Another strange one for me this year. I haven’t been able to live in my home for the past three months, having to for-go screener reviews. My troubles are small, I know. 
And I hope that each and everyone is looking after themselves and keeping safe. The escapism of being emersed in the world of cinema has and will always be a sanctuary with some true gems this year, lifting and provoking thoughts about all the important stuff. There is more to life than the ongoing leak into my ceiling!
So, my Top 10 for 2022 it’s all about the layers of living this life – the depths of what’s hidden underneath, the most satisfying viewing when a story surprises, when the film comes full circle to, understand the question and the corresponding answer from the characters. This year, it was about understanding the why of the characters. That’s what kept me coming back, to fascinate, starting with:
10. Men ★★★★
Controversial, divisive, ambitious and thought-provoking in a beautiful setting that spoke of poetry; a backdrop to the journey of understanding, ‘men.’
9. Official Competition ★★★★
An unexpected journey that’s witty and enlightening. A satire with a criminal heart.
8. The Black Phone ★★★★
The pacing of this adaptation of Joe Hill’s short fiction piece led the way to a mysterious piecing of a dark puzzle that had me cheering for this supernatural thriller.
Special mention here of, Smile that I watched but didn’t review – was my best current release for Halloween viewing.
7. The Innocents ★★★★
A unique and poetic film about children who gain supernatural powers.
6. Three Thousand Years of Longing ★★★★
Beautiful on screen and thought-provoking – a classic tale that made the romance between a Djinn and human, relatable.
5. The Fabelmans ★★★★☆ 4.2
I kinda fell in love with The Fabelmans because there was something genuine in the feeling, the characters rounded-out without slapping the face with it.
4. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore ★★★★1/2
There’s a perfect play of darkness and light as the story starts digging deeper: it’s funny, sometimes confronting, it’s explosive, dramatic and heart-warming.
I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
3. Fire Of Love ★★★★1/2
A fascinating documentary that’s both exciting and poetic, romantic and philosophical.
An experience that I enjoyed from the start to its poignant ending.
2. Everything Everywhere All At Once ★★★★1/2
Added to the Kung Fu fighting and humour there’s also a good foundation to the family drama so I had a good giggle, got a little teary, and was pleasantly surprised by edgy concepts held together with the use of chapters to give the movie structure.
If you’re reading this review, you’re more than likely going to go watch it and I highly recommend it: go watch it.
1. The Forgiven ★★★★1/2
Based on the novel written by Lawrence Osborne, the complicated idea of this abrasive Englishman willing to leave with the nomadic father of the boy he has just killed is the beginning of the unpacking of his complicated nature.
I’m a huge fan of John Michael McDonagh’s previous films, greatly enjoyed and included in my, ‘If you haven’t watched, you’re in for a treat,’ list: ‘The Guard (2011) and Calvary (2014) and like these previous films, The Forgiven is a quality film that will stay with you.