Best Film of 2019 – No. 20 – 11

For the purposes of this, I’ve included anything that was released in Ireland in 2019, so that excludes The Lighthouse, Parasite, Uncut Gems and a few others that are released early next year!

There’s also some movies from last January that feel like another age, like the Favourite, Can You Ever Forgive Me? and more!

20. For Sama – “It is an outstanding contribution to an understanding of the horrors a civilian population endures while living in a warzone. A documentary which is entitled to all the praise that it is given.”

19. Sauvage – “Maritaud’s performance has that luminescence and so – despite its occasional contrivances – does Vidal-Naquet’s film. It’s unmissable.”

18. Eighth Grade – “an effortless account of the trials and tribulations of the average teen. ”

17. The Favourite – Something of a disappointment after the highs of ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’. It’s not Yorgos Lanthimos’ finest work, but the performance of Olivia Colman alone make it worthy of inclusion.

16. The Irishman – Many people’s favourite film of the year. For us, it’s no. 16. Scorsese with yet another gangster tale but also a story of old age.

15. Stan and Ollie – “It has a subtle message that resonates beyond the subject matter of Laurel and Hardy. It is a film to be savoured.”

14. The Peanut Butter Falcon – “The plot never dwells on anything for too long, keeping their characters moving in this unlikely but fun piece of escapism.”

13. If Beale Street Could Talk – “If you weren’t there, you’ll never know what New York was like in the 70s. This film will surely be as close as you’ll get!”

12. Burning – This is based on a short story by Haruki Murakami although they did mess with the ending a little. It still captures the sense of angst and futility. It’s a film that will last with you long after watching it.

11. Joker – “This is a stark look at the emptiness of our culture, the effects of mental illness and the results of toxic masculinity. It is scary because the Joker isn’t a caricature – you could imagine this actually happening.”