The 25 Best Films of 2017: 25-21
I unabashedly loved 2017. Despite jerking off to La La Land last year (I hate to say it, but I take that literally), I found this to be one of the most diverse years of film in quite some time. Finding my favorite films of the year wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, however difficult it was to put them in the order that felt most suitable and deserving to this year's list. Whether it be visually, narratively, or even metaphorically, this is the beginning of the countdown of MY opinion of this year's greatest cinematic achievements.
25. Stronger
I've made it painstakingly clear how much of a criminally underrated actor Mr. Gyllenhaal is. The balance of unequivocal subtlety as well as commanding power he provides to his roles has been greatly taken for granted in his lack of Academy Award nominations (*cough cough* Nightcrawler). Whether it's Zodiac, Brokeback Mountain, Prisoners, Source Code, Enemy, even last year's Nocturnal Animals, he is constantly challenging himself in roles that are new and different for him. This makes him to this day one of the reasons why you go see a film with Gyllenhaal in it, because that is why you go see Stronger. Gyllenhaal once again provides an award worthy performance as Jeff Bauman, a man who gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time at the Boston Marathon bombings. Gyllenhaal provides an incredible amount of nuanced force in this role as a man attempting to come to terms with his situation he finds himself in in life. While he is great, Tatiana Maslany also deserves all the credit in the world playing his girlfriend. It's so great seeing her breaking away from her great work in Orphan Black to moving towards other material like this. David Jordan Green also gives us a great film to remind us that despite his slip ups that he has a knack for personal, emotional, narrative driven films.
24. Okja
One of the most bold and original films of 2017 came from Bong Joon-Ho's follow up to Snowpiercer. Okja balances so much tonally that other films could only dream of. You're able to believe the joy and happiness of the fantastical relationship between Mija and Okja in a film that is very adult and only intended for that audience due to the fact that in a way, it plays out like a kids film that only grown adults should watch. The outlying themes of environmental conservation as well as the underlying themes of finding an emotional connection from the most unlikely of places creates a very topical film for this day and age. See-Hyun Ahn is a major standout and someone to look for in the years to come for come, as well as yet another good performance from Paul Dano. Despite that, Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal steal every single scene that they are in, playing characters that become dangerously close to coming off as cartoonish and unreal, but essentially satirize modern day society, and the way we handle certain political and ethical situations.
23. Detroit
One of the most criminally forgotten about films that seems to have left the public conscious during this Awards Season is Kathryn Bigelow's third historically dramatic film in her rise as one of the greatest filmmakers we have living today. Detroit holds no punches, getting to the uncomfortable reality of one of the darkest periods of American history. While Bigelow focuses on a particular situation within The Detroit Riots, that doesn't distract from the masterful direction and acting at work. The handheld camerawork used within this film might be the best use of it in 2017, creating a tight, cramped, nauseating feeling within the Algiers Motel. I would throw so many the incredible performances from here into Oscar consideration, whether it be Will Poulter's commanding and haunting performance as Krauss, or John Boyega's incredibly subtle performance. The ensemble as a whole shines so brightly in this dark and deeply unsettling tale of the state of racism in the height of the civil rights war in America, and how it hasn't been entirely dismissed in our culture. It's not a historical drama for everyone, because it is one of the most intense films of the year, but if you are prepared to handle the heavy, important material Bigelow has on show, then you should take the time to watch this incredible film.
22. Ingrid Goes West
Ingrid Goes West very well may be the most relevant film we'll see this year. A film in 2017 about the obsession with self-image, popularity, and the horrific dangers of social media. The terrifying thing is that the outlandish things that occur in this film aren't entirely too far off from what could actually happen in real life, and should legitimately frighten people. Audrey Plaza easily gives the best performance of her career here, going to such a place of insanity, but you totally buy into it because of the way the material is handled not only by Plaza's performance, but Matt Spicer's direction of the film, as well as his and David Branson Smith's handling of the subtly of the script. Elizabeth Olson, O'Shea Jackson Jr, Wyatt Russell as always are all great. It was great to also see Billy Magnusson stand out so much in this film after seeing him stand out MUCH more than I ever really would have liked from him.
21. Get Out
I tell people that Get Out more or less is an anthem to all of those who thought racism was no longer a serious thing in our mainstream culture. It's never left, and in all honesty it may never leave, as proven by the swift, seamless script and direction of Jordan Peele. This is one of the greatest directorial debuts in recent memory. Peele is able to ride such a fine line between horror and comedy and serious dramatic themes with such effortless ease. It's a serious, frightening wake up call to the world around us that things are not okay and may never be okay. The entire ensemble here is fantastic, from Kaluuya to Allison Williams to Bradley Whitford to Keener to Caleb Landry Jones. Kaluuya was the one who was recognized, but really I view it as a way to recognize the cast as a whole because they all deserve mounds of praise and recognition.
