Let’s face it, 2022 wasn’t the best year for cinema. It seems like the pandemic caught up to the movie industry. But even in a year that didn’t supply a handful of great films, there are still plenty to celebrate.
Better late than never, here are my favorites from the year…
10. Cha Cha Real Smooth
Director: Cooper Raiff
Why? This young and perceptive writer-director elevates the entirety of his humble, charming, crowd-pleasing work.
9. Armageddon Time
Director: James Gray
Why? The regrets and heavy, irreconcilable truths in this autobiographical portrait cut deep.
8. Top Gun: Maverick
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Why? Tom Cruise! Real aerial stunts! Cinema!
7. After Yang
Director: Kogonada
Why? One of the most delicate, sensitive movies about the future you’ll see.
6. Nope
Director: Jordan Peele
Why? Nobody is making movies with such zeal, terror and ingenuity like Peele.
5. Babylon
Director: Damien Chazelle
Why? There are a few setpieces in here that are breathtaking, bringing to life a century-old art form.
4. The Fabelmans
Director: Steven Spielberg
Why? Another autobiographical excavation that pulls on the family heart strings in a way only a master filmmaker can create.
3. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Director: Laura Poitras
Why? The footage, the slideshows, the cause, the ending Zoom call.
2. Petite Maman
Director: Celine Sciamma
Why? It’s less than 90 minutes, and it wallops a hell of an emotional mother-daughter punch.
1. TÁR
Director: Todd Field
Why? Cate Blanchett gets cancelled. It’s a masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions: Aftersun, Prey, EO, Kimi, Jackass Forever, One Fine Morning
Peanuts and Popcorn 