For the first time in eons, I truly didn’t struggle with making a top 10 list. My top 10 films of 2015 list has remained virtually unchanged since mid-December, when I saw my #1 Spotlight despite some late challengers, one (Carol) of which managed to dazzle me so much that I had to include it. So what then does that say about the film year? Well, I saw 77 films, a bit low for me, but understandable given I didn’t really attend a festival, but I have to say that this might have been one of my favorite film years, in terms of theater going. Sure there were some bad films, but overall, 2015 had an interestingly diverse slate of films, as you can see by the films I have chosen to represent the year. In my top 10 you’ll find everything from a children’s book adaptation about a daring feat to a bristling drama told only through sign language to a scifi thriller. Here are my top 10 films of 2015!
10. The Walk
Reasons: Whimsical, fairytale storytelling + emotional resonance without being cheap + dazzling Walk sequence
9. Straight Outta Compton
Reasons: Perfect Black Lives Matter movement film + scalding performances + epic sweep
8. About Elly
Reasons: Farhadi’s unique worldview on human nature and religion + ensemble is great + mysterious soundscape
7. The Tribe
Reasons: the most shocking ending of the year + no subtitles = immersion + those long agonizing takes
6. Carol
Reasons: Phenomenal cinematography + two brilliant lead characterizations + tight script
5. Brooklyn
Reasons: CLassical filmmaking + swoon worthy acting + character depth
4. Magic Mike XXL
Reasons: For delivering the biggest spectacle of any film + new movement on old characters + Andie and Jada
3. Inside Out
Reasons: Brilliant pyschosis + engaging visuals + fantastic voice work
2. Ex Machina
Reasons: Intelligent script, without being expository + ace technical aspects + great acting + the dance number!
1. Spotlight
Reasons: The film doesn’t do a single thing wrong
You can see how my 2015 top 10 stacks up against other years stretching back to 1995 by going here.