Year in Review
My picks for the 21 best films of 2022
So many amazing films hit screens in 2022; it’s hard to believe that for months, cinemas offered so few big releases. This was good news for the smaller films lucky enough to play in theaters they might not have otherwise. For the most part, streaming continues to provide a home for those films without blockbuster budgets so they can reach the widest audience possible. Half the movies on this list I saw at home on a streaming platform. (Though how Turning Red didn’t get a theatrical release is one of the great cinema mysteries of last year.)
There are some truly astounding films on the list below. I didn't get to see everything I wanted to, mostly due to logistics. Some notable exceptions include: Tár, Aftersun, The Wonder, Women Talking, Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, and Top Gun: Maverick — all of which I plan on seeing in the near future, preferably before this year’s Oscars.
So here are my picks for the 21 best films of 2022. I hope you find something you like … or that at least piques your interest.
Flux Gourmet
Food as an impetus for art is at the heart of the latest from Peter Strickland. But this isn’t about kitchens and immaculately set tables. Artists from all over the world flock to a prestigious institute that promotes culinary and alimentary performance. It’s not all creative expression, however, as the drama inherent in such a high pressure environment comes out in myriad ways. Strickland has once more built a world that’s of its own yet similar to the one we live in. Delectable and delightful, with a terrific cast led by Asa Butterfield and Gwendolyn Christie.
The Black Phone
Supernaturally-tinged horror that delivers on the thrills and chills; not surprising when the masterminds are Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, based on the Joe Hill short story adapted by Cargill. When he’s taken by a serial killer known as The Grabber, a teenage boy gets an assist in potentially escaping his captor from the spirits of previous victims. On the outside, the boy’s younger sister, who’s prone to having visions, works on tracking down her brother and getting him back alive. Mason Thames and Madison McGraw as the siblings are scary good, whereas Ethan Hawke is downright terrifying as the killer.
The Northman
Essentially a Viking version of Hamlet, Robert Eggers crafts an epic tale of a prince seeking bloody vengeance for his family, particularly the death of his beloved father. Betrayal, love, witchcraft, and a brutal landscape combine to make for a mesmerizing film that immerses the viewer; it’s hard not to be completely under its thrall. The whole cast captivates, with shout outs to Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, and Willem Dafoe.
Nope
Jordan Peele’s third film sees him leveling up as this horror/sci-fi hybrid feels as vast as the California desert where most of the action takes place. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer play siblings desperately trying to keep the family business afloat but soon are dealing with a much bigger matter. Palmer is a standout as the spiky sister trying to prove herself to her steadfast brother. Inventive and impressive, this film continues to show Peele’s growth and confidence as a writer-director in spectacular fashion.
After Yang
Kogonada’s beautiful, meditative film ponders the importance of making connections while navigating what defines a family. Colin Farrell (not the only appearance he makes on this list) gives a lovely, sensitive performance as a family man struggling with his grief after Yang, the AI caregiver he had come to care for like a son, malfunctions. While he's not the only one dealing with the loss, his obsession with learning more about Yang threatens to tear his family apart.
The Woman King
Set in the African Kingdom of Dahomey during the 1800s and based on true events, this historical epic focuses on the leader of the all-female warriors who protected the kingdom. Gina Prince-Bythewood masterfully brings to the screen a film that evokes Ben-Hur and Spartacus in scope, with an emotional underpinning that moors the story. Viola Davis nails General Nanisca’s strength, dedication, and grit as she leads a sensational cast including Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega.
X/Pearl
The one-two punch of Ti West’s horror combo — part of a trilogy to conclude with MaXXXine — cannot be denied. There’s a sweetness mixed with the glee and gore that’s hard to ignore. Mia Goth stars in both, owning every scene she’s in, but shines particularly bright in Pearl. West smartly gives each film its own specific tone — a gritty earthiness for X and a golden age of Hollywood/fairy tale sheen for Pearl — allowing them to stand apart stylistically while feeling part of a piece.
Fire Island
This hilarious, charming adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice relocates the timeless romantic comedy of manners to the titular locale and features a queer cast led by Joel Kim Booster, who also wrote the screenplay, and Bowen Yang. All of the actors take to their roles so perfectly and Margaret Cho is a freaking hoot as Erin, this version’s Mrs. Bennett.
Bones and All
Maren, a young woman with a taste for human flesh, yearns to make a life for herself while wanting to know about why she is the way she is. Based on Camille DeAngelis’ novel, Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter David Kajganich expertly bring this poignant coming of age story to the screen. Taylor Russell gives an achingly raw performance and she’s ably supported by Timothée Chalamet and Mark Rylance. As with all good horror, the true terror comes not so much from the act of cannibalism but from the people with an appetite for something even darker.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande
A middle-aged woman looks to find her sexual groove with the help of a sex worker half her age. Both get more than they bargained for as they connect, forming an attachment that complicates their arrangement yet is ultimately freeing. Witty, sexy, emotional, Katy Brand’s script puts the spotlight on what tends to be a taboo subject. Emma Thompson gives a tour de force performance and Darryl McCormack is a revelation in what could have been a one-note character in lesser hands.
Prey
The most audacious reboot in years and the payoff more than outweighs the risk. Set centuries before Schwarzenegger came face to face with the Predator, this prequel follows a young Comanche woman as she aims to prove herself as a warrior. When the opportunity arises to protect her tribe, her opponent is unlike anything she ever imagined yet she is determined to outwit, outlast, outplay this fearsome creature. Writer-director Dan Trachtenberg’s welcome injection of estrogen and Native American history to the Predator franchise makes it feel fresh and relevant. Amber Midthunder gives a multilayered performance, kicking ass in more ways than one.
Glass Onion
Following in the footsteps of such illustrious detectives as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Nancy Drew, and Jessica Fletcher, Benoit Blanc is back to doing what he does best: solving a good mystery. This time, the southern sleuth is in Greece upon receiving an invitation from a billionaire to attend an exclusive gathering. To say anything more would ruin the fun of this clever, ridiculously entertaining whodunit. The stellar cast — led once again by Daniel Craig, who is clearly having a grand old time — features Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom and an outstanding Janelle Monae.
Moonage Daydream
Brett Morgan’s voyage through the life of one of music’s greatest icons is an insightful peek into the mind of David Bowie. Sanctioned by Bowie’s estate, the documentary features the fabulous soundscape you would imagine, culled from his discography, while also allowing fans to get to know the man behind Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and the Thin White Duke. Spending more than two hours with Bowie is a gift, whether you’re a fan of the artist or simply curious about a legend.
Guillermo del Toro‘s Pinocchio
Disney purists may balk, but the Mexican auteur’s gorgeous adaptation of the classic tale about a grieving father who whittles a boy from wood only for a fairy to give him life will be the definitive version for a generation. Sumptuous visuals, a fantastic screenplay, a splendid score, and the perfect voice cast — including Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, and Cate Blanchett — are the vital ingredients required to create a delectable feast for the eyes and soul.
Turning Red
This delightful and astute coming-of-age story from Pixar is so relatable that even seeing three generations of women from the same family turning into red pandas felt completely natural. It nails the complexities of female relationships and the deep emotional roots that form the best ones. Plus, those 4*Town songs are so damn catchy!
RRR
Rise. Roar. Revolt. It’s a timely call to arms, which may be why this Indian Telugu-language action extravaganza became a word-of-mouth sensation. Or it could be because it’s a rollicking good time that wears its heart on its sleeve. Also that show stopping musical number is glorious. Two revolutionaries develop a bromance for the ages as they fight to help their people. Go on and blast “Naatu Naatu” on a loop once you’ve seen the movie. No point in fighting it; the song is too infectious and too good not to want to hear it again.
Decision to Leave
Park Chan-Wook returns to neo noir with this morally murky, emotionally driven film that cares less about the case at hand — a man was killed in the mountains — and more about the detective’s feelings regarding the prime suspect. This actually works in the film’s favor, ratcheting up the tension until the shattering conclusion. Park Hae-il and Tang Wei are glorious as the detective and the suspect dancing a dangerous tango that leaves everything twisted in its wake.
Petite Maman
A delicate film about the bond between mothers and daughters from French writer-director Céline Sciamma. While helping to clean out her grandmother’s house following her death, Nelly becomes friends with a girl her age whom she meets in the woods. The deceptively simple story packs an emotional punch. Joséphine Sanz and Gabrielle Sanz are winning as the two girls.
Babylon
Divisive though it may be, Damien Chazelle’s astounding ode to the end of the silent era is a wild ride that seems to serve as a sober reminder to Hollywood at large that every party ends eventually. Tracing the rise and fall of a disparate group, including Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, each sees Tinsel Town as their oyster, only to eventually choke on the pearl. Justin Hurwitz’s sensational score is the pulse of the film and deserves to be heard on repeat.
The Banshees of Inisherin
Friendship can be a knotty experience. No matter how long you’ve known the person or how well you think you know them, it just takes one comment or one decisive act on someone’s part to unravel the relationship. So is the case with two longtime friends when one decides to call it quits. Martin McDonagh returns to form in this magnificent dark Irish comedy, his In Bruges leads Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson delivering two of the finest performances of the year as the estranged friends. Kerry Condon nearly steals the film in a fiery, compassionate turn as the beloved sister of Farrell’s character.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
There’s a reason why everyone is talking about this genre-defying, rules smashing film. It’s absolutely sensational. Multiverse stories are everywhere in film (looking at you, Marvel and DC) but what sets this apart from the rest is the focus on character and the understanding that the multiverse is boundless. If you think it, it can happen. A cracking ensemble led by the magnificent Michelle Yeoh with strong support from Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, and an indispensable Ke Huy Quan, plus a mind-bending script that will rip open your heart make this an instant classic.
Honorable mentions:
The Batman; Benediction; Bodies Bodies Bodies; Bros; The Fabelmans; Hatching; Nanny; Operation Mincemeat; Resurrection; Scream (2022); She Said; The Tragedy of Macbeth; Watcher; The Whale; and You Won’t Be Alone.