While 2016 was a rough year for many, 2016 was a landmark year for filmmaking. While summer blockbuster season was filled with box office busts, indie filmmaking exploded with the emergence of A24 Productions. The best films of 2016 exhibit that the art of filmmaking is far from gone, despite the importance of the studio system. While this list is presented in ascending order, nor did I watch every film released this year, I wholeheartedly recommend every film featured here.
10. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (Dir. Gareth Edwards)
As I wrote about previously, "Rogue One" marks a drastic departure for Star Wars from the light-hearted adventure to the serious war film. It shares this with "The Empire Strikes Back" and wears its allegiance to the "Original Trilogy". Be warned: this is not your typical Star Wars film, but if one is willing to slog through Forest Whitaker, you will experience what might be the finest entry in the series since Empire.
9. "OJ: Made in America" (Dir. Ezra Edelman)
While not a film in the traditional sense, Edelman's massive 5 part-7 hour biography of OJ Simpson is absolutely enthralling. ESPN's "30 for 30" series has produced some of the finest sports documentaries this decade. Edelman poses numerous thought-provoking questions about the United States while presenting his life with little commentary. A must watch for anyone interested in Simpson and definitely the finest "30 for 30" to date.
8. "Love and Friendship" (Dir. Whit Stillman)
This is a film I thought I was going to hate. Jane Austen and I do not mix at all. I have never sat through "Pride and Prejudice" nor did I ever want to. Yet I found myself enjoying Stillman's adaptation immensely. Beckinsale's performance as Lady Susan is possibly the best of her career and stands out despite a near-perfect cast. Expect "Love and Friendship" to do very well come awards season, as it certainly deserves its praise.
7. "The Nice Guys" (Dir. Shane Black)
Shane Black's directorial debut was a bright spot during the crowded summer movie season. "The Nice Guys" may have been the most fun I had a theater all summer. As an homage to the exploitation films of the 70s, it features the best couple of 2016 of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Gosling's comedic timing is impeccable, while Crowe serves as the perfect straight man. The trio of Black, Crowe and Gosling provides many laughs in a film that is oozing with passion and care for its genre. A must watch for Gosling fans.
6. "The Neon Demon" (Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn)
Indie films will always be divisive, and the next film on this list currently sits at a rock solid 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nicolas Winding Refn has made a career off of crafting surreal yet violent films, and "The Neon Demon" illustrates a new peak in his style. Elle Fanning's turn as an aspiring model is the best of her career, featured in what is the most beautifully shot film of the year. It is undeniably stylish, with its stunning visuals accompanied by another great Cliff Martinez score. What it lacks in substance (specifically it's third act), it makes up for in style.
5. "Green Room" (Dir. Jeremy Saulnier)
The most violent film of the year, Saulnier's "Green Room" is brutal and thrilling in all the right ways. A punk rock band vs neo-Nazi film is something I never knew I wanted, until now. The main cast is entirely expendable, leaving the viewer on edge, with some genuine shocks. Saulnier subverts audience expectations to so, something lacking in most thrillers today. Not for the squeamish, but definitely for fans of midnight cinema.
4. "The Lobster" (Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)
Another very divisive film, Lanthimos' bizarre, fever dream is one of the year's many indie darlings. "The Lobster" questions the importance of relationships. Dark humor and great performances abound, with Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz standing out. While the first act is significantly more engaging than its latter portions, Lanthimos has crafted a film that defies conventions of modern romance to evaluate what love and companionship really are.
3. "Moonlight" (Dir. Barry Jenkins)
One cannot help but draw parallels between "Moonlight" and Richard Linklater's "Boyhood". "Moonlight" corrects the problems Linklater's meandering film with a laser focus on the life-changing moments of Chiron, creating an extremely intimate film. Jenkins' film deals with contemporary themes (homosexuality and race) without feeling shoehorned in. "Moonlight" has a central relationship feels natural and forms the emotional core of the 3rd act. Expect Oscar gold.
2. "Arrival" (Dir. Denis Villenueve)
Denis broke through with last year's Sicario, and Arrival is poised to keep the talented director in the national spotlight. Every aspect of "Arrival" is near perfect, from the cast (highlighted by Adams and Renner) to its world and set design. I can (and have) gushed all over this film, but it remains as the best "smart" sci-fi in years.
1. "The Witch" (Dir. Robert Eggers)
When I saw "The Witch" back in February, I was shocked at how great it was. January and February are typically the months where Hollywood ships out its worst. A24 decided to release its best. Led by the first-time director Robert Eggers, "The Witch" is the best film of the year, and the best film to come from this new wave of horror films. A slow, terrifying burn throughout, Eggers' film fills one with dread, and fear for everyone involved. It is also thought-provoking, as the heretic main cast questions their faith as innumerable horrors take them. Anya Taylor-Joy and the rest of the cast shine, especially the child actors. "The Witch" is a perfect take on old school horror, a must see for any fan of the genre.
