The gritty crime thriller is still my favourite genre, taking out the number one spot for 2021.
This year has also been about soundtrack and not just music but the use of silence, drawing the audience in.
I’ve included movies with high exposure and many hidden gems that push the boundaries of cinema or simply warm the heart. Enjoy!
10. High Ground
It’s bringing the land into the story that makes this film unique.
I am Gutjuk, meaning hawk.
The totem of the hawk a constant presence, a forever watchful eye. High above, everything.
A light-hearted good fun documentary that delivers.
8. White Lie
An absorbing psychological thriller.
A finely tuned and balanced suspense-thriller that had me hanging on every turn.
6. The Worst Person In The World
A journey that ended up in places unexpected – sexy, clever, sad and poetic.
If you’re not usually a fan of romance, this is one of the good ones.
5. Little Joe
It’s clever. But the tone of film isn’t about being clever; it’s just different. And interesting, with a subtle flavour of the disconcerting.
4. Dune
I was awed by this film, with mouth dropping open at the scenery, the use of light, the pattern of rock, the flowing yellow fabric of Lady Jessica’s dress in the desert wind, the explosive bombs dropping from spaceships, desecrating the landscape below and the story of betrayal, political play and intrigue.
There’s that absolute silence that again invites the audience to lean in, to then jump (there are so many jumps!) with explosive action, the audience gasping and twittering as the monsters prowl, purr and claw people apart.
Jumping forward to Day 474. It gets tense.
Edge-of-your-seat suspense hits from the opening scene.
1. Deliver Us From Evil (Daman Ak-ehseo Guhasoseo)
If you’re a fan of a gritty crime-thriller, you’re in for a treat.