For the last two years (2020 and 2021), I’ve published my list of favorite films I’ve seen over the year — usually in early January (blame my new novel’s edit for this year’s delay).
In 2022, I watched 108 movies, with a real focus on 2022 films (I’ll note eery year that It’s a Wonderful Life, which I watch every December, is sort of like a Top 3 Emeritus, so I don’t put it on these lists).
Because movies I watched only in 2022, there are a handful I’ve seen in 2023 that would’ve contended (The Banshees of Inisherin; Close) but those will be up for next year’s list!)
Now onto my 10 favorite movies for 2022:
#10. HOLY SPIDER (2022)
I saw this at Melbourne International Film Festival and it was a dazzler — tense, intense, and a deep, dark look at the way religion and patriarchy fold together to control women in Iran. A truly upsetting and timely thriller.
#9. SPEAK NO EVIL (2022)
This would’ve been in my top 5 easily if it weren’t for the film’s climax, which I found deeply disappointing. Still, the first two acts were so dazzling and creepy, I couldn’t resist putting it on this list. An overall chilling experience, it made me wonder over and over: is this a horror film or am I just being paranoid? Then came a reveal that completely shook me up.
#8. PIG (2021)
Pig was one of those films I heard almost nothing about, that I watched on a whim, and was totally blown away. A sort of “John Wick, but meaningful” I loved every frame of it. The slow-burn revelations about the protagonist is carefully told and fantastic. I recommend this one completely.
