Top Ten of 2018

So, it’s time for THE LIST: the ten best films I saw in the cinema in 2018. What a year – it was almost impossible to choose just ten (please note honourable mentions at the end).

In alphabetical order, here we go …

A Star is Born: I knew that I would love this film, pretty much just based on the concept and its two leads. But, boy, did I love it. The love story; the songs; the tragedy. Right up my musical and dramatic street.

Bad Times at the El Royale: One of the most entertaining films of the years, Bad Times is not without flaws. But with a wonderful cast, some whip-smart dialogue, and a super stylish look, I had an absolute ball.

Death of Stalin: This political farce by the master of the genre (Armando Iannucci) is a riotous joy to behold. So smart, so funny, so ridiculous, so on-point. And worth the price of admission alone is Jason Isaacs, clearly having the time of his life.

The Favourite: Yorgos Lanthimos is fast becoming my favourite director. Following on from his surreal masterpieces The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer is The Favourite – an absolute treat, with three wondrous performances from its female triumvirate.

Mary Poppins Returns: I was a nervous wreck before seeing this film. Why even touch such a beloved classic?!! Well, I needn’t have worried. More of a remake/homage than a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns delivers. Blunt and Miranda are delightful. I grinned throughout.

Phantom Thread: A cinematic masterclass – in acting, directing, writing, scoring, everything. This beautifully quirky film has stayed with me all year. And I can’t order breakfast – or even think about sausages – without remembering that particular scene and chuckling.

Roma: Both a sweeping visual masterpiece and an intimate telling of domestic life in 1970s Mexico, Roma was simply beautiful. A film in which everything and nothing happens all at once.

The Square: There are few films that I would recommend to almost no one, but The Square is one. A wonderfully astute poke at the modern art world, this film is baffling, funny, and completely bonkers. With one of the most disturbing scenes I can remember in quite some time.

Tea with the Dames: At 84 minutes long, this wonderful film is several hours too short. In fact, I could spend days and days with these four formidable Dames. Utterly delightful.

Upgrade: A properly violent, grown-up action flick. The compelling concept really delivers, with a great anchoring performance from Marshall-Green. At a refreshingly tight 95 minutes, Upgrade is sharp and funny.

And some honourable mentions: At Eternity’s Gate, Coco, First Man, Isle of Dogs, Ladies in Black, Ladybird, McKellan – Playing the Part, R.B.G., Vice, Widows