Year in Review: The Best Films of 2019
Here are The Reel Report’s favorite films from last year:
Honorable Mentions:
Midsommar
Ad Astra
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
10. The Farewell
Directed by: Lulu Wang
In her directorial debut, Wang told an autobiographical story of a Chinese-American woman who returned to her hometown to see her grandmother one last time before she passed away. It is not just a story about loss and grief, but of cultural differences that threaten to divide a family. The Farewell is clearly a very personal film to Wang and is a warm and uniquely humorous look into the things that connect people around the world.
9. Us
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Peele’s follow-up to his sensational debut, Get Out, Us is a similarly envisioned horror film that revolves around social and political commentary. Us is definitely a step-up in terms of scope, and although its ideas may not be as clear as those in Get Out, Peele still pulls off a more ambitious premise this time around. Read our full review here.
8. Marriage Story
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Carried in large part by the performances of Scarlett Johannson and Adam Driver, Marriage Story chronicles the separation and eventual divorce of a young married couple. The film is sympathetic towards both characters and explores the realistic nuance the two feel for each other. It refrains from vitriol and condemnation towards either side and is most heart-breaking when it makes the couples’ love for each other still evident and present. Read our full review here.
7. Uncut Gems
Directed by: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Uncut Gems is over two hours of pure adrenaline and anxiety, that follows a New York City jeweler as he tries to pay off debts by betting on NBA games. Adam Sandler is phenomenal in his uncharacteristic dramatic turn, as is Broadway icon Idina Menzel. Uncut Gems somehow creates a sense of empathy for detestable characters and packs a surprising emotional punch.
6. Little Women
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
This remake of an all-time classic feels nothing like a period piece - it feels absolutely vivid and alive. With an incredibly deep cast and excellent writing, Little Women is a perfect holiday film - heartwarming, inspiring and delightfully funny. Despite being based 150 years ago, Little Women is exactly the film we needed to close out 2019. Read our full review here.
5. Hustlers
Directed by: Lorene Scafaria
Based on a true story, Hustlers follows a group of strip club dancers who come up with a scheme to rob the wealthy - and often inebriated - men who frequent their club. Partly driven by revenge for the evident abuses endured by the women, the scheme plays out with the knowing glee reminiscent of an Oceans 11-esque heist film. The film is complicated though, and is a precisely nuanced look at what our society views as moral and immoral.
4. Knives Out
Directed by: Rian Johnson
With a killer ensemble cast and brilliant writing, Knives Out has the feel of a classic whodunnit but still manages to be subversive in the most unexpected ways. Similar to multiple other films on this list it has something important to say about our societal class structure - without ever beating you over the head with it. The resplendent costume and set design are equally goofy and marvelous - and give the film a rich and austere vibe pulled straight out of any classic mystery novel.
3. Avengers: Endgame
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Say what you will about the onslaught of comic book adaptations, Avengers: Endgame is a miracle of blockbuster filmmaking. We are unlikely to see a saga of connected films on this scale again, especially considering the financial success Marvel has seen along the way. And if selling tickets to more than two dozen connected films wasn't hard enough, try making the ending satisfying. The tepid response to conclusions of fan favorites such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars show that it is harder than you would think to get an ending right - making Endgame all the more impressive. Read our full review here.
2. Parasite
Directed by: Bong Joon Ho
It's hard to call any film perfect, but Parasite is as deserving as any to receive such praise. It is one of those rare experiences that leaves you wanting to approach strangers on the street to implore them to see this film - because it truly is unlike anything they will have ever seen. Parasite will be available for digital purchase Jan. 14, I can't think of a better way to spend $14.99.
1. Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Tarantino is the gift that keeps on giving. Each of his films is an event, and with Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood he vastly exceeded all expectations - in ways no one would have expected from him. Once Upon a Time is somewhat more emotional and thoughtful than anything he has made, but doesn't sacrifice any of his hallmark chaos. Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is exactly what fans want from Tarantino, while at the same time being completely unexpected. Read our full review here.
