Best Films of 2022 — So Far
The array of outstanding films presented initially this year has left movie buffs spoiled for choice. There are even more now hitting…
The array of outstanding films presented initially this year has left movie buffs spoiled for choice. There are even more now hitting streaming platforms; some of those allowing us to catch up with titles that only had limited releases in select cities. Like we need more to watch. Not that we’re really complaining.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or wanting to see if a movie you loved or loathed made the cut, peruse my picks below for the 12 best films I’ve seen during the first six months of 2022.
12) You Won’t Be Alone
Kidnapped by a witch and transformed into one when she was a girl, a young woman traverses 19th century Macedonia eager to experience all of what life has to offer. As she seeks answers, she’s taunted by the only mother she’s ever known in a bid by the witch to regain control over the child who abandoned and betrayed her. A haunting, atmospheric fairy tale that’s equal parts grim, beautiful, joyful, and heartbreaking.
11) Master
Life at a prestigious Northeastern university proves more challenging than expected for a trio of women. A targeted attack on the youngest, a Black freshman, plunges them into a waking nightmare involving the school’s history and racism that has them questioning everything, while trying to keep their sanity — and attempting to stay alive. Writer-director Mariama Diallo’s sharp horror story is reflective of today’s society, on college campuses and at large. Regina Hall, Jasmine Renee, and Amber Gray deliver terrific performances that ground this supernatural tale.
10) The Northman
A Viking prince (a magnetic Alexander Skarsgård) roars and rampages his way to avenging the death of his father and the taking of his mother in this dynamic, epic, dark fantasy. Director Robert Eggers, who co-wrote the script with Sjón, brings the majesty and the macabre to vivid life, evoking Shakespeare and Argento with equal gusto. Returning players Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) and Willem Dafoe (The Lighthouse) are joined by Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, and Björk.
9) The Black Phone
A serial killer targeting kids may have snatched one too many when his latest victim proves to be smarter than expected. What The Grabber (a terrifying Ethan Hawke) doesn’t know is that Finney (an effective Mason Thames) is getting a supernatural assist from those who were previously killed by the masked murderer. Director Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote this adaptation of Joe Hill’s short story with C. Robert Cargill, infuses tension into every shot of this taut thriller — even the domestic scenes showcasing the close bond between Finney and his sister Gwen (a terrific Madeline McGraw), who proves a most useful ally when her brother is taken.
8) The Tragedy of Macbeth
Writer-director Joel Coen’s powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy about the power grab for the throne by the titular Scottish lord and his wife, after believing it had been prophesized that he should sit upon it, showcases an impressive cast featuring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Bertie Carvel, Brendan Gleeson, Corey Hawkins, and Harry Melling. This will seize you by the throat from the first scene and not let go.
7) After Yang
A beautiful, dreamlike, near-future science fiction film that ruminates on death, the connective tissues of family, the fragility of love, and what makes us human. Writer-director Kogonada adapted Alexander Weinstein’s short story, “Saying Goodbye to Yang,” in which an A.I. helper’s death leaves a young family reeling. A raw, emotional journey that rewards the spirit as it feeds the soul.
6) Turning Red
A coming-of-age animated comedy featuring a 13-year-old girl and her friends that centers on a family curse that leads to an exploration of female friendship and the mother-daughter bond? Plus, it’s written and directed by women with songs co-written by Billie Eilish? No wonder this is one of the best Pixar films ever. Fresh, funny, endearing, and endlessly relatable, Meilin (voiced by an outstanding Rosalie Chiang) and her BFFs are absolutely adorable; the relationship between Meilin and her mom Ming (voiced by the amazing Sandra Oh) is realistic to an insane degree; and the curse that has haunted the women in Meilin’s family is a wonderful metaphor for growing up and not being afraid to accept yourself. Simply put: A new classic.
5) X
The year is 1979. A crew heads out to rural Texas to shoot a porn film where innocent fun soon becomes a fight for survival. This bloody, gory slasher flick tips its hat to Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, yet stands on its own thanks to writer-director Ti West’s winking homage to 1970s grisly horror flicks and a game cast, including Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Scott Mescudi, and Martin Henderson, who delight in being lambs led to slaughter.
4) Good Luck To You, Leo Grande
Emotionally satisfying two-hander with Emma Thompson as a widow pursuing the groove she seemingly never had and Daryl McCormack as the titular sex worker tasked with unlocking said groove. Katy Brand’s smart and endearing script, well directed by Sophie Hyde, is lifted by raw, honest turns from the always fantastic Thompson and newcomer McCormack, who more than holds his own with his iconic co-star. Their crackling chemistry adds a sexy twist to this superb, not-quite-romantic dramedy.
3) Fire Island
The best Jane Austen adaptation of the year, this version of Pride and Prejudice features a group of gay friends heading to the titular location for a week of fun, sun, and all the sex their bodies can handle. What they get is more than they bargained for, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get their happy endings, right? (I didn’t mean it like that. Okay, fine. I did. Whatever.) Writer Joel Kim Booster, who also stars, doesn’t simply copy and paste Elizabeth and Darcy’s story while making the necessary tweaks; he uses the bones to build his masterwork with stunning precision. A romantic comedy that’s both laugh out loud funny and utterly charming. How novel.
2) Petite Maman
Grieving the death of her grandmother and feeling estranged from her own mother while helping pack up her mom’s childhood home, a young girl takes solace in a new friendship when she meets another girl in the woods near her grandmother’s house. Writer-director Céline Sciamma crafts a gorgeous fairy tale about deep female friendship, the bond between mothers and daughters, and love and loss that will stir your soul.
1) Everything Everywhere All At Once
Multiverses are all the rage, but no one has done it better than Daniels, the duo comprised of co-writers/co-directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. At its heart, the film is a love story. The magnificent Michelle Yeoh’s Evelyn is at the center of it all as a woman who has disconnected from her life — especially her relationships with her daughter (a breakthrough turn by Stephanie Hsu) and husband (masterly played by Ke Huy Quan). When she’s plunged into an insane situation, Evelyn is forced to come to terms with her choices while trying to save the world. Endearing. Original. Clever. Heartwarming. Funny. Intelligent. This is a tale that is unlike anything you have seen this year.
Best of the Rest
The Batman, Fresh, I Want You Back, The Lost City, Men, Mr. Malcolm’s List, Operation Mincemeat, Scream and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Joanne Thornborough is a pop culture junkie with a particular love for film, TV and the printed word. Find her at @cinelitchick on Twitter.