Maddie McDougall’s Top Ten Films of 2019

2019 was perhaps the first year where I was very cognizant of recent releases and the films that were most likely going to be up for the big awards; The Oscars, the Globes, etc. I have always been a huge proprietor of watching these award shows every year, but now I have actually seen enough of them to feel as if I can truly understand the struggles that go into narrowing down such competitive categories. 2019 proved to be a fantastic year for me to begin my journey into the world of film as it was filled to the brim with top of the line films and performances to populate the lineup for the 2020 award season. My full list of 2019 films ranked can be found here. Without further ado, in honor of the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards ceremony, here is my list of the top 10 films of 2019. Enjoy.

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Joe Lollo’s Top Ten Films of 2019

2019 was, without a doubt, an awesome year for film, and one of the best ways to close out a decade. There were a lot of great ones that came out this year, and the challenge of narrowing my top 20-something down to 10 was a big one. I’ve seen so many good things this year, and it was extremely difficult to choose just 10 films that I loved.

My method for this list was simple – go on my Letterboxd ranked list – take out all the memes that graced the top (sorry, Full Force, Loqueesha, and Sextuplets – you’ll get the recognition you deserve sometime soon), and then think of which of these I would definitely suggest to people. That’s the mindset I had when writing this list.

Before I get started, I have a few honorable mentions. These movies are all amazing, yet they didn’t really make the cut: Joker, The Farewell, Avengers: Endgame, Little Women, Her Smell, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Uncut Gems. All of those movies are awesome, yet as it stands, here are my 10 favorite movies of the year. Let’s get started!

10. Honey Boy (Alma Har’el, 2019)

Alma Har’el’s narrative directorial debut is not for the faint of heart, due to its hard R rating and outrageous nature. However, it is loud, emotional, and honest, which is something to admire in its own sense. Shia LaBeouf’s semi-biographical script and top-tier writing alone are admirable enough, thanks to his openness and vulnerability, but everything else featured in the film just seems to lift it up into more greatness. It left me in pieces, more than any other film I’ve seen has. Yet it managed to break my spirit in such an uplifting and creative way. Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, and Noah Jupe all give amazing performances that not only feel realistic but also hit me way too hard. I realized that I, at least once, have felt like all of them. I’ve struggled with finding my identity during most of my life, I’ve been depressed, I had thoughts of self-harm that I never acted on, and I’ve gone to therapy session after therapy session to try to make it better. Yet it’s these qualities that really make us genuine human beings, something that this film really captures the essence of in its runtime. With the emotional scars that Honey Boy left in me, I now think of Shia LaBeouf as so much more than the “Just Do It!” guy.

You can read Maddie McDougall’s full review of Honey Boy here.

9. Long Shot (Jonathan Levine, 2019)

Replacing that downer with a much more positive film, Long Shot is one of the best feel-good films of the year. I can’t remember a time in this movie when I wasn’t genuinely and consistently laughing. Everything – the dialogue, the humor, the political satire, is hilarious and adds up to being a great comedy film. What motivated me to put it on this list is that, despite all that, it’s so much more than the simple “dorky guy gets hot girl way out of his league” comedy that it seems to be at first. It gets up close and personal with concepts of political ethics, identity formation, and media bias, all with the framework of our contemporary political climate. The cast is terrific in their performances, the soundtrack is solid, and the romance between Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron is believable, unlike most rom-coms. Funny and full of heart, it’s definitely the kind of movie to watch if you just want to have a good time.

8. Rocketman (Dexter Fletcher, 2019)

Being a(n amateur) musician myself, I’m always one for music biopics. Love and Mercy, the Beach Boys biopic, is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I genuinely enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody more than a lot of people. Rocketman, however, holds up more to the former than the latter. It manages to combine the typical sense of a biopic with fantasy dreamscape sequences and big song and dance numbers that make me feel like I’m watching Mamma Mia and make me appreciate Elton John’s music much more than I have before. As a queer person, I am also proud of how the movie made history as the FIRST big studio movie to have a LGBT sex scene, between its two lead actors. Speaking of them, Taron Egerton’s overall performance as Elton John is amazing, because he really embraces Elton’s unique energy and voice, and Jamie Bell has a great co-lead performance as his songwriting companion Bernie Taupin. Overall, this movie is a great capture of Elton John’s high and low pints in life, filled with great music and great moments.

7. Knives Out (Rian Johnson, 2019)

I’ve always wondered what Rian Johnson was gonna put out next after The Last Jedi, his 2017 entry to the Star Wars franchise. What’s for sure is that I also didn’t expect something as great as this. Knives Out is truly special, because it plays on the “whodunit” trope without being too predictable. The story is compelling, characters are well-written, and the ensemble cast is amazing – especially Ana De Armas, Daniel Craig, and Michael Shannon – and the whole movie just clicks, which is pretty rare. What I really liked about this film, however, was the story. It is wonderfully detailed, filled with twists that always kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat, and is peppered with some of the best writing and cinematography as well. It’s immensely more enjoyable than it initially seems to be, and something I will definitely try to watch again soon.

You can read Rohan Patel’s full review of Knives Out here.

6. The Lighthouse (Robert Eggers, 2019)

While A24 is certainly a mixed bag when it comes to film quality, The Lighthouse is certainly something special. It’s clear to me that everyone working on this film put in so much passion and effort into their craft that it’s all overwhelmingly good. It’s enjoyable in a different way than a lot of these movies on this list are, because it is simply so specific and so beautiful in the way it looks that it really lives a sort of impression on you. It’s philosophical, Lovecraftian, and just a joy to watch. With awards season being in full steam at the moment, I believe Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are both extremely deserving of any award they can find. As soon as The Lighthouse’s credits rolled and I was getting up from my seat, I thought to myself “this is going to become an instant classic.” And by the looks of it, I seem to be right.

You can read PJ Knapke’s full review of The Lighthouse here.

5. Midsommar (Ari Aster, 2019)

Ari Aster did it again in 2019, by creating another visually appealing horror film that really captures feelings of self-inflicted terror. While Hereditary, Aster’s previous film, elicits scares from the creeping darkness like most horror films, Midsommar is unique because of the way it brings scares into common, perpetual daylight, where gore constantly begs to be exposed. It surpasses its predecessor in this way, by being such a unique interpretation of Swedish pagan practices yet making it so that you don’t need to have any knowledge to follow along. I think the best part of the film comes from its psychedelic and colorful visuals, because of how Aster is breaking the mainstream horror theme by using bright and gaudy colors. Another thing of note that pleasantly surprised me were the performances, particularly those of Florence Pugh, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper. I can see this film as their breakout performances, and the 2020s giving them even better roles. Midsommar is not for the faint of heart, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

You can read Cynthia Li’s full review of Midsommar here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Midsommar here.

4. Jojo Rabbit (Taika Waititi, 2019)

Seeing how Taika Waititi is one of my favorite directors of all time, it seemed obvious that I was going to enjoy Jojo Rabbit. And I did. In fact, I enjoyed it even more than I thought I was going to. I loved this movie and everything about it, in fact. The set design, music, and editing are fantastic work, the story is a nuanced and detailed emotional roller coaster, and the ensemble cast is again great. Taika Waititi’s Hitler, however, is the real star. There are moments where you can tell that Waititi put a lot of research into his role. He looks and sounds just like Hitler, yet he’s goofy and charismatic like The Office’s Michael Scott – basically playing the best example of a “good Hitler” from a child’s imagination. Another thing of note is the tone shirt from comedic to dramatic within the halfway point – while you can clearly see it coming, it doesn’t feel out of place and actually seems to work with the film’s advantage. And just like Honey Boy, the end message of living life to the fullest and showing that we love life is one of the best messages in any movie.

You can read Ajay Rawat’s full review of Jojo Rabbit here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Jojo Rabbit here.

3. Booksmart (Olivia Wilde, 2019)

Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut was, until I saw the top two films, my #1 on this list. It’s very rare when a director makes their mark so strongly in their debut film, but Wilde definitely did so. It’s the kind of film that really stays with you even after it’s over, and it’s made so masterfully that you can’t not appreciate it even a little bit. The film is devoted to flaunting excellent writing and editing, yet the comedy is also so tight that it sticks to the story while still guaranteeing laughs. On a personal level, it’s extremely relatable to me as it’s a snapshot of modern youth culture, effortlessly capturing the trends and passions of today’s teenagers, yet it’s extremely original and emotional in the way it does so. Much like 2018’s Eighth Grade, it may be agonizing to watch because of how it reminds you of the good old days, but it’s definitely worth the watch.

You can read Megan Bernovich’s full review of Booksmart here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Booksmart here.

2. Parasite (Bong Joon-Ho, 2019)

When I reviewed this movie on the site, I felt like I didn’t do it enough justice, because while I knew it was great, I didn’t really appreciate it until I was able to think more about it. I now believe that Bong Joon-ho is a genius, especially when he’s working with a movie like this. The characters, the story, and the metaphors are so simple to follow, yet so well-done and complex in how they operate together. Bong knows exactly what he wants to say and how he wants to say it, and it’s truly an inter-genre film in the way it combines aspects from thrillers and dark comedies. It’s equal amounts funny as it is endearing as it is socially conscious, and all of that is necessary for the things it is trying to achieve. It’s definitely an improvement from Okja.

You can read my full review of Parasite here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Parasite here.

1. Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach, 2019)

Without any hyperbole, exaggeration, overstatement, or any other similar words, I have to say that Marriage Story is my favorite movie of the year. I’d say it’s a near perfect movie – everything really clicks together, yet everything is also amazing individually. Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, this is one of the best examples of movies going out of their way to creatively tell a unique story while still looking beautiful anyway. Noah Baumbach is extremely creative, and this movie feels really immersive due to his knack for making films fast-paced and witty, yet also extremely realistic. I specifically associate with Adam Driver’s Charlie because I cried way too many times in this movie. It was extremely hard to watch at times, yet I still loved it either way. Honestly, though, Marriage Story seems to be a way to remind me of why I love movies so much in the first place – they can be so immersive and fantastic, yet at the same time so realistic and human in the way they tell stories and instill important values into you. Even if I knew it was amazing as soon as I watched it, I actually believe it’s one of the best movies of this decade. We waited so long, went through so many ups and downs, and lived through so many awful cliché movies, just to get something good and original at the end of the decade. And that movie is Marriage Story.

You can read Maddie McDougall’s full review of Marriage Story here.

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Madelyn Land’s Top Ten Films of 2019

Where the first half of 2019 was dominated by blockbusters, the second half of 2019 showcased deep, complex, intriguing filmmaking. With so much more attention being paid to women and people of color directing films, we’re seeing an expanding perspective on the world. Additionally, some of the best films of this year were international films, from established auteurs like Bong Joon-ho and Céline Sciamma to newcomers like Mati Diop. Some honorable mentions include Anima and I am Easy to Find, two short films that complemented their respective musician’s albums beautifully. On top of that, I said goodbye to a franchise that defined my childhood with Toy Story 4. While you can check out my full 2019 ranked list on my Letterboxd, here are my top ten films of 2019.

10. Honey Boy (Alma Har’el, 2019)

Honey Boy is an emotional, delicate, and impressive film about Shia LaBeouf’s childhood, a film with incredibly real performances from Noah Jupe and Shia LeBeouf. There are moments where I thought I was watching LeBeouf himself from Lucas Hedges’ performance. An incredible score, incredibly imaginative moments of cinematography, and strong direction from Alma Har’el. You can feel LeBeouf’s pain in his screenplay, and it’s impressive how this effort comes off ego-free. This film works so well, from our first introduction to Otis (Lucas Hedges) literally being pushed and pulled around by stunts on a movie set, to Otis’ (Noah Jupe) charm as a young actor. It’s so clear by the end of the film that Otis’ father didn’t only give him pain, but allowed Otis to accept himself.

You can read Maddie McDougall’s full review of Honey Boy here.

9. The Irishman (Martin Scorsese, 2019)

Martin Scorsese made headlines this year for his critique of the Marvel series, a series which “does not constitute real filmmaking” according to the famed director. It’s disappointing that this is why Scorsese made so many headlines in 2019, and not for his incredible work with The Irishman, a fun and extremely sad film that feels like a conclusion to so much of the previous work in the Scorsese canon. It builds and builds by expanding complex character interactions to the point where the film itself almost feels out of breath by the end. It’s an extremely sad movie, one about aging and legacy, but a fantastic end to an incredible director’s career. However, I hope it isn’t the end, as Martin Scorsese just has too much genius to share. If you can sit for 3 hours to watch Avengers: Endgame, you can watch 3 ½ hours of a director cementing his legacy of a 30+ year career.

You can read Ryan Circelli’s full review of The Irishman here.

8. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Joe Talbot, 2019)

If you’re going to take anything from this list, please take this: watch the first five minutes of The Last Black Man in San Francisco. It feels cinematic without feeling cheesy or gimmicky; it’s truly expansive filmmaking. The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a story of mourning and hope; it is a film that feels real. It’s so important that the actor who portrays this film’s protagonist, Jimmie Fails of the same namesake, co-wrote this script. This is really Fails’ story, a story that is as powerful as the films’ main theme: “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair).” The colors sing in this film, the score supports the story, and the characters are full of energy and life. This story is a love letter and an intervention to San Francisco itself. As Fails says: “You don’t get to hate San Francisco. You don’t get to hate it unless you love it.”

7. Us (Jordan Peele, 2019)

One of the strongest genres of the past few years has to be horror. It’s a completely overlooked genre, one that is ignored by the glitz and glamour of awards season. Despite Us’ thematic maturity, emotional resonance, and effective cinematography, it will most likely be ignored come awards season. Lupita Nyong’o stuns as Red/Adelaide and proves why she is one of our generations’ greatest acting gifts. Jordan Peele’s stories are complex and relevant, and Us lives up to his masterpiece Get Out. Us keeps you thinking after it ends, and that is a sign of great filmmaking.

You can read Jim Saunders’ full review of Us here.

6. Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach, 2019)

This is a balanced film evenly divided between the two perspectives. Noah Baumbach is really at his prime with this film, as it feels so real. It’s no surprise that this comes from his own experience. Marriage Story starts strong and ends strong. Powerhouse performances dominate this film. A particular fighting scene between Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) has really been the most talked about scene in this film. Adam Driver’s performance is so strong because of how real it feels, not how loud he can dramatically yell or punch a wall. Adam Driver feels like a dad out of his element just trying to protect his relationship with his kid, which is why it’s one of the best performances of the year. All of the films I’ve mentioned in this list have very strong scores, but this film has one of the best of the year. Randy Newman knows how to craft a score that makes the audience feel this sense of love.

You can read Maddie McDougall’s full review of Marriage Story here.

5. Jojo Rabbit (Taika Waititi, 2019)

This is a film I had been waiting for about two years, from the director, Taika Waititi, who I love. Taika Waititi is known for mixing tragedy and comedy in an expert fashion, a thread one can see from his earliest work Boy. This film is Waititi at his best, someone who truly knows how to tell an entertaining story. The twist hits you emotionally, as Waititi slowly crafts an engaging story. Jojo Rabbit is an extremely relevant perspective in our current world, a child’s, and is now one of the best films about World War II.

You can read Ajay Rawat’s full review of Jojo Rabbit here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Jojo Rabbit here.

4. Booksmart (Olivia Wilde, 2019)

A truly funny film, this relatable story felt like it was made for me. Being a more recent high school graduate, those feelings of senior year are still fresh in my mind. Feeling like I was intensely obsessed with studying, and that I pushed myself while missing out on the more fun parts of life, this film is the definition of relatable, which is a compliment to Olivia Wilde, the director. This is a fantastic subject to parody as a comedy. All the jokes landed, the characters were memorable, and the soundtrack was fantastic. Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) make this movie shine, and their intense love for each other will make you cry.

You can read Megan Bernovich’s full review of Booksmart here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Booksmart here.

3. Rocketman (Dexter Fletcher, 2019)

This is my favorite film of the year. Personally, 2019 for me was the year of Rocketman. I saw this film in theaters four times, and met the lead, Taron Egerton, at a convention. While it would not be honest to place this as my number one just out of pure emotional resonance, I think how films make us feel are still an incredibly important part of filmmaking and critical analysis. I think it’s often overlooked as it’s not seen as an objective mode of analysis, but what’s the point of art if not to make us feel something? I felt something watching this film. A sense of joy from the music, bright colors, and sparkle in Elton’s eye as he learns to accept himself. This is miles better than another recent biopic about a 70’s rockstar, Bohemian Rhapsody. Specifically, for the care it takes in showing Elton’s sexuality, and the struggles he endured because of it. This film deserves more praise than it’s gotten, stuck in the dust after an early year May release. It’s a wonderfully musical, fantastically performed, impeccably styled, and a thoroughly emotional piece of filmmaking. And yes, I cried while watching this in the theater– twice.

2. Little Women (Greta Gerwig, 2019)

I am personally very biased when it comes to Greta Gerwig’s work. Lady Bird is my favorite movie, Little Women (1994) is very nostalgic for me, and both of the mentioned films remind me of my mother. But, despite my bias, no one can deny that no other filmmaker is creating like Greta Gerwig. Greta Gerwig’s work can only be described as warm and comforting. Gerwig is a complex storyteller and has a beautiful way of presenting images, but something magical happens when she gets behind a camera and tells this story of four sisters who love each other more than anything. You don’t need me to tell you that the performances are amazing, but Saoirse Ronan as Jo and Florence Pugh as Amy are stand-outs. Everyone is perfectly casted. This remake is justified in Gerwig’s reinterpretation of Louisa May Alcott’s plot and honors the original storytelling in such a caring way. Greta Gerwig corrects a past injustice in this film, and she does it beautifully.

You can read Stephanie Chuang’s full review of Little Women here.

1. Parasite (Bong Joon-Ho, 2019)

An international sensation from the already acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, Parasite was the best film of 2019. Not only was it the best film of 2019, but this film also described the state of the world in 2019, and arguably the 2010s, through a class satire articulating the anxieties many of us feel. A haunting score, a delicately crafted plot, and incredible performances (specifically from Kang-Ho Song), this film legendary. Bong Joon-ho jokingly described the Oscars as a local film festival, and if Parasite is not at least acknowledged come awards season, his tongue in cheek comment will be even more validated. No one is capturing our present moment like Bong Joon-ho, and Parasite is his best film yet.

You can read Joe Lollo’s full review of Parasite here and listen to UW Film Club’s podcast on Parasite here.