And here we are, in the midst of Awards Season, with Hollywood gearing up for numerous ceremonies for the crowning of its favourites – no pun necessarily intended there, as The Favourite seems to be very much the favoured flavour of the month.
But I digress. With The Golden Globes happening tonight, Oscar fever kicking in, and the major critics’ associations in the US and beyond having already made their declarations, here are my Top 10 films of the year – and those that did not quite make it to the top, yet which still deserve a special mention.
So, without any further ado, in alphabetical order:
A Quiet Place – Actor John Krasinski makes a gobsmacking directorial debut in this nerve-racking thriller with a family (led by him and wife Emily Blunt – who’s had a pretty good year) in peril from a host of blind and deadly creatures that have wiped out most of humanity. With its sparse dialogue and plethora of chilling moments, it proved to be one of the most scary and intelligent horror movies out there.
A Star is Born – An oft-told tale starring Hollywood and music industry royalty, with leading Lady Gaga and director (and co-star) Bradley Cooper in superlative form in a superbly executed, wonderfully old-fashioned love story retold in a contemporary setting.
Angels Wear White – This Chinese/French coproduction, screened at the Valletta Film Festival, takes an unflinching look at the subjugation of children in a sleepy seaside Chinese town, after two young schoolgirls are assaulted by a middle-aged man.
Black Panther – The juggernaut that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe continued to roll in 2018, with three successful titles – including the epic Avengers: Infinity War; but it was Black Panther that got the greatest glory – very deservedly – for its larger-than-life, inspirational and heroic black characters, and celebration of African culture over and above Marvel’s trademark mix of exciting action, complex storylines and richly-drawn characters.
Coco – The folks at Pixar tackle death and the afterlife with their usual aplomb in this exquisite film, bringing their usual incomparable storytelling, richly-drawn three-dimensional characters, vibrant visuals; and the most genuine of sentiments to the mix.
A reminder of the importance of the media in these troubled times
I Tonya – Who’d have thought the life story of infamous former ice-skating champion Tonya Harding would have made for such compelling viewing? This was a story as moving and fascinating as it was brutal and funny, featuring outstanding performances from Margot Robbie as Tonya and the multi-award-winning Allison Janney as her overbearing mother, LaVona.
Mary Poppins Returns – And what a return it was too, Emily Blunt stepping effortlessly in Julie Andrews’ shoes as this practically perfect sequel provides a couple of hours of superb nostalgic family entertainment.
The Post – The teaming of heavyweights Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks did not disappoint in this cinematic account of the Pentagon Papers – 40-odd years before the Panama Papers – and very timely in its release as the free press the world over is under threat from certain leaders and purveyors of fake news. A timely reminder of the importance of the media in these troubled times.
The Shape of Water – This powerfully moving film from Guillermo del Toro is an enchanting, enigmatic and boldly unique romantic drama chronicling the affair between a mute cleaner, played by a superb Sally Hawkins, and a mysterious creature from the deep…
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Frances McDormand shone – and walked off with pretty much every award going – as a woman who takes matters into her own hands until she is heard and justice is served over the rape and murder of her daughter. A gripping film intriguingly told and beautifully acted that also served as a call to arms to activists everywhere.
Special mentions
Bad Times at the El Royale – an audacious Tarantino-esque thriller from writer/director Drew Goddard; Bohemian Rhapsody – Rami Malek excels as Freddie Mercury in this Queen biopic; Crazy Rich Asians – an uproarious drama about the titular rich people; Darkest Hour – an Oscar-winning performance by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill fuelled this excellent wartime drama; Hotel Artemis – an intriguing action thriller featuring the ever-reliable Jodie Foster; Lady Bird – an astute coming-of-age drama written and directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring the nth flawless performance from Saoirse Ronan; Love, Simon – a totally endearing teen romantic comedy about a young man’s struggles to come out of the closet; Ocean’s 8 - Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter – enough said; Phantom Thread – Daniel Day-Lewis showing us why it’s a huge loss if this is really his last film; Searching – unexpectedly riveting drama that rises above its gimmick – told as it is via various social media and electronic devices – to deliver true thrills; Tully – Charlize Theron shines in this sympathetic study of post-natal depression; and The Hate U Give – a powerful look at a teenage black girl’s life in this day and age of police shootings of young black men.