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As we conclude a tumultuous year in the film industry marked by SAG-AFTRA strikes and screenwriting labor disputes, it has undeniably been a financially successful 12 months. The global sensation “Barbenheimer” alone earned over $2 billion worldwide, and when combined with hits like the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, the total box office reached $2.7 billion.
The film industry has reaped the rewards of its hard work, making 2023 a highly profitable year for filmmaking. This prosperity is also reflected in the quality of films, especially those recognized in the recently unveiled BFI Sight and Sound Top 50 Films of the Year. This prestigious annual list highlights the best movies, and let’s delve into the top 10 according to BFI Sight and Sound.
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The British Film Institute Sight and Sound’s 10 Best Movies of 2023
May December
Netflix’s latest production, “May December,” directed by Todd Haynes of “Carol” fame, made its debut on the streaming platform in early December to widespread praise. The film, featuring Natalie Portman in a standout performance as Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry, follows her character as she delves into the lives of a married couple with a relationship built on a taboo love story. Julianne Moore and Charles Melton co-star, delivering compelling and sensitive portrayals in this critically acclaimed exploration of life after sexual abuse.
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World
Exploring the relatively unexplored realm of Romanian cinema, the film “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World” directed by Radu Jude emerges as a hidden gem. Within this comedy drama, Jude skillfully unveils the shortcomings of Western society, shedding light on the persistent exploitation of its workforce. At the heart of the narrative is Angela, a production assistant assigned to create a workplace safety video. The film serves as a commentary on the contemporary challenges plaguing the world, using Angela’s character to highlight the pervasive issues in modern society.
Anatomy of a Fall
A brilliantly crafted thriller seamlessly blending English and French elements, Anatomy of a Fall excels in both narrative and suspenseful cinematography. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-covered French Alps, the film unfolds a gripping courtroom drama, tracing the determined struggle of a widowed mother to vindicate herself in the wake of her husband’s mysterious death at their family residence. As incriminating revelations pile up, casting a shadow on her innocence, crucial evidence falls into the hands of her teenage son, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding mystery.
Passages
“Passages,” a captivating LGBTQ+ romantic drama set in France, explores the complexities of romantic connections. Directed by Ira Sachs on a modest budget, the film delves into the intricacies of a gay couple’s marriage in Paris, which faces upheaval when one partner pursues a heterosexual affair with a young woman. The narrative unfolds as a compelling exploration of love, desire, sexual liberation, and inner conflicts, intricately interwoven to create a powerful and explosive story.
Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” emerged as the top-grossing film of 2023, achieving a remarkable feat by swiftly reaching the $1 billion mark. Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the movie provides a thought-provoking social commentary on feminism. Gerwig, known for her distinctive style, delivers a satirical and self-aware narrative that delves into the stark contrast between the challenging, patriarchal aspects of the real world and the seemingly utopian Barbie Land. As Barbie and Ken switch roles, the film becomes a platform for exploring character development and awakening realizations, all while Gerwig skillfully exposes societal inequalities and absurdities.
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Oppenheimer
Premiering during the Barbenheimer weekend, Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated historical biopic, Oppenheimer, provided a captivating exploration of the development of the atomic bomb by the esteemed physicist Robert J. Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. This anti-war film stands out for its grand production scale, minimal reliance on CGI, and a stellar ensemble cast.
Arguably Christopher Nolan’s finest work, Oppenheimer chronicles the ascent of the “Father of the Atomic Bomb” and his internal struggle, akin to Jekyll and Hyde, as he grapples with remorse over his role in creating such a destructive weapon. Cillian Murphy delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in the lead role, with strong support from the rest of the cast. Nolan’s film, alongside Gerwig’s Barbie, achieved significant success at the box office, making a mark in cinematic history.
Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinctive filmmaking style and penchant for exploring the absurd, has built a significant reputation in the industry. Among his notable works, “Poor Things” stands out as a recent and perhaps his most audacious film yet. In this period piece, the story follows Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone), who undergoes a unique resurrection through a daring scientist’s brain transplant, receiving a child’s brain. The film weaves a narrative of sexual liberation, eccentricity, freedom, and female empowerment, making it undeniably one of the standout films of the year.
Past Lives
Exploring the theme of reigniting past romances, Celine Song’s film “Past Lives” passionately and tenderly embraces this notion without succumbing to conventional sentimentality. The bilingual narrative, blending English and Korean, unfolds the story of Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends who reunite after years of separation.
A Genuine Portrayal of Emotions The movie delves into the realm of unexplored love, examining the reflections on “what might have been” and the mutual acknowledgment that our life paths are shaped by the choices we make. Despite its profound sensitivity, “Past Lives” avoids falling into the trap of nostalgia or sentimentality. Instead, it skillfully allows its characters to authentically express almost palpable human emotions, conveying desire and regret through a nuanced lens.
The Zone of Interest
Certainly. The Holocaust has consistently captured widespread attention in films and documentaries, owing to our morbid curiosity. The mass extermination of a specific group stands out as one of the most brutal acts of persecution in history. While narratives about the Holocaust typically depict the events through the eyes of the Jewish victims, Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” takes a unique perspective.
The movie revolves around Rudolf Hoss (played by Christian Friedel), the head of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig (played by Sandra Huller). The couple plans to create an idyllic life for themselves and their family near Auschwitz, presenting a chilling portrayal of normalcy coexisting with brutal genocide. This film offers a haunting exploration of the pursuit of a serene existence juxtaposed with the horrific realities of a genocide. The seemingly tranquil family home, situated next to the sounds of gunshots, screams, and the smoke from burning bodies, becomes a powerful symbol of humanity’s complicity in the face of unspeakable atrocities.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese’s sprawling epic, clocking in at three and a half hours, presents a chilling historical narrative of the Osage murders in early 19th century Oklahoma. “Killers of the Flower Moon,” adapted from David Grann’s nonfiction 2017 novel, delves deeply into a series of murders targeting Osage Nation members, revealing a dark tapestry of corruption, avarice, and power-driven malevolence.
The film, available on Apple TV+, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the spineless Ernest Burkhart, whose marriage to the oil-rich Mollie (played by Lily Gladstone) unfolds under the watchful eye of his cunning and cold-blooded uncle, William Hale. Together, they scheme to take control of lucrative oil fields. Beyond its captivating storyline, the production is visually stunning, thanks to the meticulous cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto. Scorsese’s masterful direction exposes the unbridled evil at play, with standout performances from Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and Leonardo DiCaprio, all delivering inspired portrayals. Could this be the best movie of the year?
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