Issue 9: Favorite Films of 2023
Currently on my favorite films of the year and a subscriber giveaway.
Of the 80 films released in 2023 that I watched, these are my favorites. I considered my personal preferences while also aiming to bring attention to some overlooked gems. The fact that 8 of my top 10 films occurred with an audience in a theater likely influenced my choices, as each laugh, gasp, and cry became more memorable for me in that shared experience.
10) Peak Season
‘Peak Season’ is a tender, indie romantic comedy set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Teton mountains in Jackson, Wyoming. It explores the wilderness and all the potential paths that arise when asking 'what if.' This film is ‘Past Lives’, but outdoorsy.
9) Blackberry
'Blackberry' recounts the story of a company’s journey, initially propelled by a genuine aspiration to create an original product but ultimately folding due to an inability to innovate and adapt. As someone hired by Apple in 2007 to support the release of the first iPhone, I was primed to get something out of this.
8) Talk to Me
The most influential horror films allow viewers to vicariously explore the nature of evil, not only in others but, more importantly, within ourselves. Sometimes, that evil takes the shape of grief, loss, and trauma. 'Talk to Me' is a low-budget, original contribution to the genre, with a couple of scares and a lot of messages.
7) Air
I love it when my professional life intersects with my personal interests. In the case of 'Air,' the story revolves around a sports consultant navigating phases of discovery, development, and presentations—elements of my day-to-day work—to persuade Michael Jordan to sign with Nike. While it may have its cheesy moments, it stands as a testament to how passion, paying attention to your audience, and knowing when to make a meaningful shift can make history.
6) The Creator
I value sci-fi for the imaginative worlds they create rather than solely for the questions they pose. 'The Creator' stands out as a visually stunning, thoroughly engaging, and original property made on a shoestring budget which also asks the important ethical and existential questions.
5) Society of the Snow
Chronicling the chilling real-life events surrounding the 1972 crash of a Uruguayan rugby team, 'Society of the Snow' explores human resilience, survival, and morals. The film serves as a profound testament to the human experience, illuminating how we ascribe meaning to life and tragedy, as well as the faith we find in our friendships with others.
4) The Deepest Breath
The emotional journey captured in 'The Deepest Breath' follows a freediver and expert safety diver as they prepare to break a world record. Holding my breath with the divers on screen, along with the audience next to me, was truly hypnotic—an intense intimacy unable to be replicated at home.
3) 20 Days in Mariupol
A group of Ukrainian journalists captures poignant images that ultimately become emblematic of the atrocities of war: scenes of suffering children, mass graves, and the bombing of a maternity hospital. '20 Days in Mariupol' is an intensely emotional, compelling, enraging, and crucial viewing, given the world’s current events.
2) Poor Things
‘Poor Things’ balances absurdity with humor, delving into profound questions of human existence, the joy of curiosity, and the cost of love while subversively exploring gender roles and sexuality. It is an eccentric and provocative feminist fable that transcends conventional expectations, unfolding as an epic Greek odyssey weaving together wonder, sex, beauty, and beasts.
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1) The Taste of Things
‘The Taste of Things’ unexpectedly touched me as a cinematic representation of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a love letter to honing a craft, providing for others, and love itself. Like an extended cut of Chef’s Table, every shot serves up a feast for the eyes and whisks viewers away into the tender passion two people have for one another and for the art that binds them.
🎁 Subscriber Giveaway
I’m giving away an AMC Gift Card, a copy of A24’s ‘For Promotional Use Only’ book ($52 value), a Poor Things tote bag, postcard pack, and sunglasses to one lucky subscriber. All you have to do is subscribe (free or paid) before February 1st to be entered. The winner will be notified on February 3rd.
Thanks for being here.
— Justin