Sierra's Top 10 Movies of 2018
© Micah Veldkamp, 2018
Since the dawn of time, cranky old film critics like myself complain how the year had a few great movies, but to name a Top 10 is too much of an ask from a mediocre year. For once in recent memory, the times have changed: 2018 was the year for outstanding cinema. In fact, narrowing it down to 10 this year is a near-impossible task. This year has also been a lesson in accessibility. From the awful discourse about how to watch Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, to critically-acclaimed films once again never leaving NYC or LA, it’s been tough to track down the films I want to see. That’s why when Eighth Grade was playing at Regal Cinemas one Wednesday afternoon, I cancelled plans immediately to watch it; good decision, because 2 days later it left the theater and never came back. The problem of accessibility has been relevant to almost the whole world, which is why streaming sites like Kanopy and Hulu have been a saving grace. Through these platforms I was able to watching the outstanding documentary Minding the Gap. I was also able to catch Madeline’s Madeline, something MoviePass had shoved down my throat for months but was never in my area. I watched it about a week ago and fell in love with Helena Howard, in no contest the best female performance of the year. The Tale, after their successful festival run, was picked up by HBO and you can only see it there. I felt like this year was grasping at straws to see what I really wanted, working harder than ever to make sure my most anticipated films were checked off the list. After a weekend out in NYC with my best friend I said, “If I stay today and watch Beautiful Boy will you come?” We turned it into an outing, not really a great one considering how that film essentially tricked us all into watching it, but without the split second decision and a day with no plans, I would have missed it. All of this aside, this year was amazing. My favorites of the year were never consistent; there are still a few left I need to watch, but from the 150+ 2018 movies I’ve seen and jumped through hoops to see, here are my favorite films of 2018:
Honorable Mentions: Game Night, A Private War, Assassination Nation, Madeline’s Madeline, Roma, The Tale
10. Tully
Diablo Cody does it again. Masterfully written, with the first real “twist” in a movie I saw in 2018. Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis are both a tremendous delight, in what is a true testament to motherhood. I think the film is a must watch for everyone. Available for free at your local library!
9. Skate Kitchen
In the year of the skateboard movie, no other film inspired me to want to learn to skateboard more than Skate Kitchen. It felt like an honor to watch girls grow together, learn about themselves together, and become a family because of what skateboarding can do. Available on Hulu and Kanopy.
8. Leave No Trace
I remember when I saw Leave No Trace, I turned to my friend and said “Wow, I loved her voice.” I was of course referring to breakout star Thomasin McKenzie. Her slow, exact way of speaking (whether intentional or not) clinched the movie’s spot in my top of the year. I hope Debra Granik never makes a move inside. Available for free at your local library!
7. The Rider
I liked it … then I read about it being real and I liked it even more. Chloee Zhao is a genius and so so so good with people. Available on Starz.
6.Private Life
Raw, emotional, intentional, and heart breaking. Kathryn Hahn needs an Oscar. Available on Netflix.
5. Free Solo
The most stunning movie of the year. Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi might be the greatest documentary filmmaking team out there. If you love to feel anxious for hours on end and love nature, this is a must watch! Not available yet.
4. Lean On Pete
In a revolutionary year in cinema, something as simple as Lean on Pete feels rare. Based off of a western novel, in three distinct acts, Charley and Pete become your family. I’m afraid to watch this a second time because I don’t want the magic to be gone. Available on Kanopy.
3. Sorry To Bother You
The wildest theater experience of the year, the wildest twists and turns in a film, the most innovative and original screenplay. Sorry to Bother You is the bee’s knees. Available on Hulu.
2. Eighth Grade
Bo Burnham DID THAT and I am so proud of him. Available at your local library!
1. First Reformed
I wrote 2,000 words on why this was my favorite movie of the year. No one has read it, but it exists. And I low key feel like this movie changed my life. Sometimes a film is made directly for you and no one else, and if you’re lucky enough, you find that movie. I found it.
Available on Amazon Prime and Kanopy.