10. Asteroid City (Dir. Wes Anderson)
It always surprises me when someone says that Wes Anderson, at this point in his career, plays it safe or makes very similar movies. Asteroid City is Anderson at his most daring, and the final product is one of his most complex films. The story is an unorthodox exploration of the making of a play within a televised broadcast, layered over the lives of its characters and the performers playing them. Unsurprisingly, Anderson’s signature visual flair continues to impress. However, Asteroid City also demonstrates the director’s willingness to experiment, grappling with how art helps us understand our place in the world, particularly in times of grief.
9. The Green Knight (Dir. David Lowery)
David Lowery’s The Green Knight is a visually stunning adaptation of the Arthurian legend, transforming the tale of Sir Gawain into a surreal and meditative journey. Dev Patel delivers a career-best performance as Gawain, a young knight grappling with his insecurities and the weight of honor and legacy as he embarks on a quest to confront the mysterious Green Knight. Lowery’s direction is mesmerizing, blending dreamlike visuals that immerse viewers in a medieval world unlike anything we’ve seen.
8. The Zone of Interest (Dir. Jonathan Glazer)
Jonathan Glazer’s return to directing after ten years, The Zone of Interest continues to show Glazer’s fearlessness in experimenting with the form. Using unorthodox techniques like static, meticulously composed framing, and an unsettling sound design that contrasts with the horrors lurking beyond the frame, The Zone of Interest is a haunting film.
What makes the film so exceptional is its timeliness. While a period piece, the film holds a mirror up to the current world and how we all selfishly tune out the darkness around us. By portraying the banality of evil through the everyday lives of a Nazi officer’s family living next to Auschwitz, Glazer forces the viewer to confront their own complicity in ignoring suffering for the sake of comfort.
7. Dune Part II (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part II continues the saga of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny among the Fremen. The sequel masterfully expands on the foundations laid in Part I, delivering stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and intense character development. Timothée Chalamet shines as Paul, a young man seeking vengeance for his family while grappling with the morality of his decisions. Part II also boasts an incredible ensemble, headlined by newcomer Austin Butler, who gives a gripping and sinister turn as Feyd-Rautha, the dark parallel to Paul. Villeneuve’s unparalleled sense of scale continues to reach new levels, as his vision of Arrakis is equal parts beautiful and grand. Like the book it adapts, the film strikes an incredible balance of complex political intrigue and pulse-pounding action sequences.
6. The Worst Person in the World (Dir. Joachim Trier)
Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World is a poignant exploration of modern love, identity, and the uncertainty of life. Renate Reinsve delivers a career-defining performance as Julie, a restless young woman navigating her late 20s and early 30s, torn between relationships, career paths, and the search for purpose. Trier succeeds most in capturing the messiness of life, crafting a story with unflinching honesty, blending humor, heartbreak, and moments of quiet reflection. Julie’s internal struggles are deeply relatable. With a sharp script co-written by Trier and Eskil Vogt, the story avoids clichés, instead offering a raw and layered portrayal of a woman learning to embrace her imperfections.
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