2022 has been a remarkable year for cinema, offering a wide range of films that have resonated with audiences around the world. From heart-warming adventures to thought-provoking dramas, the top films of 2022 have captivated viewers with their unique storytelling and exceptional performances. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best films of the year, exploring their themes, impact, and why they should be on your must-watch list.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
At number 10, "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is a delightful children's film that strikes a perfect balance between naivety and seriousness. Based on viral short films from over a decade ago, director Dean Fleischer Camp has crafted a heartwarming story that speaks to children in their own language while encouraging them to think and be more expansive. Co-written by Jenny Slate, the film adds a touch of spice to the adorable title character, making it a surprising and emotionally impactful debut feature.
Saint-Omer
Alice Diop's quiet and somber film, "Saint-Omer," presents a measured consideration of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of a murder trial, the film explores the compassionate connection between Laurence, a mother accused of the crime, and Rama, a pregnant writer attending the trial in search of a story. As the two women navigate life on the fringes of a supposedly progressive and egalitarian society, the film's slow construction offers a remarkable reinvention of a familiar genre.
Image: Saint-Omer
Hit the Road
Iranian filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Panah Panahi have made their mark this year with two films that provide contrasting portraits of their country and its government. "Hit the Road," a film by Panah Panahi, follows a family's journey to illegally transfer their son across the border to evade imprisonment for an unknown crime. Filled with vitality and energy, the film captures the horrifying reality of the journey while highlighting the familial conflicts that arise. "Hit the Road" is a powerful statement against an oppressive regime.
Image: Hit the Road
One Fine Morning
Mia Hansen-Løve's "One Fine Morning" offers a sweet and joyful exploration of endings and beginnings. Lea Seydoux portrays Sandra, a translator who slowly loses her father due to a degenerative illness. Amidst the morbid and amusing pain and frustrations, she embarks on a love story with a married man who was once friends with her husband. The film weaves these two narratives effortlessly, arriving at a conclusion that reaffirms the grace and beauty of life in a gentle and sober manner.
Image: One Fine Morning
Armageddon Time
James Gray's "Armageddon Time" takes us back to the 1980s, exploring the conscience of a Jewish family regarding race and class in the early days of the Reagan era. Through its exploration of intertwined prejudices in the United States, the film confidently delves into guilt without succumbing to self-flagellation. With sharp performances by Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong, the film portrays the desperate attempts of parents to propel their children up the social ladder while highlighting the harsh reality faced by newcomers. "Armageddon Time" is a visceral and cerebral masterpiece that captivates with its technical achievements and thought-provoking conclusions.
Image: Armageddon Time
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
In Laura Poitras' captivating documentary, "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed," she explores the life of artist Nan Goldin while delving into the failures of America. Through Goldin's personal account, we learn about her tragic childhood, her time in the underground scene of New York, and her current campaign against greed and criminality. The film serves as a poignant document of empathy and creativity used as weapons against immoral hegemony, even in the face of bitter defeat.
Image: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Benediction
"Benediction" is a biographical film that offers a more serious exploration of gay social and romantic life. While films like "Fire Island" and "Bros" showcased vibrant comedic portrayals of contemporary gay experiences, "Benediction" delves into the trauma of poet Siegfried Sassoon as he tries to overcome the horrors of World War I. The film provides a nuanced and enriched depiction of the queer community, making it a compelling addition to the genre. With remarkable performances by Jack Lowden, "Benediction" balances pain and intelligence, creating a captivating period piece that favors deep emotions over restrained formality.
Image: Benediction
Empire of Light
Sam Mendes, known for his lavish and polished films, presents "Empire of Light," a bittersweet tale that showcases the emotional core of its characters. This novella-like film follows Hilary, a middle-aged woman (played by Olivia Colman), and Stephen, a young man (played by Michael Ward), as they engage in a short-lived relationship amidst life-changing circumstances. With exquisite cinematography by Roger Deakins and a stunning score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the film combines the typical Mendesian grandeur with a delicate human drama. "Empire of Light" avoids becoming a starched drama by intimately knowing these two individuals, offering a generous balm for difficult times. It is a tear-jerking rarity in the realm of sentimental films.
Image: Empire of Light
You Won't be Alone
Goran Stolevski's peculiar supernatural drama, "You Won't be Alone," presents a vast exploration of the human condition. The film follows a Macedonian witch who transforms into a shape-shifting entity, absorbing the intestines of those she kills into a cavity in her chest. Despite the intense premise, Stolevski steers the film towards metaphysics, paying respectful homage to Terrence Malick. As the main character reflects on life's intricacies, including sex, death, longing, and love, the film unveils the beauty within our tumultuous existence, urging us to cherish it.
Image: You Won't be Alone
TAR
Todd Field's "TAR" takes us on a glorious journey through a thrilling revolt. Part thriller and part dark satire, the film navigates the complexities of modern discourse, exploring power dynamics, abuse, genius, and tyranny. With a powerful performance by Cate Blanchett as a brilliant composer-conductor whose career starts to unravel due to a dark past, "TAR" is a vessel for her fierce intellect and grandeur, which is transformed into an almost comical volume in Field's masterpiece. The film is both amusing and shocking, speaking to the conversations we've been having in recent years but in an elegant and entertaining manner. "TAR" is a film about the possible end of an entire tradition of hero worship and stands at the forefront of a new era, acknowledging the regrets for what has been lost while seeking a clearer understanding of what lies ahead.
Image: TAR
These are just a few of the top films that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences in 2022. From heartwarming tales to thought-provoking dramas, these films showcase the power of storytelling and its ability to captivate and move us. Whether you're a fan of emotional journeys or thrilling adventures, be sure to add these must-watch films to your list and experience the magic of cinema.
