In 2023, there were ups and downs, especially with the Writers Guild and the Screen Actors Guild causing disruptions in Hollywood production. Despite the behind-the-scenes chaos, Hollywood had a standout year, notably with the groundbreaking film “Barbenheimer.”
According to Variety’s top film critics, Christopher Nolan’s portrayal of the man behind the Manhattan Project in “Barbenheimer” is a timeless masterpiece, comparable to “Lawrence of Arabia.” The film captures a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of a remarkable actor. Additionally, some of the year’s gems went unnoticed. This guide highlights outstanding cinematic achievements, whether on Imax or crafted by a French couple. While the film industry evolves, the enduring power of a well-told story remains unchanged. From a fresh perspective on “Frankenstein” to the classic allure of “Ferrari,” here are some of the year’s best cinematic journeys for your imagination.
1. Poor Things
In “Poor Things,” Willem Dafoe takes on a god-like role, resembling a blend of Dr. Frankenstein and the monster he created. The character, Godwin Baxter, follows in his father’s footsteps, conducting cruel experiments that lead to the reanimation of Bella (played by the fearless and hilarious Emma Stone). Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his absurdist social critiques, crafts an expressionistic and provocative film, a satirical take on gender roles reminiscent of Buñuel. This tragicomic narrative, part “Pygmalion” and part “Lolita,” stands out as a wholly unique addition to the cinematic landscape, challenging and upending patriarchal norms.
2. Oppenheimer
Despite initial underwhelm, “Oppenheimer” unfolds as a grand and awe-inspiring biopic, rivaling the scale of David Lean’s works. Marketed as the story of the making of the atomic bomb, the detonation occurs at the two-hour mark, leaving a significant portion of the film remaining. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie reaches its moral climax in the final hour, revealing the profound implications faced by J. Robert Oppenheimer (portrayed brilliantly by Cillian Murphy). Racing against time during the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer grapples with the terrifying consequences of unleashing nuclear weapons upon the world. Similar to Nolan’s other films, “Oppenheimer” demands multiple viewings to fully grasp its complexity and depth. The advice: experience it on the biggest screen possible, as many times as needed.
3. Chicken for Linda!
The standout film at this year’s Cannes, making a quiet debut in the festival’s indie-focused ACID sidebar, later clinching the top prize at Annecy, the premier animation festival, is “Chicken for Linda!” Directed by Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach, this Crayola-colorful hand-drawn feature delves into the intricate relationship between a single mother and her 8-year-old child. Surprisingly, it captures this dynamic more effectively than many live-action movies. The simple premise follows Linda, who can’t recall her late father and asks her mom to cook his signature chicken dish, leading to unexpected challenges. From its opening lullaby to the playful watermelon-fight finale, this insightful animated film entertains kids and grants permission to exasperated parents to embrace imperfections.
4. Past Lives
In the A24 tradition of delivering either flashy, style-forward films or subtly powerful personal stories, “Past Lives” falls into the latter category. A decade into A24’s existence, Celine Song’s poetic debut offers a poignant contrast to the studio’s busy, Oscar-winning “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Departing from the multiverse premise, “Past Lives” explores the idea of old souls finding each other across centuries. Nora (Greta Lee), a New York-based playwright born in Korea, reunites with her childhood sweetheart (Teo Yoo), prompting reflections on what might have been in their lives. In this understated yet powerful narrative, Song provides a compelling alternative to the cinematic offerings of the day.
5. The Monk and the Gun
For those who missed Bhutan’s official Oscar submission on the festival circuit, be on the lookout for “The Monk and the Gun” in early 2024. Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, known for the previously nominated “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” this unpredictable and enlightening comedy takes us back a few years to Bhutan’s first democratic election. The locals, sipping Coca-Cola and watching Bond movies, struggle to grasp or even desire this new concept. Dorji, having studied in the States, offers Western viewers a glimpse into his idyllic kingdom, juxtaposing modern materialism with traditional Buddhist values. The lone American character, a rare-gun collector, embarks on a journey to retrieve a Civil War rifle, only to find it in the possession of a pacifist monk.
6. Anatomy of a Fall
Neon’s U.S. release of director Justine Triet’s Cannes-winning drama, “Anatomy of a Fall,” added an attention-grabbing “didshedoit.com” slate at the beginning, somewhat misdirecting viewers from the heart of this unconventional courtroom narrative. The story revolves around a frustrated writer’s fatal fall from his mountain chalet, making his wife (Sandra Hüller) the sole suspect. Similar to “The Staircase,” the investigation sheds light on the most intimate aspects of the couple’s marriage, essentially putting their relationship on trial. The focus goes beyond the verdict or public opinion, emphasizing the impact on their young son who, in the midst of grief, must make sense of the tragedy through the trial.
7. Origin
“Origin” stands as an ambitious American drama that tackles the enduring stain of slavery in a manner not seen since “Roots.” Directed by Ava DuVernay, the narrative doesn’t delve into ancestry but explores the roots of a system that dehumanizes one group to empower others. Pulitzer-winning author Isabel Wilkerson’s research, which draws parallels with Nazi Germany and the Indian caste system, is personalized by DuVernay. The film follows a woman affected by national tragedy and personal setbacks, connecting disparate ideas to reframe one of the nation’s most challenging conversations. Far from a didactic lecture, “Origin” offers a poignant and dramatized perspective on the complexities of racial dynamics in America.
8. May December
In a Netflix era dominated by true-crime movies, Todd Haynes presents “May December,” a meta-melodrama offering a sly examination of how such stories are presented to the public. Natalie Portman plays a professional actor who inserts herself into the life of an ex-convict, portrayed by Julianne Moore in a role reminiscent of tabloid figure Mary Kay Letourneau. The narrative explores the aftermath of a woman going to prison for initiating a relationship with her underage partner. As Portman’s character seeks to understand the “real” woman, lines are crossed inappropriately. “May December” zooms out to reveal a world of performance, where Moore’s acting blurs the lines between empathy and exploitation in a reflective room of mirrors.
9. The Holdovers
Alexander Payne makes a strong return to form after 2017’s “Downsizing” with the intelligent character study “The Holdovers,” set in the early 1970s. Embracing a weathered-celluloid filter for a vintage look, the film humorously explores how a boarding school Scrooge handles his students during Christmas break, showcasing a tough-love approach that would be unacceptable today. Rather than a relic, the movie serves as a contemporary commentary on evolving expectations in human interactions. Reuniting Payne with Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers” channels the special mojo of their collaboration in “Sideways.”
10. The Taste of Things
Director Tran Anh Hung seduces audiences with the sumptuous visuals of gourmet French meals in “The Taste of Things.” Filmed in a country kitchen with sunlight filtering through open windows, the movie not only appreciates life’s pleasures but transcends mere food porn. Similar to “Babette’s Feast,” the true focus of this rich narrative lies in the emotional connection between chef Dodin Bouffant (Benoît Magimel) and his cook (Juliette Binoche), portraying a decades-long professional passion. The actors’ history adds unspoken depth to this moving workplace romance, with a tender final scene conveying the essence of their relationship.