1. Parasite
"Parasite" hit different, y'know? It wasn't just a thriller; it was a whole mood on class warfare and the absurdities of capitalism. Bong Joon-ho didn't just tell a story; he crafted an experience that left everyone collectively gasping and side-eyeing their own socio-economic standing. And that house? Iconic. The film was a masterclass in tension, uncomfortable truths, and proving that sometimes, the real monsters are just... people.
2. Get Out
Jordan Peele really said, "Let's make a horror film that's also a biting social commentary," and delivered. This movie wasn't just scary; it tapped into a collective anxiety about race and appropriation that resonated deep. The Sunken Place became instant meme fodder, but also a stark metaphor for systemic oppression. It's the kind of film that sparks conversations long after the credits roll, proving horror can be smart AF.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Okay, so this one just *is* chaotic good energy personified. It's a multiverse-hopping, intergenerational trauma-healing, hot dog-fingered masterpiece. The Daniels threw everything at the wall, and somehow, it all stuck, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant ride. It’s about finding meaning amidst the absurd, and honestly, who among us hasn’t felt that? Truly a maximalist triumph.
4. Moonlight
Barry Jenkins understood the assignment. This film is pure poetry, tracing a young Black man's journey through identity, love, and self-discovery across three pivotal stages of his life. It’s tender, heartbreaking, and fiercely beautiful, showcasing vulnerability and strength in ways mainstream cinema often misses. The cinematography alone is a character, wrapping you in its melancholic embrace. A quiet, powerful storm.
5. Nomadland
Chloé Zhao gave us a quiet epic. This film wasn't about grand gestures but the subtle poetry of existence for those living on the fringes of society. It's a meditation on grief, resilience, and the American spirit of finding freedom on the open road. Frances McDormand's performance is just *chef's kiss*, blending fiction with real-life nomads to create something deeply authentic and profoundly moving.
6. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma created a masterpiece of longing and intense female gaze. This isn't just a period drama; it's a slow-burn romance that *feels* every stolen glance, every brush of hands. The story of an artist and her subject falling for each other is told with such exquisite beauty and emotional depth, it's almost painful. The ending? Lives rent-free in my head, always.
