The Top Ten Films of 2022 by Corben Carpenter
Hello again. Here are the ten films I consider to be the very best of 2022.
Thank you for reading and happy new year.
10. Nope
Written and Directed by Jordan Peele
In Jordan Peele’s thrilling invasion epic, the unveiling of the extra terrestrial entity is the least horrifying image. Instead of calling police or running away, an advantageous grouping of Hollywood horse trainer siblings and a paranoid tech specialist seize on the opportunity for fame as an alien monstrosity terrorizes their ranch and a local amusement park. The onslaught is indeed frightening but the lengths these characters go to profit from tragedy is the most disturbing element. What stuck with me most from Nope is the display of insatiable nature from people who need to digest and share entertainment, no matter the moral cost.
9. Avatar: The Way of Water
Directed by James Cameron
Written by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver
Call it deja-vu but James Cameron has earned another “I told you so”. Yet again he raises the bar on what’s possible with motion picture visual effects and 3D technology, crafting an essential theatrical viewing experience. The Way of Water goes even further, improving on its predecessor with a greater focus on characters and second-to-none motion capture performances. I was pleasantly surprised with how much new there was to see in the world of Pandora and its ability to shock and awe. While the story itself is pretty silly, the deluge of beautiful imagery and F-yeah moments make up for it.
8. Decision to Leave
Directed by Park Chan-wook
Written by Jeon Seo-kyeong and Park Chan-wook
Obsession and justice collide in the intricate Korean thriller Decision to Leave from master mystery weaver Park Chan-wook. As an insomniac detective gets tangled with the widower of his recent murder case, destabilizing secrets and emotions are unearthed that lead them both down a spiral of deceit. An adept use of character perspective and blindsiding revelations craft an alluring and twisting enigma that’s supremely satisfying to unravel. Dark humor is peppered throughout to smooth the tension, culminating in a climax that leaves ripples like waves on the shore.
7. EO
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski
Written by Jerzy Skolimowski and Ewa Piaskowska
Yes, it’s a film about a donkey, but this is no uplifting animal adventure. EO is the name and he travesers across Poland stumbling upon instances of bewilderment, cruelty, and trials that question my faith in humanity. Moments of calm landscapes are juxtaposed with pulsating visions that present a harsh world with fleeting moments of serenity. This was a harrowing and depressing odyssey through the eyes of a creature unable to control its destiny and a studious reflection of our own impact on wildlife.
6. RRR
Written and Directed by S. S. Rajamouli
Lions, tigers, and bears oh my this movie kicks ass. The Indian spectacle RRR is an eclectic blend of insane action showstoppers, jubilant musical numbers, and definite friendship goals between two brawny heroes who stand uncomfortably on opposing sides of conflict in their occupied homeland. The world was also introduced to the splashy “Naatu Naatu” dance-off which is celebratory on its own. There is no limit to the madness and passion S. S. Rajamouli brings to the screen and calling it over the top would be a disservice. I wanted moRe, moRe, moRe.
5. Aftersun
Written and Directed by Charlotte Wells
Hold up, I’m still not fully recovered emotionally from this powerful and heartbreaking film following a divorced father and his burgeoning young daughter on summer vacation in a Turkish resort. Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun works as a fond, distant memory clouded by repressed feelings of childhood guilt and moments that only make sense when you’ve grown older. Anchored by a revelatory turn from Paul Mescal who shares unquestionable familial chemistry with newcomer Frankie Corio, our patience with the deliberate pacing and static frames is rewarded with incredibly impactful displays of unconditional love.
4. Top Gun: Maverick
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
Written by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie
Tom Cruise is the man of the moment. In an age of uncertainty for theaters and risk-averse studios, the last true movie star does the impossible. The legacy sequel Top Gun: Maverick corrects the mistakes of the original by allowing the experienced showman to replace pride with humility and deliver the most courageous performance of his career. Whether it’s on the ground or in the skies, it’s Cruise all the way, on a mission to wow his audience with unbelievably authentic stunt work and impressive daredevil theatrics. And it turned out to be a massive hit. This is what blockbuster filmmaking is all about, to witness the impossible and savor the wonderment.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Written and Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
The fascination with the multiverse has been rampant in media for the past few years, but very few stories have truly explored it in an unique or engaging way. Enter Everything Everywhere All at Once, a seemingly endless barrage of eye opening creativity and wit behind the bonafide badass Michelle Yeoh. With her eternal charm and fists, she battles against an interdimensional force while tapping into the skills and knowledge possessed in divergents of herself. Juggling between numerous versions of characters, callbacks and themes, it doesn’t collapse under the weight of its ambition. When a sausage finger couple and googly eyed rocks make a lasting impression, you know you caught something special.
2. Tár
Written and Directed by Todd Field
I didn’t believe the incontestable Cate Blanchett had anything left to prove, but as the titular Lydia Tár she completely envelopes the screen with a towering tour de force of a portrayal. It’s almost unfair to critique, she is just that good. Todd Field returns after a lengthy hiatus with the brilliant character study Tár, a blazing deconstruction of idolatry, power, and the sacrificial psyche behind the art and talent. The deliberate prominence of cryptic noises and grandiose roar of the orchestra brings an unnerving atmosphere to Lydia’s domain as she confronts scandal, betrayal and consequences from her own hubris. It’s a spellbinding feature with a crescendo of a finale. Bravo Cate, bravo.
1. The Banshees of Inisherin
Written and Directed by Martin McDonagh
One common day on the Irish isle of Inisherin, a man chooses to cut ties with his longtime friend for no discernable reason. This micro nuisance sprouts into a testy confrontation between the former acquaintances causing bleak repercussions throughout their village. Ultimately affecting more than either intended, the stakes are raised through maniacal behavior and solemn vows. Although it appears quaint and unremarkable, this story is just a piece of the most exceptional film of the year, The Banshees of Inisherin. Nothing else spurred more thoughts, laughs, tears and self consideration than Martin McDonagh’s masterwork. The quartet of leading performers, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, are beyond sensational with magnificently grounded and relatable depictions of people trying to make sense of a senseless situation. It all comes together with gorgeous cinematography and stirring music, taking hold of your heart that beats for extraordinary cinema. It’s feckin’ good, ya hear? Now be shush like and off to the theater ye go.
2007 - No Country for Old Men
