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Best Movies of 2017

For me, the most interesting movies of 2017 were fairly subversive critiques which still somehow hold out a sliver of hope against the darkness of our current world. I am an optimist, but I am also a realist. I think these five movies reflect that very well, in spite of their fantastical qualities.

1. mother! Darren Aronofsky has crafted the most shocking movie I’ve seen in years. It’s weird, heavily symbolic and deeply allegorical, a stark rebuke of civilization and mankind’s seeming inability to avoid repeating bad behavior. I found it to be absolutely compelling viewing, fascinating, oppressive, brutal, and dark as pitch. This is the movie that hit my buttons the strongest this year.

2. Blade Runner 2049 Denis Villeneuve clearly loves the original Blade Runner and has directed a beautiful sequel that outdoes its predecessor. I love the first movie, so watching the sequel was a suspenseful experience, waiting for the filmmakers to fuck up. They didn’t. In my opinion, they surpassed what came before and delivered something not only visually astounding but also an intelligent story with some genuine surprises. I was intrigued, amazed, thrilled and moved by this film. The final scene had me in tears.

3. Get Out Jordan Peele directs a sly, intelligent and very effective social satire/commentary dressed up as a horror film. It’s very funny and equally creepy, playing on racial tensions in an original way and all of the actors are superb. There are moments of laughter and moments of tense suspense, a balance difficult to strike which the movie ably manages.

4. Okja Bong Joon Ho has always been an interesting filmmaker for me, with movies that have wild tonal shifts while still feeling genuine. This film is a brilliant take-down of the corporate food industry and social justice warriors alike with some hilarious moments to counterbalance the serious darkness at its core.


5. Wonder Woman Patty Jenkins brings to cinematic life the greatest female superhero and the results are mixed, mostly due to a not-so-great script that is imbued with sparkle and life by its two wonderfully cast leads. Tonally and structurally, the film feels a lot like Richard Donner’s Superman, which was also great until the ludicrous ending. It lands on my list of the best of the year despite its shortcomings because it is charming, fun and proves that the genre isn’t just for boys. I think it may be the most socially relevant movie of the year, too, in some ways a perfect companion piece to mother! as both deal with the role of women in society, though in radically different ways.

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