1. Moonlight
Okay, so *Moonlight* just hits different, you know? It's a masterclass in showing how identity forms, especially for a young Black man navigating vulnerability and love. The cinematography? Chef's kiss. It’s about finding yourself in a world that doesn't always make space for you, and the tenderness between characters feels so real. It’s not just a story, it's a whole mood that sticks with you long after. Pure, raw emotion.
2. Parasite
Bong Joon-ho really said 'eat the rich' but made it a suspenseful, darkly comedic, and utterly unforgettable ride. This film is a socio-economic rollercoaster, exposing the brutal realities of class warfare with surgical precision. The way it builds tension and then flips everything on its head? Iconic. It’s a sharp, uncomfortable look in the mirror, showing how systems chew people up. And honestly, it lives rent-free in my head.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
This movie is basically a fever dream in the best way possible. It's got multiverse chaos, hot dog fingers, and enough existential dread to make you call your mom. But beneath all the wild visuals and action, it's a profoundly moving immigrant story about family, trauma, and finding joy in the mundane. It’s maximalist storytelling that somehow feels incredibly intimate. Absolutely understood the assignment on feelings.
4. Nomadland
Chloé Zhao just gets it. This film is a quiet, powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and the search for community in a crumbling American dream. Frances McDormand as Fern is just *everything*, embodying the spirit of those living on the margins of society. It’s a road movie that feels less about destination and more about the journey of self-discovery amidst economic precarity. A deeply empathetic watch.
5. CODA
This one just melts your heart, truly. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story about Ruby, the only hearing member of a deaf family, navigating her own dreams while balancing family loyalty. The way it centers deaf culture and communication, showing rather than telling, is so impactful. And when she sings? Instant tears. It’s a reminder that finding your voice often means bridging worlds. Wholesome and powerful.
6. Get Out
Jordan Peele redefined modern horror with this. It’s not just scary; it's a razor-sharp critique of insidious racism, wrapped in a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. The tension is palpable, and the social commentary is so on point, it hurts. It’s one of those films that sparks conversations and genuinely makes you think about what lies beneath polite surfaces. A masterclass in genre-bending.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Whew, the *gaze* in this one. Céline Sciamma delivers pure cinematic poetry, exploring forbidden love and artistic creation through an unapologetically female lens. The longing, the unspoken feelings, the way every shot is a painting – it's breathtaking. It’s about seeing and being seen, and the power of connection that transcends time. A truly gorgeous, deeply emotional experience. Iconic queer cinema.
8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This isn't just an animation flex, it's a whole cultural moment. The visual style is groundbreaking, sure, but it’s the heart of Miles Morales’ story, the themes of identity and belonging, and the sheer joy of seeing diverse heroes that truly elevate it. It showed everyone how to do a multiverse right, with style, humor, and genuine emotional stakes. A blueprint for future storytelling.
9. Minari
This film is like a warm hug and a gentle ache all at once. It’s a tender, honest portrayal of an immigrant family chasing the American dream, rooted in the soil of Arkansas. The struggles are real, the hope is fragile, and the performances are just incredible. It’s about resilience, family bonds, and what it truly means to make a home, even when everything feels uncertain. Deeply moving and authentic.
