Leave No Trace
A beautifully realised drama, directed by Debra Granik, that tells the moving story of a father and daughter living on the fringes of society with profound insight and an uplifting sense of human kindness.
Phantom Thread
Paul Thomas Anderson’s darkly comic gothic tale featured sublime performances from all involved, another magnificent score from Jonny Greenwood and the greatest breakfast order ever committed to screen.
Avengers: Infinity War
The most exciting cinematic experience of the year came in at 2 hours and 29 minutes and managed to bring 18 films and countless characters together without sagging or dragging and leaving us on the highest of highs with a mind-blowing climax. Bring on the Endgame!
Lady Bird
Indie queen Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut was a warmly touching, ever relatable, coming-of-age movie with humour, heart and a great central performance from the always fantastic Saoirse Ronan.
BlacKkKlansman
Spike Lee’s latest joint is a seventies set (based on a true) story that’s hilarious, fun and slick but it packs a powerful punch with the politics as urgent as ever and the final scene leaving a lasting anger way after the credits have rolled.
Minding the Gap
First time director Bing Liu brings his past traumas and family pain to the fore in a heart-wrenching and honest portrait of abuse, friendship and masculinity. My favourite documentary of the year.
A Star is Born
An emotional rollercoaster as Bradley Cooper and Lady Ga Ga bring this classic melodrama to the screen for its fourth incarnation. The soundtrack of the year still leaves me spinning.
The Old Man & the Gun
The Most Charming Film of the Year. Robert Redford and Sissy Spaceck twinkle and sparkle in a film steeped in nostalgia and old school talent.
Black Panther
Wakanda forever!
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
A summery, sugary treat with fabulous flares and songs that speak for themselves. I cried, a lot.
The Favourite
With an acerbic tone, a shockingly witty script and a perfect cast, Yorgos Lanthimos’ strange and swirling period piece is utterly marvellous as Olivia Colman brings pathos and petulance to her Queen Anne.