I absolutely cannot work out why The Beasts isn’t in every best of list like Anatomy of a Fall is. Why I didn’t hear about it until the end of the year. Loved it. Great article.
I completely agree. I think it's superior to anatomy of a fall (although granted, apples/oranges, etc.) It literally had me by the throat the whole time - it was so upsetting and I felt like I WAS that couple as the situation kept getting worse and worse. The feeling of helplessness was so real. thanks so much for reading and commenting!
FALLEN LEAVES is playing in Seattle next month at the theater I volunteer at, so I'll be sure to check it out. Of the few movies I saw that came out this year, WE KILL FOR LOVE was a pleasant surprise and my favorite of the bunch.
I LOVE a list. But I do agree when you go through year-end best of lists they are so much the same that I do wonder if it is just a, "Well, everybody else said this one," type of thing. I LOVED and loathed Fair Play. I mean, I loved it but I loathed it because of how angry it made me. I actually yelled out loud at my TV all alone in my little house.
Hoping I'll be able to find All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt. You've made me want to see that one.
Yes in re: Fair Play!! I had the same visceral reaction. That final confrontation between the two of them was *unbelievable*. God. The film had the courage to LOOK at these things. I thought both actors were just superb!
All Dirt Roads just came out so I imagine you can find it on streaming - although it might take a bit longer to reach you in your location. It's so beautiful and deep and doesn't look like anything else. very moving!
Thanks for this great list. Although you include some films I wish I had skipped (haha), you have many I missed and want to check out. It points to how broken the distribution system is that so many good movies no longer get seen or even have a true opportunity to gain a following. THANK YOU for not letting them get lost altogether!
Our distribution system is so broken and it kills me. I really feel it's a duty to "bang the drum" for "small" films which ... just have no chance in the GLUT of "content". Ugh. Let me know what you'd like to check out!
Well, that's kind of what I'm saying. You don't need to travel to a theatre anymore - most of these are on streaming platforms almost right away - so you are no longer limited to your geography. So in actuality you can participate much EASIER than you could when you had to wait around to see something, wait until it came out on VHS a YEAR later. you just have to want to find things, and also follow the recommendations of people you trust. that's why I sought out Boston Strangler - I never would have even known of its existence if I hadn't read Stephanie's positive review.
I absolutely cannot work out why The Beasts isn’t in every best of list like Anatomy of a Fall is. Why I didn’t hear about it until the end of the year. Loved it. Great article.
I completely agree. I think it's superior to anatomy of a fall (although granted, apples/oranges, etc.) It literally had me by the throat the whole time - it was so upsetting and I felt like I WAS that couple as the situation kept getting worse and worse. The feeling of helplessness was so real. thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I love that you were able to work in a quote from one of my fav writers - M.F.K. Fisher>
Love MFK too!!
FALLEN LEAVES is playing in Seattle next month at the theater I volunteer at, so I'll be sure to check it out. Of the few movies I saw that came out this year, WE KILL FOR LOVE was a pleasant surprise and my favorite of the bunch.
ooh I missed that one - thanks for the reminder!
I LOVE a list. But I do agree when you go through year-end best of lists they are so much the same that I do wonder if it is just a, "Well, everybody else said this one," type of thing. I LOVED and loathed Fair Play. I mean, I loved it but I loathed it because of how angry it made me. I actually yelled out loud at my TV all alone in my little house.
Hoping I'll be able to find All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt. You've made me want to see that one.
Yes in re: Fair Play!! I had the same visceral reaction. That final confrontation between the two of them was *unbelievable*. God. The film had the courage to LOOK at these things. I thought both actors were just superb!
All Dirt Roads just came out so I imagine you can find it on streaming - although it might take a bit longer to reach you in your location. It's so beautiful and deep and doesn't look like anything else. very moving!
Thanks for this great list. Although you include some films I wish I had skipped (haha), you have many I missed and want to check out. It points to how broken the distribution system is that so many good movies no longer get seen or even have a true opportunity to gain a following. THANK YOU for not letting them get lost altogether!
" I wish I had skipped " LOL!!!
Our distribution system is so broken and it kills me. I really feel it's a duty to "bang the drum" for "small" films which ... just have no chance in the GLUT of "content". Ugh. Let me know what you'd like to check out!
Pretty sure a couple of these didn't get a theatrical run at all.
Well, that's kind of what I'm saying. You don't need to travel to a theatre anymore - most of these are on streaming platforms almost right away - so you are no longer limited to your geography. So in actuality you can participate much EASIER than you could when you had to wait around to see something, wait until it came out on VHS a YEAR later. you just have to want to find things, and also follow the recommendations of people you trust. that's why I sought out Boston Strangler - I never would have even known of its existence if I hadn't read Stephanie's positive review.
It's not a complete list! Wingwomen should probably be on there. But I had to stop somewhere.