Oppie & Miles & Nora & Arthur – Alex’s High 10 Favourite Movies of 2023
by Alex Billington
January 5, 2024
“The world is altering. Reforming. That is your second.” One other yr, one other High 10. After watching greater than 400 movies all through 2023 (all the time logging the whole lot on my Letterboxd for anybody curious) it is time to share my last number of My High 10 Favourite Movies of 2023. I attempt to watch as a lot as I can and provides myself time to meet up with any further movies on the finish of the yr, however my favorites can come from anytime in 2023. I fell laborious for all the foremost ones – Oppenheimer, Spider-Verse, Previous Lives, Poor Issues, and American Fiction. Earlier than anybody asks in regards to the ones lacking: I am not that massive on Killers of the Flower Moon (it is good not nice), I fairly like Anatomy of a Fall however it did not make the reduce, Godland and The Eight Mountains are on final yr’s High 10, Saltburn is unhealthy (yeah it is meh), and Godzilla: Minus One is nice additionally did not make the reduce. I caught to my intestine and selected these 10 that made me passionate for cinema over again.
For the earlier yr’s High 10 of 2022 checklist, topped by EEAAO in fact, click on right here (additionally 2021 + 2020). You may try my number of Favourite Film Posters from 2023 with a have a look at a few of the finest cinema artwork.
Just a few notes: this can be a checklist of my favourite movies, not the very best movies of the yr, these are those that I really like for my very own causes and I am going to attempt to clarify why with every one. As all the time, I want I had a lot extra to time to look at/rewatch movies, and see each final movie that performed in 2023, however that is unimaginable so that is simply what I made a decision to run with. Additionally – my movie choice relies on the date once I initially noticed the movie at a public occasion, together with movie festivals (Venice, Sundance) or public releases restricted or in any other case. This isn’t primarily based on solely movies launched in 2023, however the ones I skilled in 2023, and is an effective illustration of the very best cinema has given us, for my part. I am all the time a bit nervous to finalize my checklist, however these are all movies I love.
#1. La Chimera directed by Alice Rohrwacher
Arthur and his band of Tombaroli. I watched this movie thrice at three festivals in 2023. It is that good. There are two songs carried out within the movie by an Italian folks singer and when the primary one kicks in (the track in regards to the “Tombaroli”), I get chills each time. I adore this movie. It is magical, mystical, and particular in about 100 methods. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it, and I do not assume anybody else may even try to duplicate Alice Rohrwacher’s filmmaking. Actually one-of-a-kind. La Chimera is a mesmerizing, alluring journey by way of the afterlife – exploring the thought of souls and humanity traversing throughout time from era to era. I’m in awe of the efficiency by Josh O’Connor as Arthur, one in every of my all-time favourite performances. There’s an aching longing that he embodies so completely, whereas sustaining his sense of appreciation for all times as he rolls across the Italian hillsides with the Tombaroli. The shot-on-film cinematography by the French DP maestro Hélène Louvart can be heavenly. I can watch this movie over & over & over and by no means tire of it.
#2. Oppenheimer directed by Christopher Nolan
“Are you saying that there is a likelihood that after we push that button… we destroy the world?” Sure, certainly there may be. This would possibly simply be Christopher Nolan’s Magnum Opus. It is an unbelievable film. I wasn’t certain if he would pull this off, it is such a precarious and harmful story to inform, but he aced it. A monumental work of cinema and storytelling. The second I knew it will be on my High 10 truly hit me throughout my second viewing. I went to see it in IMAX (after the preliminary press screening in a daily cinema) they usually cranked the quantity and when that “Can You Hear the Music” monitor kicks in and it cuts to the shot of the clouds over the German metropolis whereas Oppie’s residing in Europe, I used to be fully taken away. My entire physique was shook to its core by Ludwig Göransson’s one-of-the-best-of-all-time scores (sure, significantly) completely complementing this intricate story of an advanced mental and his harmful creation. And that is only one half. Cillian Murphy’s efficiency is flawless, the set design and manufacturing design is extraordinary, the modifying are breathtaking. That is the sort of cinematic expertise I stay for, and as soon as once more, Nolan has made my High 10.
#3. Spider-Man: Throughout the Spider-Verse directed by Joaquim Dos Santos & Kemp Powers & Justin Ok. Thompson
It doesn’t hassle me in any respect that that is solely “half of the story,” it is a phenomenal murals and completes a powerful arc with Gwen anyway. The primary Into the Spider-Verse was on my High 10 of 2018, and I am completely satisfied that the sequel is nearly as good as, if not higher, than that masterpiece. Spider-Man: Throughout the Spider-Verse is the they-actually-went-and-did-it sequel that lives as much as the center & soul of the unique, and once more breaks the boundaries of visible storytelling by pushing the whole lot additional than it has earlier than. I wrote a glowing overview when it first got here out: “It is the epitome of cinema as a visible medium, an eye-popping mix of comedian e book fundamentals, animation (all types / strategies / codecs), and trendy storytelling ideas. As all the time with cinema, story is vital – and the filmmakers know this and care deeply. They’ve additionally outdone themselves in creating probably the most mesmerizing and psychedelic artistic endeavors in cinema.” I really like how the colours and the stylistic selections in each scene characterize the feelings of the characters and what they’re feeling as they undergo a second of their story. I am unable to wait to search out out what occurs subsequent in Past the Spider-Verse.
#4. Previous Lives directed by Celine Tune
What a movie. What a ravishing movie. What extra can I add to the discourse that hasn’t already been stated by everybody else who adores this touching movie from author / director Celine Tune. I’m nonetheless so astonished that that is her characteristic debut, however it additionally goes to point out she actually has an eye fixed for cinematic storytelling. There are just a few photographs that I can always remember simply because the cinematography is so pretty to take a look at, so softly and warmly capturing the second with a large amount of intimacy centered on Nora. It is her story in spite of everything. I needed to watch this movie twice earlier than actually settling into my appreciation of it, and accepting it as such a transferring murals that does work as effectively on repeat viewings. I received hit laborious by feelings each occasions when it will get to that finish scene, the place Nora walks Hae Sung out to his Uber on the finish of his journey to NYC. That is the ability of nice cinema. Completely an iconic efficiency from Greta Lee taking over Nora, however I additionally must reward each John Magaro and Teo Yoo in holding their very own with grace as her two nice loves. Such charmers.
#5. Poor Issues directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Bella Baxter! Lady of the yr! Heartbreaker! Love-maker! Pastéis enjoyer! Ha ha. This movie SLAYS. The press screening on the Venice Movie Pageant was one of many yr’s finest experiences since you may nearly contact the thrill wafting within the air with everybody loving it extra & extra because it performed. Which isn’t a standard incidence in a room filled with snobby critics, to be frank. I additionally watched this movie two occasions at two completely different festivals to substantiate it holds up and it does. And the viewers liked it the second time as effectively. Among the best performances ever from Emma Stone, although I all the time assume she’s distinctive. At first she would not appear that refined… till you watch her progressively mature and start to “develop up” over the course of the movie, turning into extra empowered and insightful as she surfs the waves of patriarchy. The unusual rating by Jerskin Fendrix is so inexplicably odd but properly provides to the weirdness of the entire movie, and it is laborious to neglect after listening to it. A complete knock out, sex-positive, feminist, fearless, freaky creation from the thoughts of Yorgos Lanthimos. I nonetheless assume the opening half-hour are tough, however aside from that, this can be a genius movie.
#6. Good Days directed by Wim Wenders
A-ha! That is one other of my private favorites from Cannes again in Could (my full overview) that I have not been capable of get off of my thoughts all yr. The peace and calm of this movie is deeply inspirational and so transferring for me. I’m profoundly drawn to the Buddhist philosophy discovered inside, the way in which it exhibits us how Hirayama has left his lifetime of luxurious and wealth to stay a easy life, doing the job that nobody desires to do but nonetheless discovering happiness in each second. I really like that he takes pictures of timber. I really like his little house that he cleans up every single day. I really like how humble and heartfelt he all the time is coping with any state of affairs. Koji Yakusho actually does deserve all of the awards and accolades for his efficiency as Hirayama on this, it is probably the most soulful and rejuvenating efficiency in any movie of 2023. The soundtrack is nice, all of his favourite oldies that make his days brighter. One other movie I have been recommending and inspiring anybody watch each time they will.
#7. American Fiction directed by Wire Jefferson
Have fun with Monk as he units out to show his level about how dumb everybody is correct now. This movie! Such a pleasure to look at, a few of the finest laughs of the yr. Such a sensible script that slices by way of the bullshit to point out everybody how a lot the dialog round media proper now could be whole nonsense. Sure in fact the meta commentary is clear, particularly contemplating that is Wire Jefferson’s characteristic directorial debut, and we’ve to marvel if he is fascinated about what everyone seems to be saying about this movie within the context of what the movie is actually about. Jeffrey Wright is all the time nice in any position, regardless of how massive or small (love him in Wes Anderson’s movies), however he is particularly exceptional on this movie. Not solely does he must ace the Stagg R. Leigh persona on high of his common efficiency, he additionally wants to carry all of the emotional weight of somebody going by way of this and coping with the loss in his household. I additionally actually do appreciation the extra emotional, grounded aspect of the story about his household and budding romance, it provides depth to the movie & Monk’s story.
#8. The Holdovers directed by Alexander Payne
A brand new Christmas basic. Yep, it is already a basic. I watched this movie once more throughout Christmas simply to see if it holds as much as that acclaim, and it actually does. There’s simply one thing so cinematically heat and healthful and endearing about it, though it is set throughout a chilly winter. The performances, the classic 70s vibe, the snowy setting, the soundtrack and track selections, the story about these three lonely folks going by way of the vacations making an attempt to make sense of their lives. How a lot of a distinction good mates and good cheer and good moments could make. A shining instance of the best way to make an awesome movie the place the whole lot works collectively. Paul Giamatti is hilariously unforgettable because the stodgy Paul Hunham, Dominic Sessa is spectacular and endearing in his first ever massive display position as Angus Tully, although my favourite efficiency remains to be Da’Vine Pleasure Randolph as Mary Lamb. Her “mhmms” will stay on in my thoughts ceaselessly. I have been recommending this movie to everybody this winter. 🎶 “Crying by no means did no person no good, no how… That is why I do not cry…” 🎶
#9. The Style of Issues / The Pot au Feu directed by Anh Hung Tran
I am nonetheless unsure if this new English title holds up. The Style of Issues is all too bland for such a chic movie. I choose it as The Pot au Feu, which is what it initially screened underneath at Cannes this yr (although I additionally do not look after the longer French title La Ardour de Dodin Bouffant). Nonetheless, this magnificent movie is without doubt one of the finest meals movies ever made. Good from begin to end, with a few of the most interesting cinematography all yr. Beautiful photographs galore, the whole lot’s framed so completely. I truly assume it is higher than many of the different meals movies that different critics reference once they evaluate this one. Juliette Binoche performs Eugénie with simply the correct amount of confidence and class, an unforgettable character and incomparably nice chef. Benoît Magimel as the Dodin Bouffant additionally brings his allure to the desk to match her, as their chemistry is vitally vital in making the center of this movie beat so vividly and so passionately. I could not wish to attempt each dish she makes, however that does not make me like this any much less. That pear shot is an all-timer.
#10. The Monk and the Gun directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji
One other fantastic shock from the second half of the yr. Bhutanese director Pawo Choyning Dorji returns along with his second characteristic movie after Lunana: A Yak within the Classroom, and its even higher with a stronger message. Apart from how terrific it’s to see extra tales from the tiny mountain nation of Bhutan instructed authentically from the Bhutanese aspect (which is what makes this one significantly distinctive), this movie turns into one thing extra significant as soon as it will get to the core of what it is making an attempt to convey with this story of “the monk and the gun.” The performances are all distinctive, particularly by Tandin Wangchuk as Tashi and Deki Lhamo as Tshomo. Because the movie performs out (why does he want this gun?) and the story unfolds, I began to really feel an increasing number of invigorated by what I used to be watching, the place it was going, what it was making an attempt to say. They do not know what you to know that this movie makes enjoyable of American beliefs, however it does so in such a healthful and uplifting manner it is laborious to not be fully charmed by this movie. Completely value a watch.
BONUS! Mars Specific directed by Jérémie Périn
One other animated film that deserves to be talked about alongside all the opposite films on this High 10. Sure, in fact I have already got Throughout the Spider-Verse on right here, however animation is superior (and it is for anybody of any age to take pleasure in) and so is that this film. I have not stopped fascinated about this since first catching it on the 2023 Cannes Movie Pageant again in Could. It has stayed on my thoughts all this time and stands out. Mars Specific is a spectacular, thrilling, visually partaking trendy animated sci-fi film. It is a futuristic noir detective story about robots and AI and expertise, borrowing lots from the classics Ghost within the Shell & Blade Runner, however nonetheless delivering one thing completely distinctive in its personal methods. Not sufficient folks have been capable of see it but, following its premieres in Cannes & Annecy final summer season, however I feel the thrill will develop with extra time. The characters are memorable, the entire expertise is riveting and even higher watched on the massive display if in any respect potential. That is the superb sci-fi cinema I look ahead to encountering and it’s value discovering.
Extra 2023 Faves: Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, Sam Freeman & Ng Choon Ping’s Femme, Richard Linklater’s Hitman (tore down the home in Venice), Chloe Domont’s Truthful Play, Laura McGann’s The Deepest Breath, Roger Ross Williams’ Cassandro, Molly Gordon & Nick Lieberman’s Theater Camp, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (yep!), Jeff Rowe’s Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper.
I may talk about all of my favorites endlessly, so in case you ever wish to chat about cinema, simply ask me one thing about any of them. You may all the time discover all of my rankings and extra ideas on each movie I watched in 2023 on my Letterboxd profile. There are all the time just a few different movies I didn’t get the possibility to look at final yr resulting from time constraints, however I nonetheless attempt to catch as many movies as potential that my colleagues have been speaking about. I’m all the time watching new work all year long, searching for out probably the most exhilarating cinema – movies that depart me in awe. In case you have questions or ideas about my High 10 picks (or anything), please get in contact: @firstshowing or @alexb.bsky.social. Now let’s dive proper into 2024 with hope for what lies forward.
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