The Tragedy Of Macbeth

Joel Coen’s solo debut contains what I think is one of the finest examples of digital cinematography I have ever seen. Like the very best, David Lynch, Michael Mann, Ang Lee, and Danny Boyle, Coen is not interested in replicating film, instead leaning on the digital look, creating a unique atmosphere, one that complements the stunning production design, an inspired use of a minimalist aesthetic. Denzel Washington practically redefines the role, and the rest of the cast is aces as well. Lots to love here.

The Novice

This doesn’t add a whole lot to the whole “ambitious person does everything they can to be the best at something” subgenre, but it boils down to execution. Not only is Isabelle Fuhrman an amazing lead, giving one of the more harrowing performances of 2021, writer/director Lauren Hadaway tackles the material with an incredible eye and a propulsion style that keeps you glued to the screen. Definitely keep an eye on her, she’s got great things coming.

83

This might be a weird comparison, but 83 is like the Dunkirk of sports movies. Dunkirk was a stripped down exercise that tried to remove as much of the film artifice as a way to keep you engaged through experiencing the visceral nature of war. 83 is a mostly stripped down exercise that takes out almost all the usual tropes and side stories you’d usually see in an underdog sports movie, instead keeping you engaged through experiencing the visceral nature of watching a high stakes game. We follow the Indian cricket team as they play they’re way through the 1983 world cup, with no one believing they’re going to win. Some of the patriotic flourishes are pretty hokey, but as someone not too into sports, I was invested and the performances are strong across the board.

France

Sometimes a lead performance is so good that it can push a good but kind of all over the place film into something truly great. That’s what Léa Seydoux does in Bruno Dumont’s satire on the French media. The satire doesn’t have a ton of focus and goes in a lot of odd directions, but when it works, it works beautifully. It’s often quite funny and Seydoux owns the role. I wish she was in the awards conversation, but her time will come soon enough.

The Worst Person In The World

I was practically ready to not like this, not that I wanted to, but I was very much not vibing with the trailer. Just didn’t seem like my cup of tea, but I’m very happy I checked it out because it’s a wonderful piece of filmmaking, and like with tick, tick…BOOM!, I found myself connecting with it in ways I didn’t expect. It’s one that has also stayed with me, moments playing out in my head since I’ve seen it. That’s a sign a movie really worked for me, and I think, if you give this a shot, it will speak to you as well.

Memoria

So, this is hard to recommend, and not only because of its slow, meditative, and odd nature, but also because of its strange release strategy. It’s going to one theater at a time, and with zero plans for streaming or home media. I feel like it will eventually hit digital, but it might take a while, and it’s a shame because this is one that’s worth a look, even if you might not like it. It has a quality to it, a quiet intensity that lurks underneath the soft and tender touch that Tilda Swinton gives the film. Not sure what to take from it, but it’s one I thought about for a while.

The next part will come out sometime next week, and the final Top 50 list should follow not too long after. Be sure to keep an eye out! If you have any thoughts on these films, whether you’ve seen it or are looking forward to them, feel free to hit the comments!

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