Kyle Edward Ball’s “Skinamarink”
This sustained atmospheric, psychological horror is like a distilled nightmare summoning childhood terrors that tap into the root of our fears
Claire Denis’ “Both Sides of the Blade”
This low grade soap with high grade actors takes an unsavoury delight in Binoche’s misery (and nudity) while sporting an air of self-importance undercut by laughably on-the-nose symbolism
Santiago Mitre’s “Argentina, 1985”
Compelling and accessible true-life courtroom drama recalls the antifascist struggle of a group of prosecutors tasked with indicting key members of the military for their brutal campaign which resulted in the murder and torture of thousands
Russell Owen’s “Shepherd”
Bland cinematography and editing along with a clunky, trope-heavy script fails to capitalise on its epic setting or ideas
Mark Jenkin’s “Enys Men”
Those expecting a horror will be disappointed but those willing to allow themselves to be absorbed by the atmosphere of this enigmatic and experimental work will be rewarded
Henry Selick’s “Wendell & Wild”
Surprisingly mature collaboration with Jordan Peele that puts style in service of story in a tale of loss, guilt, community and political intrigue which isn’t afraid to bare its teeth
Audrey Diwan’s “Happening”
Harrowing visit to a past to which no sensible human being would want to return told masterfully and intimately through a terrific lead performance by Anamaria Vartolomei
Tom Gormican’s “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”
Gormican fails to capitalize on terrific chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal creating a disposable straight-to-video movie with an identity crisis and only a few moments of genuine fun
Goran Stolevski’s “You Won’t Be Alone”
This fairytale drama with folk horror elements uses the conceit of a shape shifting witch to explore facets of humanity in a sober, engaging and layered film
Joanna Hogg’s “The Eternal Daughter”
Reading the tea leaves of memory in a secluded manor, The Eternal Daughter quietly weaves a story of memory, connection and loss
Chinonye Chukwu’s “Till”
An important story raised by outstanding performances across its cast and the inclusion of Keith Beauchamp’s contribution to the script
Carla Simón’s “Alcarràs”
Multilayered slice of life on family, childhood, growing up, modernisation and farming as a family face their last harvest on a generations’ held farm in Alcarràs, Catalonia
Eric Appel’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”
A hilarious, cinema-literate pastiche of the rock biopic whose strength comes from its ability to play even the most ridiculous with a straight face led heroically by a terrific comedy performance from Daniel Radcliffe
Ruth Paxton’s “A Banquet”
Some exceptional direction from Paxton and terrific performances fail to save a meandering script which compares unfavourably to Rose Glass’ “Saint Maud” for which it has some striking similarities
Tom George’s “See How They Run”
Enjoyable, theatrical whodunnit built around Agatha Christie’s long running stageplay The Moustrap(which it doesn’t spoil) is a playful romp led by pitch perfect performances from Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan
Max Walker-Silverman’s “A Love Song”
A beautiful, low-key film of quiet power led by a moving performance from Dale Dickey with hints of Wim Wenders and Chantal Akerman
Gastón Duprat & Mariano Cohn’s “Official Competition”
In a year full of satire, this wins out with a sharp and witty script, outstanding performances and great humour that plays out like a combination of Fellini’s “8½” and Frank Oz’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” with an Almodovar sensibility
Carlota Pereda’s “Piggy”
This thoughtful and effective film led by a powerhouse performance from Laura Galán crosses genres creating something which effortless slips between drama, comedy, thriller and grindhouse
Scott Cooper’s “The Pale Blue Eye”
Revisionist historical that never quite manages to be more than average despite a collection of massive talent
Bi Gan’s “A Short Story”
This live action 15-minute fairytale poem about a black cat on a quest for the most precious thing in the world is chock full of visual puzzles, cryptic dialogue and beautiful imagery