-edges, loquatious working class man who must come to terms with the events in his life while raising his family in the fifties. From poverty to the Jim Crow laws and time in prison, Troy’s troubled past shapes his worldview, so much so that it escalates tension between him and his son, Cory (Jovan Adepo), who wants to play on a college football team. Although Troy commands the story, his wife (Viola Davis) is his crux and the chassis that holds the family together. This is arguably Davis’ and Washington’s best performances of their career, and because of its intense and personal moments, Fences is a humbling masterpiece.
5. Loving
Written and Directed by Jeff Nichols
Loving tells the powerful, true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple who were arrested in Virginia in 1958 due to anti-micegenation laws. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga provide a powerful performance, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable, but much of the credit goes to director, Jeff Nichols. Loving could have easily been an over-reaching Oscar bait film, badgering the viewer with maudlin, overtly sentimental material, but it is the complete contrary. Its quietness and steadfast calmness emphasize the love and passion between these two characters, which makes it an absolute treasure.
4. 20th Century Women
Written and Directed by Mike Mills
1970′s. Second-wave feminism. The Talking Heads. There were some important cultural changes occuring when a young teen named Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann) was being raised by his mother (Annette Bening) and two other women (Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig) in Santa Barbara, California. 20th Century Women is indeed a dysfunctional family drama, but its layered political and societal themes bring a rugged texture and complexity that emphatically ring true through its characters. The film highlights Jamie’s struggle for identity as he searches for the many forms of masculinity portrayed in pop culture all the while his mother wishes to understand his desires and protect him from self-destruction. With a mesmerizing cast and a distinct tone, 20th Century Women beautifully depicts a group of people who are striken by the uncertainty of their futures and yet manage to navigate their lives while remaining together.
3. A Monster Calls
Directed by J.A. Bayona; Screenplay by Patrick Ness; Based on the Novel by Patrick Ness
Easily one of the most beautifully shot and animated films of the year, A Monster Calls will most certainly elicit a good cry. Interestingly enough, this film appeared to be catered for young audiences, but its dark and mature subject matter seem anything but suitable for its target audience. Suprisingly, the film holds its own for its unique direction and grounded tone when dealing with a story centering around grief and isolation. While his mother (Felicity Jones) is striken by a terminal illness, a boy (Lewis MacDougall) discovers a tree monster that could help him cope with the traumatic events that have occured in his life. The film is daring in regards to showcasing the dark and somber moments from the tragedies of this young boy’s life, and it successfully entices due to its strong visual and emotional magnetism. A brilliant and poignant achievement.
2. Arrival
Directed by Denis Villeneuve; Screenplay by Eric Heisserer; Based on the Story, “Story of Your Life,” by Ted Chiang
Denis Villenueve is one of the great filmmakers of this generation, and he surely does not disappoint with his latest sci-fi drama, Arrival. Like most of Villeneuve’s work, he brings gravitas to each scene by incorporating underlying tension between characters and evoking a subtle dread and unease, which has been a signature within his filmography. Arrival embodies that gravitas except with a remarkable story and new genre in which Villeneuve has yet to explore until now -- science fiction. Amy Adams is spectacular as linguistics professor, Louise Banks, who is delt an overwhelming assignment from the federal government to deconstruct the language of alien inhabitants who have landed on Earth via twelve elliptical spacecrafts. Gorgeously shot by upcoming cinematographer, Bradford Young, it is dauntingly visceral with its high contrast and greyish midtones, but it’s the story that shines and creates a breath-taking reveal that will be relished for quite some time. Villeneuve is a master of character study, and Arrival is yet another marvelous addition to his arsenal of acclaimed work.
1. Moonlight
Directed by Barry Jenkins; Screenplay by Barry Jenkins; Story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
It’s difficult for a film to justify the hype it has recieved, and in a lot of ways, too much hype could do so much to even discredit it. There are many reasons why some art is deemed “great art,” but how “great art” moves past all the expectations is by embodying an element in which it trancends beyond its labels. A great film is a great piece of art. It acts as a vessel that propels beyond the screen and into our lives. Moonlight is that film, and it is a cinematic triumph. In its entirity, it’s seamlessly executed aesthetically, technically, and emotionally. It tells the story of Chiron who grows up gay, poor, and black in an impoverished neighborhood in Miami. The story is told in three parts: Chiron as a young child, a high-school teenager, and a man in his mid-twenties. Tragedy has followed Chiron his whole life due to his sexuality, which is harshly rejected in an area pervaded by violence and poverty. His survival is dependent upon his ability to conform all the while his mother struggles with drug abuse. Moonlight is a timeless story about love that is universal and was released in a year where the marginalized needed a voice. Well, Moonlight is that voice, and it speaks volumes over the hype.