Best Films of 2022
Whether you are looking for a film that has been out on the festival circuit for a while or a brand new release, there are several films you should look into in 2022. From the likes of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri to Denis Johnson’s adaptation of Stars at Noon, there are plenty of choices to choose from.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Unlike many other action movies, Everything Everywhere All at Once does not overwhelm its audience. Its message is a simple one: that toxic control over children should be removed. Moreover, the film boasts a star-studded cast and a budget in the neighborhood of a shoestring.
Its star is the aforementioned Michelle Yeoh, who also stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe, James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film’s director, Daniel Scheinert, helmed the film, and its star-studded cast lent a hand. The film is also helmed by a man whose pedigree includes a couple of acclaimed martial arts flicks.
Drive My Car
Adapted from a Haruki Murakami short story, “Drive My Car” has won several awards. The film won the top prize at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the New York Film Critics Circle, and the National Society of Film Critics. In addition, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Drive My Car is a Japanese drama. It follows Yusuke Kafuku, a theater director who accepts a residency in Hiroshima to stage a multilingual production of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya”. In addition to the theatrical element, the film includes staged sequences from Uncle Vanya.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Despite being a British sex comedy with a very British sex history, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is a fun and enjoyable experience. Written by Katy Brand and directed by Sophie Hyde, this film is the result of a partnership between the filmmaking team behind LOVE, ACTUALLY and a sister company of Disney. It has been screened at film festivals including the Sundance Film Festival. It was also released theatrically in the United Kingdom by Lionsgate.
American Honey
AMERICAN HONEY, directed by British auteur Andrea Arnold, is an engaging coming-of-age road trip movie about an 18-year-old Oklahoman who leaves her abusive boyfriend and jumps in a van with a traveling magazine salesman. They embark on an adventure that includes roadside attractions, wild adventures, and a series of random encounters across the country.
American Honey is directed by Andrea Arnold, who previously worked on Wuthering Heights, Red Road, and Fish Tank. Arnold is a master of the “slice of life” genre, and his films frequently feature a class divide that’s often ignored in more affluent films.
Ruben Ostlund’s Triangle of Sadness
Taking aim at wealth, status, and privilege, Ruben Ostlund’s Triangle of Sadness is a smart, class commentary. Ostlund uses his signature wit to examine affluence and its affect on society. He does this through the lens of a struggling male model and his aspiring female model girlfriend.
Ostlund’s film is divided into three sections: the first is a prologue set in the fashion industry. It introduces Carl Dickinson (Harris Dickinson), an aspiring male model and a woman who has been in the modeling industry for a while.
Denis Johnson’s adaptation of Stars at Noon
Adapted from Denis Johnson’s novel of the same name, Stars at Noon explores the changing economies of language, capital, and ideology. It is a geopolitical thriller centered on two foreigners, an American reporter and a British businessman, in Nicaragua in 1984. The film is directed by French woman Claire Denis and stars Margaret Qualley. It was awarded the Grand Prix at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. It will be released on October 14 in the United States by A24.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Among the many great films of the past year, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a standout. Not only did it take home the granddaddy of all awards, it also ranks as one of the year’s best films. For starters, it’s a visually stunning film. It’s also a good example of why Japan is the new hotspot for filmmaking.
The film is based on a short story by author Haruki Murakami. The story is not for the faint of heart. The premise is about a theater director (played by Hidetoshi Nishijima) who travels to Hiroshima for a theatre program. He meets a young female driver (played by Misaki Watari) who impresses him with her knowledge of the city.
Mimi Cave’s Fresh
Adapted from Lauryn Kahn’s screenplay, Fresh is Mimi Cave’s directorial debut. She uses a camera to capture a point-of-view of a character, and uses several different techniques to create a chilling atmosphere. Fresh smolders with considerable tension and offers a dark and satirical take on contemporary romance.
The film features strong performances from Dayo Okeniyi and Daisy Edgar-Jones. They commit to their roles and deliver every joke with ease. It’s a dark and often amusing film that’s surprisingly tame as horror.
