My ranking of the top 5 films at the 2023 New York Film Festival

Honorable Mention: Poor Things

Poor Things was an interesting and strange film. It shines in its meticulously crafted set/production design as well as its intricate costume designs. Pretty great performances all around, especially from Emma Stone, and its unique cinematography, lens work, and color usage creates an engaging visual spectacle.  The screenplay and script were engaging overall but unfortunately the continued over-indulgence of promiscuity over other themes felt unnecessary and tiring for me, especially after its initial “discovery of the world” part of that thematic thread was complete. Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo were great as well through the film. This film is definitely an acquired taste and not for the wider general audience in my opinion, but is a lock for the awards circuit, especially in regards to Emma Stone for Best Actress for her terrific and the awards for best production for its uniquely crafted landscape with its mix of pseudo-dystopian/pseudo steampunk, along with best costume designs.

4/5

#5: May December

May December was an interesting and twisted film from director Todd Haynes. The film methodically circumvents the darker aspect of the story with comedic undertones in an almost satirical way, using the score to emphasize moments of levity and seriousness. All three of the main cast deliver great and convincing performances in telling this uncomfortable narrative. The screenplay artfully balances tension and humor, making the audience question their own perceptions of morality and empathy. The cinematography captures the unsettling beauty of the setting, creating a visual contrast that enhances the film’s themes. This intricate blend of storytelling and visual artistry leaves a lasting impression, making May December a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

4/5

#4: Maestro

Maestro was a terrific film with incredible performances from both Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan, each deserving of awards circuit nominations. Cooper is quickly cementing himself as an exceptional director with a unique vision that shined beautifully in this film. The film’s rich narrative and emotional depth draw viewers in, creating a powerful connection to the characters and their journeys. The meticulous attention to detail in the production design and score complements the outstanding performances, enhancing the overall experience. Maestro is a testament to Cooper’s growing prowess as a filmmaker, showcasing his ability to craft compelling and visually stunning stories that resonate with audiences

4/5

#3: Anatomy of a Fall

An intriguing court room drama through and through. The audience is just as much of a jury member as the ones within the film as we analyze and base our own conclusions on the findings and the testimony presented both within the court and within the outside character moments. Interesting conclusion and well acted from all the main cast, especially between Sandra, Vincent, and Daniel. The ambiguity left as the credits roll gives it that absolute realism as the actual truth is something that is rarely actually found but something we as viewers or “jury” form based around the evidence and circumstances presented to use. Based on what I believe and from what I gathered from all aspects presented I believe the opposite verdict would’ve been the correct one. But this just shows the intricacy and grounded realism this film is presented as, as many times in real life a case is ambiguous regardless of verdict, as people presented with the same evidence may come to different conclusions. My only small note would’ve been that the film was a little longer than it needed and some moments could’ve been shaved and still preserved the thesis and gravitas of the situation

4/5

#2: The Boy and The Heron

The Boy and the Heron is another beautifully crafted film from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The animation was stunning and fluid as always, and the narrative was rich with themes of life, death, coping with loss, and ultimately acceptance, keeping you engaged throughout. This film not only challenges Across The Spider-Verse as the best animated film of the year, but it is also one of the best films of the year in general. Both the original Japanese dub and the English dub feature terrific and believable voice acting that portrays the emotions of the characters perfectly combined with the beautiful score and animation creating a complete and incredible experience that tells the emotional and heartfelt story of this boy and his journey after the loss of his mother. Though it was a difficult choice for first place between The Boy and The Heron and American Fiction, the former takes the slight edge for me and so is in my opinion was the best film at TIFF this year.

4.5/5

#1: La Chimera

La Chimera was a unique and compelling film. It was beautifully shot with an interesting narrative that kept you engaged in its odyssey of a man trapped in a life of survival through immoral means juxtaposed against his coping with loss and longing. Josh O’Connor delivers a breakout performance, capturing the complexity and vulnerability of his character with remarkable depth and nuance. The film offers a sincere look at morality, exploring its fragility and the transformation greed can impose on a person. As the story unfolds, the protagonist embarks on a journey of redemption, attempting to reconcile his past transgressions with his desire for a better future. However, the film’s thought-provoking conclusion reveals that the sins of the past and the relentless pursuit of greed ultimately catch up with him, leading to unexpected consequences. This surprising twist highlights the inevitability of facing one’s actions and the complexities of human nature. La Chimera emerged as a standout at the film festival, captivating audiences with its profound themes and earning its place as one of the best films showcased at NYFF 2023.

4.5/5