The 25 Best Films of 2017: 20-16
20. Split
Has it really been a whole, full year since Split came out? It really has. This is a film that is still as fresh in my mind as it was the first day. I was beyond relieved that we didn’t just have the “good” Shyamalan back, we had the great one back. James McAvoy’s performance is Award Considersation great, and it’s an honest shame that simply based on the fact that because this was a January movie that he would never have the staying power to compete with the other nominees. If this were released in the fall, McAvoy would be in the awards hunt I guarantee it. This film isn’t just dominant on him however, because Anya Taylor-Joy continues to prove that she is one of the absolute brightest stars of the future with a very subtle performance, as well as Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula as the other two girls. Shyamalan also directs the hell out of this film, creating one of the best contained atmosphere’s I’ve been sucked into for quite some time. Of course I couldn’t go talking about this film without mentioning the twist, which is one of the most twisty-ish twists I’ve ever seen in a Shyamalan film, or any film in recent memory to be quite honest.
19. Brawl in Cell Block 99
Who saw this? I thought that as the critical reception for this grew so rapidly that we would start seeing Vince Vaughn at least get in the conversation for a Best Actor Mom. While that never came into fruition, I nevertheless have an immense love for this dark, dirty, grim thriller myself. As you have likely heard already, this film is a throwback to the grind-house films of old. Despite the incredible format and layout in the film as Vaughn progresses through, it gives the audience this feeling of what could he possibly do next. If haven’t made it clear rt, Vaughn is 100% worthy of an Academy Award Nomination. I think that the different emotional lengths that Vaughn goes through in this film, from emotionally tender moments, to moments of pure, unadulterated rage and anger, every moment feels authentic and lived in. S. Craig Zahler, the man behind the bold vision of Bone Tomahawk, has created yet another tightly directed film that doesn't let you breathe for a second in its seamless 2 hour and 12 minute run time that absolutely zips by.
18. I, Tonya
I was a little late to the party on I, Tonya, considering that my first and only viewing thus far of it was about a week ago, but it has certainly left quite the impression on me. In one of the best sports biopics in the past 20 or 30 years, this is one of the most honest looks at a controversial figure like Tonya Harding that you'll ever see. While you understand that Harding made decisions throughout her life that put her in very difficult situations later on, you can't help but feel sympathetic for her due to her terribly unfortunate circumstances that came about from it. Craig Gillespie makes some very intelligent stylistic decisions in the process of directing this film that on paper may not completely work, but really brought a significant amount of originality and flavor to this well edited, compelling story. What could be said about Margot Robbie and Allison Janney has already been said, but not enough credit has been given to Sebastian Stan for his work as Jeff Gilooly. He offers a significantly beneficial mix of subtly and fear disguised as power in a performance truly worthy of award consideration.
17. Hounds of Love
One of the most brave directorial debuts I've ever seen. This may not be the best directorial debut ever, but I dare you to find a debut more raw and ballsy than Ben Young's Hounds of Love. This is one of the most uncomfortable films I've ever seen. Despite the fact that this film is absolutely incredible, I had to take a break halfway through this film due to the fact that it is so brutal and holds absolutely nothing back. Young's direction of this film is seamless, and in all honesty almost perfect. Some of the shots here will be ingrained in my head for the rest of my life. On top of Young's flawless direction, I cannot give enough praise for the challenging work Ashleigh Cummings, who plays Vicki in the film, does. She has an incredibly believable arc that is very difficult for any seasoned actor to pull off, and she goes through it with ease. Emma Booth is also a major standout for her delicate performance as well. While this film is not for everyone, due to it's overwhelmingly raw nature, it is a must see for anyone who can handle its difficult material.
16. The Lost City of Z
Very few films filled me with the amount of awe and wonder that The Lost City of Z managed to fill me. While James Gray is definitely a seasoned director with incredible talent, this is easily his greatest film to date. This honestly feels like an Indiana Jones film if it were a biopic with a more serious tone. Gray does a fantastic job with encapsulating the enormous scope of the Amazon in this film, swallowing you up into an ansolut adventure while simultaneously having you feel the real life stakes of the film. Hunham is undeniably at his best (film wise) here, accurately capturing the relaxing nature of explorer Percy Fawcett. If you thought Tom Holland was a one trick pony as Spider-Man, you’d be wrong. He offers a fantastically subtle performance as Fawcett’s son, as well as additional fantastic performances from Sienna Miller as well as Robert Pattinson, who himself once again proves that he is an awards worthy actor. While all the actors do shine, the star on hand here is clearly Gray and he deserves all the credit in the world for what he did here.
