Disclaimer: Despite my best efforts, I have not seen every film released in 2022. I’m sure that there are some that deserve to be on this list, but alas, time is a very real limiting factor. At the very least, I hope you enjoy this [possibly] incomplete list!
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22. Top Gun: Maverick
Trailer
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Available to Stream: On Paramount+
Admittedly, when I first heard about the Top Gun sequel a fear years ago, it didn’t exactly send shockwaves of anticipation through my core.
Upon its eventual release, though, I couldn’t ignore the buzz. Against the odds, “Maverick”surpasses the first film in the franchise in almost every way. While still rife with nostalgia, it manages, at times, to transcend its past. What emerges is a fantastically fun film, with your typical hero’s journey, full of action and romance.
21. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Trailer
Director: Tom Gormican
Available to Stream: On Crave
Nic Cage playing… Nic Cage? Sign me up.
What a ride this is. “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” is the buddy action flick of the year, with Cage and Pedro Pascal forming a bromance for the ages. This was made for fans of the legendary Nicolas Cage, but even casual filmgoers will surely appreciate the self-deprecating humour and wild action that it provides.
20. Armageddon Time
Trailer
Director: James Gray
Available to Rent: VOD
Anthony Hopkins can do no wrong.
“Armageddon Time” is a tough one to decipher. Gray certainly bites off a lot in this film, pulling from a range of his own childhood experiences. When it’s at its strongest, the film focuses on the relationship between Paul (Banks Repeta) and his grandfather (Hopkins). Their connection highlights the deep importance of having someone who truly understands you, and the decay of your internal world when that person is no longer there. Unfortunately, though, the film attempts to explore other topics, such as politics and race relations, and never quite captures the same magic in these explorations.
19. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Trailer
Director: Rian Johnson
Available to Stream: On Netflix
Everyone loves a good “whodunnit”, especially when it’s actually well-written.
Rian Johnson is able to provide the same balance of mystery, suspense, and humour that made his first “Knives Out” film so successful. I mean, it’s tough not to love Craig playing a gay Southern detective with non-stop witty one-liners. While this one is nothing more than it appears to be, it’s an easy watch and a worthwhile one for most. More Daniel Craig as gay Southern detectives, please!
18. The Whale
Trailer
Director: Darren Aronofsky
*Not currently available to rent/stream*
It’s officially the “Brenaissance” and we are simply along for the ride.
While Aronofsky’s directorial style tends to be a touch too heavy-handed for many, this heartfelt performance from Brendan Fraser allows the film to succeed despite certain choices of direction. Alongside Hong Chau and the emergent Sadie Sink, Fraser pulls at the strings of anyone with a heart, leaving the audience with no choice but to empathize with a man who has reached the end of his journey of self-despair.
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17. Tár
Trailer
Director: Todd Field
Available to Rent: On VOD
What can’t Cate Blanchett do?
In arguably the best performance of her career, Blanchett is able to shine a light on problematic “genius” – something that we are all too familiar with in this modern world. What is perhaps most notable about Field’s “Tar”, though, is that it does not take a clear stance on “cancel culture”, art, and abuse of power. Instead, it forces us to look inward and ask ourselves whether we, the audience, can separate art from the artist.
16. X/Pearl
Trailer
Director: Ti West
Available to Stream: Amazon Prime
Okay, I suppose I’m cheating a little here.
It is not often that we receive a film and its prequel in the same calendar year, but here we are. Please forgive me for combining them here, but it let me get another film on the list, so it’s worth it. Ti West shot both films at the same time but somehow manage to create two drastically different tones and “feels”. “X”, the second film chronologically, was released first and shows West’s ability to deftly craft a slasher film with substance. Pearl, on the other hand, is much more of a character study than a classic “slasher flick”. Mia Goth is beyond incredible here and delivers what might just be the greatest monologue of 2022 to end the film. If you want my advice, stick to the order of release and watch “X” followed by “Pearl” to get the most out of the experience.
15. The Black Phone
Trailer
Director: Scott Derrickson
Available to Rent: On VOD
If this is Ethan Hawke’s villain phase, I am here for it.
I can’t quite pinpoint what made “The Black Phone” work so well for me, but it did. At first glance, the concept of the film seems silly and as we progress through the narrative, the magic of the phone itself is never explained. If Derrickson was less committed to the story, this could have taken me out of it. Instead, though, he was able to convince me to suspend my disbelief and hold my attention for the duration of the runtime. I’m excited to see what he can do next.
14. Men
Trailer
Director: Alex Garland
Available to Stream: Amazon Prime
The critical reception for this one is, well… pretty “yikes”.
As such, in some way, “Men” making its way onto this list serves as an act of defiance. While I agree that, at times, the thematic implications of the film are little more than “men are bad”, and there is the obvious irony of Alex Garland being a pretty darn privileged man in this world, I loved this film from start to finish. With beautiful panoramic shots of the English countryside to grotesque elements of body horror, “Men” was truly engrossing.
13. Barbarian
Trailer
Director: Zach Cregger
Available to Stream: Disney+
Apparently, 2022 was a pretty good year for the “horror” genre, as this makes four in a row on the list.
Out of any films of the year, you should go into this one knowing the least as possible. Subverting expectations at every turn, Zach Cregger takes a leap of faith and ends up with a truly creative and unique film as a result. The first shot we get of Justin Long here has to be one of my favourite of the year. Creepy, funny, bizarre – “Barbarian” takes you places that you never expect to go.
12. Triangle of Sadness
Trailer
Director: Ruben Östlund
Available to Rent: On VOD
The winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Festival, “Triangle of Sadness” is essentially three films, with each act bringing a new mood, new characters, and, one could argue, a new genre entirely.
While the runtime is likely a bit too long for most viewers, there is enough in here to make it more than worth a watch. Östlund is adept at using his black humour to highlight systemic and institutionalized issues impacting the masses. This one is “on the nose” with its exploration of social hierarchy but consistently lands its jabs, even if it falls short of a haymaker.
11. White Noise
Trailer
Director: Noah Baumbach
Available to Stream: Netflix
Assuredly, this one will not be for everyone, but it sure as hell worked for me.
Based on a novel by Don DeLillo, Baumbach takes the viewer on an existentialist journey, not-so-subtly highlighting the absurdity of our search for meaning in life. Endlessly meandering, “White Noise” consistently keeps you guessing. For some, this apparent lack of structure might be exasperating, but to me, it aptly captures the futile nature of our attempts to calm the chaos around us. Plus, there’s a lengthy dance sequence in a grocery store, so that’s always a bonus.
10. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Trailer
Director: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson
Available to Stream: Netflix
Please, please, please. Whatever you do, watch this version of Pinocchio and avoid the Disney+ version (not sure why both had to come out in the same calendar year).
What a wonderful piece of art. Del Toro, in tandem with stop-motion director Mark Gustafson, have crafted a film with such mesmerizing attention to detail that it is almost impossible to look away. With some scenes taking up to six months to film, the dedication to the minutia here does not go unrewarded. Beyond the obvious technical feats being displayed, this version of “Pinnochio” also explores a range of existentially-driven issues with a deft hand. To top it all off, the cast, including names like Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton, is pitch-perfect.
9. Cha Cha Real Smooth
Trailer
Director: Cooper Raiff
Available to Stream: Apple TV+
Cooper Raiff is 25 years old. This is his second feature film. This information is bound to exacerbate the already profound existential crises that exist within most folks who have a tendency to compare their own achievements to others.
In all seriousness, though, it really is astounding what Raiff is able to achieve at such a young age. Not only does “Cha Cha Real Smooth” highlight his directorial chops, but it also shines a light on his brilliant screenwriting capabilities and his star presence in front of the camera. This film is mostly understated in its approach, but in doing so is able to provide a truly “human” experience that all should be able to connect to. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” is certainly about longing and dreaming, but in the end, it is more about breathing in the world around you and being grateful for the experiences that have brought you to today
8. The Fabelmans
Trailer
Director: Steven Spielberg
Available to Rent: On VOD
Steven Spielberg directing a film about a young Steven Spielberg falling in love with cinema… What more can you ask for?
This film is undoubtedly at its best when it focuses on young Sammy Fabelman’s (played by the wonderful Gabriel LaBelle) undying passion for film. When it ventures into somewhat cliched and overdrawn depictions of high school cliques and bullying it falters slightly, but the bulk of the project makes up for this. Watching Sammy fall in love with the movies speaks to my own connections with this art form, and he dutifully illustrates the sacrifices required if one wishes to dedicate their life to the craft. Overall, “The Fabelmans” features tremendous performances from top to bottom, and happens to end with my single favourite shot of the year.
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7. The Northman
Trailer
Director: Robert Eggers
Available to Steam: Crave
Why oh why has this one not gotten its due respect?
With moderate success at the box office and positive praise from the critics, “The Northman” has somewhat surprisingly fallen out of public consciousness almost entirely. Led by a stellar performance from Alexander Skarsgård, this film is Robert Egger’s most ambitious project to date. To me, it hits almost all of the marks it needs to, from the wonderful ensemble cast, through the beautiful cinematography, to a brilliant ending featuring two naked Vikings fighting on a volcano. From a technical perspective, “The Northman” deserved more awards recognition than it received, but regardless, Eggers is here to stay.
6. Close
Trailer
Director: Lukas Dhont
*Not currently available to rent/stream*
This one broke me.
Dhont manages to explore the fragile masculinity of young men in such a way that is honest and gut-wrenching. As the name suggests, “Close” relies heavily on the use of close shots, which leads to Eden Dambrine bearing the brunt of the emotional weight. At only 14 years old, Dambrine manages to elevate the film’s emotional stakes through his subtle yet beautiful performance. “Close” spoke to me on a tremendously personal level and I believe that it can have a similar impact on many others.
Read some additional thoughts here as part of my CIFF 2022 Wrap Up
5. Women Talking
Trailer
Director: Sarah Polley
*Not currently available to rent/stream*
So so so good, but that colour grading… ah! Why?
Fortunately, Polley’s adaption of Miriam Toews’ work is so well written and acted that it more than compensates for the heavy-handed visual styling. At the end of the day, this ensemble cast can hold its own against any cast of the year. Seamlessly interweaving scenes of tension and raw violence with moments of brevity, “Women Talking” takes you on a journey while almost never leaving its single location. Also, Polley is a badass Canadian director, so I’m pretty thrilled that she made her return behind the camera with such a raw and genuine depiction of the strength of these women.
Read some additional thoughts here as part of my CIFF 2022 Wrap Up
4. The Banshees of Inisherin
Trailer
Director: Martin McDonagh
Available to Stream: Disney+
The band is back together – Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson return on the big screen with Martin McDonagh behind the camera for the first time since “In Bruges” in 2008.
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is a frontrunner for this year’s Best Picture award at the Oscars, and deservedly so. McDonagh is back with his infamously violent black humour, but brings by far his most human work to the screen here. Following the “breakup” of two friends, both Farrell as Pádraic and Glesson as Colm are on the top of their game. I found myself laughing out loud every few minutes with each “fecking” joke and jab between characters. Beyond the performances, “Banshees” is beautifully shot, and despite its frequent humour, never takes away from the underlying humanity being explored in each scene.
3. After Yang
Trailer
Director: Kogonada
Available to Stream: Crave
Man, I love me some Colin Farrell.
Unfortunately, Kogonada’s “After Yang” has fallen through the cracks this year. More than a film, this piece is a meditation on one’s purpose and values. Slow and thoughtful, Kogonada forces the viewer to sit and reflect on one’s values in this crazy thing we call “life”. Few films are able to capture the beauty in the little moments of each day as well as Kogonada does here. Hopefully, “After Yang” doesn’t continue to be passed over and eventually finds the audience it deserves.
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2. Aftersun
Trailer
Director: Charlotte Wells
Available to Rent: On VOD
Generally speaking, I rarely find time to watch a new release twice in its first calendar year. For “Aftersun”, I made an exception – and I am incredibly glad that I did.
On my first viewing, I enjoyed the film quite a bit. However, its emotional resonance felt incomplete. Upon my second viewing, I was hit with a tremendous wave of emotion as the power of the film hit me in full force. At its core, “Aftersun” is about memory. It is about piecing together parts of a life that have been left behind. More than that, though, it is a film about trying to live. Trying to live a life for oneself. Trying to live a life for others. Trying to live a life that can make waking up the next day feel like an opportunity, rather than a weight to bear. Paul Mescal is picture-perfect as a man doing just that: trying. As the film progresses, and as his daughter learns more about her father, we can see that despite his best efforts to wake up and embrace the opportunities given to him, he will continue to bear a weight that is too much for one man to carry. Beautiful. Poignant. Real. Please give this one a watch – then give it another.
Read some additional thoughts here as part of my CIFF 2022 Wrap Up
1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Trailer
Director: “The Daniels” (Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan)
Available to Stream: Amazon Prime
Hot dog fingers. Butt plugs. Talking rocks. An everything bagel that represents the ultimate journey toward nihilism.
On the surface, the odds of this film “working” are nearly zero. Somehow though, against all odds, it rises to a level that transcends traditional boundaries of film and provides a hilarious, thoughtful, enlightening, and heartwrenching exploration of family and identity. Quite frankly, I am unsure whether I have ever had a better experience in the theatre. Being surrounded by laughter and then five minutes later being surrounded by sniffles is a journey worth sharing with others. It is not often that an indie film takes a swing and connects with such impact, leading to reverberations felt around the globe. The world is waiting eagerly to see what “The Daniels” will bring to the table next.
Here’s to the films that have passed and the films that are yet to come.
Thanks for joining me along the way. Onward to 2023!
Recognize 5 titles.
Seen one – Banshees…