Wonder Watchlist

Another year of moviegoing has come to an end, a year that was filled with great films. For myself, I traveled to cinemas across Michigan, once to Boston, and I even drove to the Toronto International Film Festival to watch 81 films in theaters this year. That doesn’t include all the films I watched from my own physical media collection or even via the generous screening links from studios. I made a valiant effort to expand the genres, languages, and filmmakers that are outside of my go-to… of course, the usual suspects make an appearance here and there. This year has brought me some of the best film-going experiences of my life, getting to watch some colossal films with friends I have made by chatting about movies online. Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoy this list; I will see you next year.

Honorable Mentions – Before we truly get this party started, here’s a handful of films that rocked but just missed my list: The People’s Joker, Cuckoo, Juror #2, Heretic, Strange Darling, Monkey Man, The Outrun, The Piano Lesson, and Fresh Kills.

25. Gladiator II – Dir. Ridley Scott

As a lifelong Ridley Scott fan, I was over the moon when I found out there was going to be another Gladiator film. My expectations were easily met with this film: beautiful costumes, epic coliseum fights, and a dazzling performance from Denzel Washington. My appreciation for Scott grows each year he continues to make films at a scale like Gladiator II. A glorious story that weaves elements from the first film and ties well to its sequel.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: IMAX Theater

24. Babygirl – Dir, Halin Reijn

This year has been my year of Nicole Kidman as I’ve watched well over a half dozen of her films in the last few months. She truly just has it, that star power that entices you. It works so well in Babygirl, everything about her life, her successful CEO job, her beautiful family, and hot side piece Harris Dickinson makes her a point of envy. I loved how Reijn frames female sexuality as something to explore, focusing on pleasure-seeking without recourse. There are only a few films this year where I wished I could’ve been in a packed group for, and this is one of them.

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

23. Immaculate – Dir. Michael Mohan

A performance from Sydney Sweeney that disturbed me for a long while; that final scene is haunting! I really loved seeing her in this role, not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. The environment the film was shot in was nothing short of stunning, with the Italian countryside paired with the pits of hell in the latter part of the film. Packed with stomach-turning performances and lessons in bodily autonomy within religion.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

22. Conclave – Dir. Edward Berger

Who knew that the cardinals could be so petty? So messy? Not me! Edward Berger brings us non-enlightened folks into the sacred duty of picking a new pope, and are the politics ever at play. This was a film I had no idea was a thing until I was attempting to buy a ticket at TIFF24 this year. I was instantly sold seeing a picture of Ralph Fiennes dripped out in red. This film has been my number one recommended movie to any and all family members; it’s meticulously made, highly entertaining, and holds just enough fantasy in the conclave ritual to keep you guessing.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

21. A Different Man – Dir. Aaron Schimberg

I was pretty hesitant to check this one out for the longest time, and I’m rather sad that I waited so long to watch it. This one hit me in a way akin to The Substance did, albeit not as strongly, but still. It’s one of those films that reminds us all that it’s not always greener on the other side, and that our mindset on things impacts our world much more than appearance. Adam Pearson charmed the hell out of me with his role here, and I can’t wait to see what he does next. I really enjoyed what Sebastian Stan did in this; his descent into his final act was remarkable.

Where I Watched: Awards Screener

20. Queer – Dir. Luca Guadagnino

Queer will go down as having one of my favorite needle drops of the year, no outright spoilers here, but as a grunge girly, I was living. I am most definitely a fan of Guadagnino’s work; Challengers will be spotted on this list, don’t you worry, but I admit I wasn’t totally sold on Queer the first time I watched it. By now I’m sure you’ve heard of the final act; I think it’s akin to a gay Indiana Jones adventure. But it was only the second time I watched the film that I really connected with what the film was saying: “I’m not queer, I’m disembodied.” It is my favorite performance from Daniel Craig; he goes all out… and then some.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

19. Longlegs – Dir. Osgood Perkins

Really enjoyed how the vibes of this were dreadful the entire time, look there’s a time before cake face Nicolas Cage and after, with an in-between that makes your skin crawl. Loved how the story unraveled with the police procedural work with Maika Monroe and Blair Underwood reminiscent of Mindhunter. Although I didn’t find it as horrifying as some would claim it is, the winter cinematography in the opening of the film, along with yet another phenomenal performance to add to Monroe’s belt, it’s still an enjoyable time with quite the twist.

My Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

18. The Girl With The Needle – Dir. Magnus Von Horn

What a film to close out my first in-person film festival! Again, this was a film I had really no clue what the premise was. All I knew was that it was a post-war film, which sign me up, in black and white—also obsessed—and female-led, which couldn’t be more up my alley. And wow, was I in for the most intense, unsettling, and disturbing 123 minutes of my life. Without saying much about the twist, the film shows the importance of bodily autonomy in a world filled with cruelty. My walk back to my hotel was filled with the haunting face of Vic Carmen Sonne, who gives one of the best performances I’ve seen this year.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

17. TRAP – Dir. M. Night Shyamalan

What I claim as the most fun theater experience I’ve had all year, some will call me crazy. But I stand firmly on the ground that TRAP is genuinely entertaining with a rather heartfelt message about a father balancing his work and being a parent. Shyamalan balances concert pieces, a cat-and-mouse chase, and suspense masterfully. Josh Hartnett as the perfect dad with a sinister double life is casting made in heaven; his ability to charm his way through each obstacle he faces is no small feat. What could’ve made this movie better? If the couple next to me in my showing didn’t guess every twist incorrectly.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

16. Nightbitch – Dir. Marielle Heller

As someone who has been a Nightbitcher since that first not-so-satisfactory trailer was released, it brings me much pleasure to add this film to my list. There’s nothing I cherish more in this world than Amy Adams; getting to personally thank her after a screening for this movie is the highlight of the year. Womanhood is complicated, you know this, and what I love about Nightbitch is that it explores the taboo topics of motherhood everyone shies away from. The film reminded me that I need to be someone worthy of my mother and someone worthy of her body completely rewiring. Love you, Mom.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

15. Nickel Boys – Dir. RaMell Ross

Nickel Boys is unlike anything I’ve seen this year, and if you take this list as a recommendation this one is a must see. One of the most singular film going experiences of the year, shot in the first person for the majority of the movie, allowing you to feel the film with all of your senses. The cinematopgraphy took some getting used to, but it’s utlized so well to make the film immersive. Ross’s use of archival footage is a devastating real world tie in that grounds the film.

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

14. Janet Planet – Dir. Annie Baker

This one goes out to all those girls who love their moms, like their moms gave birth to their own best friends type of love. This film feels like a poem a little girl writes about how she misses her mom so much, a sweet, soft, introverted girl. I loved watching the mother and daughter duo live their lives together through complicated moments, making core memories, and discovering who they are with each other. It shows the special connection mothers and daughters have, with all the awkward, silly moments that hold the bond together. It reminded me of summers at home with my mom planting flowers.

Where I Watched: MAX

13. I Saw The TV Glow – Dir. Jane Schoenbrun

I remember trying to find tickets for this at any theater within a 100-mile radius when this was getting a wide release. Living in nowhere-ville, Michigan, it gets tough with A24 at times to see their films, but alas I found one, and then my existential crisis began. Being 30 hasn’t been easy; I know I’m still young, but I can see the younger version of myself, and the version of myself that I wanted to be fading. Growing into a person that I didn’t imagine I was going to be, losing interest in the things that once held comfort for me. There are many points where I connected with this film, loved the pink glow of it all.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

12. The Brutalist – Dir. Brady Corbet

Forever grateful to whatever powers that be for me being able to experience this film in 70mm at the Toronto International Film Festival. If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love long movies that are also devastating to some degreee. Admittedly, this was my first Corbet film, and needless to say, I was highly impressed. It’s one of those films that I don’t even feel intelligent enough to speak about. What I loved is how it explores art and the enduring nature of it; it transcends time, standing staunchly in its meaning. That beautiful Vista Vision was a theater-going experience that I won’t forget for a long time, grateful to catch this art in my life in its finest form.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

11. Sing Sing – Dir. Greg Kwedar

There isn’t a film on this list that I had to wait longer to see than Sing Sing, and I would wager good money that I am the last critic to see it… joking, only slightly. This was one of my most anticipated films of the year because Colman Domingo, need I say more? Needless to say, this was a hit for me, and I wish I could experience it all over again. Each emotion is felt deeply through Domingo’s honest portrayal of a man fighting for himself inwardly and outwardly. The importance of the play to those participating means everything to them, captured perfectly in a supporting cast using their lived-in experiences.

Where I Watched: Awards Screener

10. The Last Showgirl – Dir. Gia Coppola

What might have been my most anticipated film of the Toronto International Film Festival, and really the year, was Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl. It was everything I was hoping for and then some. A performance from Pamela Anderson that deserves to be in awards contention. She has a vulnerability to her work in this film that draws you into her life; you feel like one of her friends along for the ride. Living out her final days as the Vegas showgirl she put so much on the line for, forgiving herself for missteps along the way but never holding regrets.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

9. The Seed of The Sacred Fig – Dir. Mohammad Rasoulof

Yet another cat-and-mouse film has made it to my top list of the year, although The Seed of the Sacred Fig is so much more than that. What is the bravest film I’ve had the pleasure of watching this year was filmed in secret over the course of 70 days. This film sheds light on violence towards women and generational ideologies shifting. Rasoulof uses real-world footage to really capture the tension of Iranian protests facing off against their military. Its third act took me completely aback; it’s disorienting, but I can’t deny its brilliance.

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

8. Love Lies Bleeding – Dir. Rose Glass

The definition of a film that was made specifically for me, Kristen Stewart as a lesbian gym manager in the 80s? Sign me up for multiple viewings, please. I thank Rose Glass every day for showing the power of Katy O’Brian, her elegance, her beauty, and that undeniable charm. There’s really nothing I dislike about this film, and how could I? It’s a revenge story that also has some interesting conversations surrounding body dysmorphia and generational abuse. It has my favorite costumes in a film this year—those swishy oversized jackets paired with some jorts. I live inside this movie.

Full Review: Here! (First review in my site ever!)

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

7. All We Imagine As Light – Dir. Payal Kapadia

I was not expecting this film to hit me as hard as it did, but once again I am a sucker for female-led films. Especially those that explore the unique way that women navigate a busy world, how we love and want to be loved. The way the film showed being lonely in a city bustling with people, reflecting on that loneliness while yearning for life. Kapadia makes every emotion feel authentic, as if she is guiding us through life herself. One of the most memorable final shots I’ve seen this year.

Where I Watched: Awards Screener

6. Challengers – Dir. Luca Guadagnino

Seeing this in basically an empty IMAX theater was a personal experience; hearing that sweet, sweet score for the first time all alone, I was spoiled. I’ve never been that big of a sports movie lady, minus Rocky, but I fear my American card would be revoked if I didn’t. Challengers wasn’t just a horny film to me; it explored a young woman seeking to regain power in the most important aspect of her life—one that was taken from her too young—and having to settle for lesser to still feel that rush of victory. Of course, I loved the steamier moments; who doesn’t love when a man melts in their hands? There’s something so intoxicating about this film, and it gets better with each rewatch.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: IMAX Theater

5. Anora – Dir. Sean Baker

Mikey Madison as Anora delivers one of the most magnetic performances of the year; she’s a woman who knows her worth even when she isn’t living up to her potential. She seeks a better life for herself, never relenting in her pursuit. Baker creates a new American dream centering around a woman of the now, balancing an infectious and chaotic energy to show the extreme highs and lows of chasing it. As a newcomer to Baker’s work, I appreciate how he places a spotlight on those that society deems unpleasant or unworthy.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Toronto International Film Festival

4. DUNE: Part Two – Dir. Denis Villeneuve

This has been in my top 5 basically since I first watched it, and after rewatching it fairly recently, its spot is not moving. I’ve never been a huge sci-fi person, but the mysticism surrounding the DUNE universe intrigues me to no end. Have I finished the books? Mind your own business! But the films are monumental to me. The scale of the battles, the way the women are truly the players of the game, and the politics of it all have a grip on me I can’t explain. Timothée Chalamet and the “I’m him” moment he has near the end of DUNE: Part Two reverberates in my brain daily.

Where I Watched: IMAX Theater

3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Dir. George Miller

Alright, I’m going to say it, don’t stop me! In my most humble opinion, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is better than Fury Road. Why? Because it takes the lessons and stories we hear from Furiosa in the earlier film and we see the why to them all. Why she is filled with hope, why she fights so damn hard. It’s clear that Furiosa is a character that Miller loves, and this film is a story he has wanted to tell for years. Anya Taylor-Joy kills it as Furiosa; she’s filled with rage, it’s eating away at her, and paired with Chris Hemsworth, there are moments between them that make my jaw detach from my body. Will I forgive those of you who didn’t plant your butt in a seat to watch it? Maybe someday.

Full Review: Here!

Where I Watched: IMAX Theater

2. The Substance – Dir. Coralie Fargeat

Let me be the first to say that I don’t have a lot of experience with body horror; my frame of reference for it is very surface level. So when I sat for an evening screening of The Substance, I was expecting something gnarly and hard to watch. But when the film ended, I was a pool of my own tears in my favorite reserved seat. I know it’s been talked to death, but Elisabeth locking herself away in her bathroom, hating her reflection, seeking comfort but not feeling worthy of it floored me. If a woman as beautiful as Demi Moore felt these same feelings I had, maybe my insecurities seem just as silly to another. I felt seen in a way I haven’t before with a film; female filmmakers rule.

Where I Watched: Movie Theater

1. Nosferatu – Dir. Robert Eggers

As a lifelong vampire lover, when I found out one of my favorite filmmakers, Robert Eggers, was tackling a remake of Nosferatu, I was elated. The day of watching the film had come; I even bought a hoodie for the occasion, and I truly couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a feast for my eyes that I ate every last bit up. I fell in love with the dark gothic fantasy of it all, and those costumes, especially the women’s, were to die for. Framing the story from the perspective of a young woman made the story that much more compelling. Lily-Rose Depp blew me away with her physical acting skills; the way she can convulse and writhe in a place somewhere between ecstasy and pain was phenomenal.

Listen To Review: Here!

Where I Watched: Movie Theater