The page has turned on yet another year. With that reflection comes the time to look back at the cinematic endeavors and ponder the outstanding achievements we were all privileged to see. These experiences are always treasured, whether they occur during the busy machinations of a film festival, at the local cinema, or even in a chance encounter at a private residence. There are many ways to experience and enjoy great cinema, and the past year saw numerous wonderful achievements. As with any arbitrary list, it does not encompass everything worthy of celebration. There are, of course, many other films from the year that deserve recognition as well. To name a few, in no particular order: “Marty Supreme,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sound of Falling,” “Peter Hujar’s Day,” “Plainclothes,” and “The Perfect Neighbor.”
Now, for the actual list of my top ten favorites of the year:
10. Sinners
The confluence of arthouse storytelling and mainstream sensibilities is a balance that eludes most studio films, but is always welcomed when an effort can actually deliver on such potential. Perhaps the former description doesn’t fully apply to Ryan Coogler’s entertaining ride, which indulges in plenty of genre tropes to keep its general audience engaged. However, what “Sinners” manages to do is create a wildly inventive landscape elevated by its thematic weight. On the surface, it may be a familiar tale of antagonistic vampires. Still, its exuberant celebration of Black culture as a literal weapon against a force that threatens to steal and homogenize an ethnic identity is what gives the narrative even more impact. Coogler’s vision is captivating, with a musical sequence that will go down as one of the singular achievements of any film this year. The atmosphere is stylish, and the spectacle is thrilling. Michael B. Jordan demonstrates once again his striking presence, but the supporting cast surrounding him is even stronger. The soulful rendering of Wunmi Mosaku, the stirring resonance of Miles Caton, the gleeful menace of Jack O’Connell, and the mixture of tragedy and humor that Delroy Lindo showcases are all excellent turns. All these elements give the audience both a fun exercise and a meditative commentary on art’s clash with the forces of exploitation, painted on a dazzling artistic canvas.
9. Urchin
I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about British independent cinema that strikes a special chord within me. They aren’t that intrinsically different from their counterparts around the world. Still, these films often craft intimate character studies with a singular voice, making them detailed and textured examinations. That’s precisely what Harris Dickinson managed to accomplish with his assured debut in “Urchin.” He showcases an urban environment whose neutral gaze on its citizens highlights the nonchalant cruelty that can descend upon those who are struggling. There are moments when Dickinson tries to adopt a more flamboyant style, but, in truth, the simple intimacy between these characters is far more effective. The desperation of a man who tries so hard to turn his life around, only for the apathy of the surrounding world to suffocate him slowly, is intensely compelling. It is Frank Dillane’s brilliant portrayal, full of angst and a heartbreaking optimism that slowly diminishes with every disappointing turn of events, that gives the film its most power. His performance is unnerving yet so effective, and it’s another breakout role for a completely riveting turn. Dickinson has shown his capacity for intriguing storytelling with a great eye for character. If his future directorial efforts are as strong as this one, then a celebrated filmography should be awaiting us all.
8. Left-Handed Girl
Much of the ink spilled over “Left-Handed Girl” has focused on one of its key collaborators. Understandably, Sean Baker would be a driving force in the conversation, since his role as co-writer, co-producer, and editor on the film would bring immediate attention after he swept the Oscars last year with “Anora.” However, it’s important to recognize Shih-Ching Tsou for her achievements in crafting this absolutely incredible piece. The scale of the production may be small, but it’s only to the benefit of peering into the close-knit world of this family. The drama in this unit feels so real and layered, with each generation pursuing its own journey of self-fulfilment that clashes with others’. Nina Ye is adorable as the central anchor, charming in her childish wonder while also heightening the anxiety of her inner turmoil. As delightful as she is, the real breakout star is Shi-Yuan Ma as her older sister, delivering a remarkably compelling turn as a young woman full of raging angst and disappointment who must constantly fight to be subdued by the strength her family offers. Both are part of a remarkable ensemble, one of the year’s best collections of performers who all showcase grounded portrayals of endearing figures. It’s a lovely, special movie through and through.
7. Black Bag
You know that meme of the guy sitting in the chair and then leaning forward to signal the intensity of paying attention to something has just significantly increased? That’s the feeling “Black Bag” gives its audience throughout the entire runtime. It’s the kind of movie so many have yearned for: a smart and focused drama for an adult audience, filled with thrilling tension that delivers its excitement through engrossing dialogue rather than needless spectacle. Steven Soderbergh’s precision filmmaking is well-suited to a story about spies on a trek toward the truth, both in its discovery and evasion. The closest this movie comes to a provocative action set piece is a revolving door of people taking a lie detector test, as the snappy editing cuts back and forth between every quip that drenches in sexual tension. That’s another valuable asset, as the tone can communicate a lush atmosphere of lustful sensuality without ever exposing any gratuitous nudity. It helps to have beautifully talented people like Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender lead the charge, but a great supporting cast contributes to this alluring aura as well. It’s refreshing to be reminded of what’s been missing from the cinematic landscape these days, and Soderbergh and company deliver a rousing, compelling statement. This film is as exciting as any high-octane James Bond adventure, and it does so with as few bullets flying as possible. What makes this film fly is the crisp dialogue that drips with mystery and intrigue, creating one of the most enticing films of the year.
6. The Testament Of Ann Lee
From the very first moment I saw “The Testament of Ann Lee” in Venice, I kept coming back to one word to describe it: euphoric. It makes sense, as the title character is in a perpetual state of exaltation, filled with a bountiful spirit determined to spread the gospel of enlightenment. One does not have to be a believer in the Shaker movement or have any religious identity to speak of to be moved by this profound statement. The actual power that director Mona Fastvold delivers is one that vividly communicates the emotional uplift that arises when tapped into a spiritual catharsis. Daniel Blumberg’s music works hand in hand with the choreography, aiming to be both controlled and fluid to raise the stakes of the turbulent forces at play. Fastvold isn’t aiming to totally condemn nor beatify Ann Lee, but simply demonstrate how her firm conviction in faith was so infectious, and every musical sequence is such a captivating scene that communicates this salient endeavor. Amanda Seyfried’s performance embodies the piece’s tone, commanding the same dreamy optimism that guides this character through the imposing stance she takes to deliver her message. It has been a common comparison to bring up “The Brutalist” because the two films share a collaboration with Fastvold’s partner, Brady Corbet. Yet there is also an interesting connection beneath the surface. Both films attempt to deliver a vast scope of period life, focusing on a singular individual trying to unleash their creative spirit in a way that can deeply touch those they encounter. This film could have only benefited from even more time to luxuriate with these characters and become the epic that embraces a feminine figure that we are rarely allowed to experience. Still, what is shown is a vibrant spectacle that invites believers of all gradations to admire the luminous space that attempted to create a heaven on earth, done so in the most exuberant manner.
5. No Other Choice
Few filmmakers have the kind of audaciousness found within a film by Park Chan-wook. At times, he seems like a genuine madman, able to create sequences of pure chaotic energy that are difficult to comprehend in their assembly. You sit there wondering how inspiration moved the camera that way, framing an actor in a specific spot that gives new meaning to the dynamics, crafting a dissolve that seems simple and deceptively complicated at the same time. “No Other Choice,” like many of Park’s films, draws on the treasure trove of his abilities to deliver a wildly inventive excursion that is not only highly entertaining but also feels thematically poignant in today’s culture. The competitive job market, driven by corporate consolidation and technological advancements, can push skilled workers to the breaking point. The film explores this arena with a frenetic energy, keeping you constantly engaged. The tone can often be silly, but still with a purposeful hand guiding it. Lee Byung-hun delivers a complex portrayal, grounded in realistic anxieties that are taken to extremes, all while remaining believable amid the absurdist backdrop. The portrayal of his desperation can be easy to mock, but its root is very real. Park offers a voice to the frantic psychology of one’s shattered ego being destroyed, and the incredible lengths one goes to secure a future for themselves that is already leaving so many people behind. It’s a film that seems relevant to the drastically evolving times we live in, brought to life in only the way a true master of cinema can manifest.
4. Train Dreams
The first impression that “Train Dreams” gives you comes from the towering achievements of its crafts. Adolpho Veloso’s cinematography gorgeously renders these stunning locations, displaying the dreamy imagery of the vast American wilderness with a tender hue that is beautiful to observe. Bryce Dessner’s score digs deep into the soulful emotions at play and lifts them to the surface. The design elements faithfully recreate a distant past, given a textured detail that seems so fully lived-in. All these elements serve a narrative aiming to be a character study, an examination of one man’s journey to obtain simple pleasures that are often evasive. But that intimacy reveals a true appreciation for the smaller moments that leave a huge impact. The modest acts and connections resonate within us. The elation of sharing a life with loved ones and the tragedy that comes when it’s lost collide, yet ultimately demonstrate how touching that navigation can be for a person. Clint Bentley creates a quiet yet powerful commentary on how we find beauty in all aspects of our lives. The heartbreak and the happiness erupt in an overwhelming catharsis that has a profound impact. And the beating heart at the center of it all is Joel Edgerton’s stoic performance, whose steely resolve does not completely mask the waves of internalized emotions that can easily break that spirit as much as mend it. What an enchanting showcase this film ends up becoming, one of the most aesthetically pleasing works of the year.
3. Sorry, Baby
As is often the case, it has been a very good year for directorial debuts. Out of the many there have been, few managed to be as potent as Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby.” It may appear like a relatively small-scale effort on the surface. Their filmmaking tendencies are not ones to indulge in hyper-kinetic choices or flamboyant spectacle. That isn’t to say Victor’s directorial efforts aren’t worthy of immense praise either, because the quiet spaces they create only give room for these characters to ruminate on their complicated thoughts and feelings. The protagonist, Agnes, is navigating a complex terrain of decisions, born out of a violent act of assault that leaves a mostly invisible mark of trauma. It’s from that incident that analyzing the world around her becomes altered. Bedrock relationships evolve, and the self-reliant identity that once seemed so full of confidence is shattered in a way that’s difficult to communicate. Yet, Victor’s storytelling and performance absolutely showcase that tender persona, hardened by some of life’s cruelty but always recognizing the potential to see the light within the darkness. Victor can employ a single cut to effectively communicate a devastating act, which does not need to be shown to be understood as severe. But there’s just as much optimism in the frayed relationships that remain, creating an imperfect portrait of a fulfilling life worthy of housing both the good and the bad. For such a dark subject at the center, there is still humor and uplift that power one through, and it’s a profound conclusion reached at the end of this poignant story.
2. Twinless
When James Sweeney made his debut feature, “Straight Up,” many years ago, one could definitely sense a measurable amount of talent already being demonstrated. At the same time, there were some trappings of a first-time filmmaker that certainly left room for improvement. It has been six years since that film first premiered, and if the results of “Twinless” are anything to go by, the wait was well worth it. Sweeney’s abilities as a storyteller have vastly improved since his first outing, still able to craft funny quips and humorous observations, but this time without seeming to be as overwritten with a pointed cleverness. Instead, the tone is more grounded and observational, attempting to dissect a relationship between two damaged men. They are both souls that feel lost and isolated in this world, and find an unlikely connection with one another. Their bond is genuine, but seeking solace from such loneliness is not achieved on even terrain. There is a prickly moral question at the center, a lie that is waiting to be exposed, one that will forever alter this dynamic. However, as we wait for the other shoe to drop, the narrative shows how both these characters engage in an introspective discussion about what truly satisfies them. The connection is fragile yet deeply emotional. Every talent of Sweeney is improved upon, from his sharp writing to his exceptional filmmaking to his heartfelt performance. One scene involving a split-screen truly shows his evolution as a director. Still, the real showcase is Dylan O’Brien. He delivers such an earnest performance as a frustrated man, lost in this world without the anchor he took for granted. It’s a rough character who is bottling up so much anger, but coming from a place that is yearning for connectivity. The film is funny and moving in equal measure, revealing a more complicated situation that peels back so many intriguing layers.
1. One Battle After Another
Sometimes, you watch a film, and it absolutely feels as if there is a true culmination from an artist. Many can argue that “One Battle After Another” isn’t necessarily Paul Thomas Anderson’s best film. However, even that claim can be more attributed to the breadth of his exceptional filmography. At the same time, every moment that unfolds in this propulsive ride captures everything that Anderson has been delivering in his career and fires on all cylinders. His keen observation of fascinating characters is on full display, not just their quirky personalities but also the detailed mannerisms that give them all such a significant screen presence. The humor simultaneously undercuts and accentuates the drama, calling attention to the absurdity of the danger that nefarious forces pose without ever losing sight of the real threat they pose. His directorial efforts reach new heights, crafting thrilling sequences that immerse the audience in his kinetic storytelling. The “River of Hills“ scene will absolutely go down as one of the most intensely engaging moments in any film in 2025. Anderson extends this canvas to tell a thematically rich tale. It feels politically resonant with our times, giving voice to those who feel compelled to fight back against powerful institutions that target and oppress the marginalized. But it is sincerely intimate, bolstering a familial resonance that celebrates the evolving dynamic between the generations and the overwhelming love that persists. Handing this material off to this ensemble highlights a terrific cast, with many delivering some of their best work. Leonardo DiCaprio’s manic exasperation, Benicio Del Toro’s compelling calmness, and Sean Penn’s eccentric menace all make an impression. Yet, the women are even more powerful. Teyana Taylor is simultaneously fiercely strong yet distressingly vulnerable. Regina Hall is always commanding, and newcomer Chase Infiniti delivers an incredible breakthrough performance. There is no shortage of Paul Thomas Anderson movies that can be called masterworks. This is simply yet another example in a long line that demonstrates his abilities to entertain, enlighten, and devastate with his talents. There’s no doubt this is one of the most engrossing efforts he’s created, and most definitely the best film of the year.
Every year has its ups and downs, but the gems always rise to the top. There were plenty of fantastic efforts found in a whole host of genres. Much like the real-world events of the year, there was a range of emotions to be found in these movies. They brought tears, anxiety, and laughter, but each one was a unique experience. Hopefully, the following year will hold just as many intriguing endeavors.
