Although marked by another theatrical release, 2022 offered moviegoers a nice selection of American and foreign films. Here are 15 that will stay in our memories.
• Also read: “Avatar: the way of the water”: the great return of James Cameron
Top Gun: Maverick
The tireless Tom Cruise hit a real home run in this sequel to the cult 1986 film, which received critical and critical acclaim and broke box office records. Admirably directed by Joseph Kosinski (Oblivion), this high quality blockbuster shines with a perfect balance of emotion, nostalgia and dizzying flight sequences. (MD)
elvis
For his return to cinema, nine years after the release of his reinterpretation of Gatsby the Magnificent, filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) offered a musical drama worthy of the legend of Elvis Presley, grandiose, extravagant and spectacular fresco. Appropriating both the gestures and the torments of the king, actor Austin Butler knew how to compose a stunning Elvis of truth. (MD)
Everything, everywhere, all at once
From the unbridled imagination of writers and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this film is joyous excess. The premise, however, is simple: a Chinese immigrant laundry owner (Michelle Yeoh) has a run-in with a financial inspector (Jamie Lee Curtis) and must save the world (just that!) in multiple dimensions simultaneously. It’s crazy, happy and full of vitality. (HI)
bones and all
The brilliant Luca Guadagnino (Call me by your name or Suspiria) focuses this time on a tale of cannibalism. Abandoned by her father because of her longing for human flesh, Maren (Taylor Russell) goes in search of her biological mother in the American Midwest in the 1980s, where she discovers love in the person of Lee (Timothée Chalamet) and also will come across a whole gallery of disturbing or strange characters like Sully (Mark Rylance) or Jake (Michael Stuhlbarg). (HI)
Without filter
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the last Cannes Film Festival, Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund (Force Majeure) signs one of the most amazing and scathing films of 2022 in this dark comedy. We follow the adventures of a young couple of models and influencers (Charlbi Dean and Harris Dickinson) for a cruise on a luxury yacht in the company of an ultra-rich clientele. Both brilliant and grotesque, Unfiltered offers a hard-hitting reflection on opulence and the excesses of capitalism. (MD)
Julie (in 12 chapters)
One of the big surprises of the year, this bittersweet comedy from Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier won Best Actress at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival for the bright and radiant portrayal of actress Renate Reinsve. Halfway between romantic comedy and study of manners, the film tells the story of a woman struggling to find her way in life in her early thirties. (MD)
The event
Winner of the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival, this hard-hitting drama from French director Audrey Diwan follows a clandestine abortion in 1960s France. Shocking and at times even unbearable, this hard-hitting adaptation of writer Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel is borne by the intense and heartbreaking performance of young actress Anamaria Vartolomei. (MD)
lost illusions
Who would have thought that a book by Honoré de Balzac written in the mid-19th century would still be so relevant and modern almost 200 years later? With this masterful adaptation of the novel Lost Illusions, French filmmaker Xavier Giannoli signs a sumptuous and fascinating fresco whose theme still resonates strongly today. Alongside Vincent Lacoste and a certain Xavier Dolan, the actor Benjamin Voisin shines as an ambitious young poet. (MD)
The Banshees by Inisherin
One day, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) decides he doesn’t want to be friends with Padraic (Colin Farrell) anymore. However, the two men live on a tiny island off the coast of Ireland, which has only one pub and one church. So it’s impossible not to meet, especially since Colm doesn’t mention the reasons that make him want to end this friendship. With typically Irish humor, this feature film by Martin McDonagh deals with kindness and love with sophistication and emotion. (HI)
tar
Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett, phenomenal) is the first female conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. But her behavior catches up with her. Filmmaker Todd Field methodically examines the mechanism of abuse of power, sexual favors in the workplace, Cate Blanchett – this awards season’s big favorite – plays this role of a woman who abuses her power brilliantly. (HI)
Black Panther: Long live Wakanda
The disappearance of Chadwick Boseman – pervades almost every scene in this new Black Panther, a tribute film to the late actor. The imaginary Wakanda is threatened this time by ruthless people who want to appropriate the indestructible metal vibranium. Masterfully directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o, this new installment is every bit as political and successful as its predecessor. (HI)
Under the sun
Irish actor Paul Mescal, who stars in the series Normal People, delivers a heartbreaking performance as a young father on the loose in this superb first feature film from Charlotte Wells. Inspired by her own childhood memories, the filmmaker was able to film the relationship between an 11-year-old girl and her divorced father with overwhelming tenderness and sensitivity during a week-long holiday under the sun in Turkey. (MD)
red alert
Animated films from Pixar studios are always an event and this one is no exception to the rule. Choosing a tender look at a young Asian girl’s transition into puberty, filmmaker Domee Shi tackles the highly topical issues of menstruation, the desire to break free from the shackles of family, and cultural traditions. A gem for the whole family! (HI)
Good luck to you Leo Grande
What actress other than Emma Thompson would agree to strip in front of a camera? In this refreshing comedy drama, she plays a widowed former teacher who turns to a prostitute (Daryl McCormack) to find with her husband the carnal pleasure she never knew. Brilliantly shot by director Sophie Hyde, the feature film is nominated for a Golden Globes, Emma Thompson delivers a memorable performance that many women will easily recognize. (HI)
barbarian
Filmmaker Zach Cregger has brought horror fans the best surprise of 2022 with Barbarian, a violent, depraved and – obviously – barbaric film. A true rollercoaster of strong emotions that the characters certainly have a hard time ignoring… and neither do the moviegoers. (BL)