For various reasons, 2023 has been a slack year film-wise for me. I seem to have spent a lot of time watching films from 2021 and 2022 (probably pandemic catch-ups). I’ve spent time trying – and failing – to watch all the films on the Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time (2022 version). I started the year at 58% and made it to 86% by 31st December. And I have not seen as many films in cinema as I would have liked.
But, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t seen any good films. As is always the case, UK release dates don’t always line up with the rest of the world so that hasn’t helped, but here, in alphabetical order are 10 of my favourite films with UK releases (one or two at festivals) in 2023. If I’ve reviewed the film for The Movie Isle, there’ll be a link in the title to the relevant page.
As Bestas / The Beasts (dir Rodrigo Sorogoyen)
A film in French, Spanish, and Galician, which gradually builds tension very cleverly. Best to know as little as possible before going in, but absolutely worth watching. Denis Ménochet is, as ever, magnificent. Currently available to stream in the US on Mubi, and in the UK on BFI Player.
A moving film set in the Midlands of Ireland, which reflects on men struggling to find a way to express their emotions in life-changing circumstances. This was a film I saw at the Manchester Film Festival, and it caught me unaware. Currently available to rent on various platforms in the UK.
Leave the World Behind (dir Sam Esmail)
By no means perfect but I rather liked what this was doing, appreciated what it was trying to express, and loved the ending. Mahershala Ali is exquisite, but the dialogue definitely needed a rework. Currently available on Netflix.
Marie looks back at the Best Films of 2023
For various reasons, 2023 has been a slack year film-wise for me. I seem to have spent a lot of time watching films from 2021 and 2022 (probably pandemic catch-ups). I’ve spent time trying – and failing – to watch all the films on the Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time (2022 version). I started the year at 58% and made it to 86% by 31st December. And I have not seen as many films in cinema as I would have liked.
But, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t seen any good films. As is always the case, UK release dates don’t always line up with the rest of the world so that hasn’t helped, but here, in alphabetical order are 10 of my favourite films with UK releases (one or two at festivals) in 2023. If I’ve reviewed the film for The Movie Isle, there’ll be a link in the title to the relevant page.
As Bestas / The Beasts (dir Rodrigo Sorogoyen)
A film in French, Spanish, and Galician, which gradually builds tension very cleverly. Best to know as little as possible before going in, but absolutely worth watching. Denis Ménochet is, as ever, magnificent. Currently available to stream in the US on Mubi, and in the UK on BFI Player.
Lakelands (dir Patrick McGivney, Robert Higgins)
A moving film set in the Midlands of Ireland, which reflects on men struggling to find a way to express their emotions in life-changing circumstances. This was a film I saw at the Manchester Film Festival, and it caught me unaware. Currently available to rent on various platforms in the UK.
Leave the World Behind (dir Sam Esmail)
By no means perfect but I rather liked what this was doing, appreciated what it was trying to express, and loved the ending. Mahershala Ali is exquisite, but the dialogue definitely needed a rework. Currently available on Netflix.
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