Top Five Films: 2016 in Retrospective

From a high-profile investigation of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church to forgetful fish; my top five films of the year (so far) are extremely varied.

We are now well and truly half way through the year, and as we enter the final month of summer (well, what classes as summer in Britain anyway), I take a look back at my five favourite films of the year so far, that have been released in the UK. One thing I’ve noticed looking over my choices is that these five films tell an array of stories and introduce the world to an eclectic mix of interesting characters. Three are based on true events (possibly even a fourth depending on how you see it) and two tell very harrowing stories. Alternatively, one reintroduces us to an old animated friend, while another charts the continued success of one of this generation’s finest actors. Hopefully, the remaining months of 2016 will continue to bring a variety of tales and individuals to our cinema screens.

These five films tell an array of stories and introduce the world to an eclectic mix of interesting characters.

#01 Spotlight

Tom McCarthy’s Oscar winning drama about the investigation into, and subsequent exposure of, child sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests in Boston is extremely deserving of its numerous accolades. Despite its two-hour running time consisting mostly of just dialogue, the film manages to be utterly captivating and compelling, something many CGI-filled blockbusters fail to achieve. McCarthy’s direction is simple but effective, expertly following the story of The Boston Globe’s investigative journalist team, named “Spotlight”, and their inquiry. As the team uncover more and more horrifying details, the film becomes more and more gripping. The entire cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, provide strong performances (if only the Academy had an award for Best Ensemble Cast) and a scene between McAdams’ character and her very religious grandmother is particularly poignant. An excellent cast and modest direction make this film a must see, despite its unnerving subject matter.

Director: Tom McCarthy

Run Time: 129 minutes

Country: US

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci

Released in UK: January 2016

 

#02 Finding Dory

Thirteen years ago, Disney Pixar crafted yet another loveable character. This was in the form of Dory, a regal blue tang with short-term memory less who helped to find Nemo in the aptly titled Finding Nemo. Audiences fell in love with this clumsy and optimistic character, so much so, Finding Nemo’s sequel focuses on her and her wish to be reunited with her parents, following her journey to find them. Andrew Stanton’s film is a beautiful and emotive piece about disability, family, and perseverance. Dory’s short-term memory loss comes to symbolise much more, with the film spreading a heart-warmingly lovely message about coming to terms with a disability, not viewing it as a disadvantage, and not allowing it to prevent you from living your life. Equally, there are some really touching moments about family and the varying forms it can take. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Disney Pixar’s latest not only upholds the high bar set by its predecessor, but possibly even surpasses it.

Director: Andrew Stanton

Run Time: 97 minutes

Country: US

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy

Released in UK: July 2016

 

#03 Florence Foster Jenkins

The latest film by acclaimed director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) focuses on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress and socialite who became an opera singer, despite being unable to sing. Thanks to her husband (a possibly career-best Hugh Grant) and a large amount of money, Florence manages to pursue her dream without, for the most part, discovering her lack of ability. Meryl Streep is as phenomenal as ever portraying the titular character. However, it is Simon Helberg (only really known for his role in The Big Bang Theory) and his performance as pianist Cosmé McMoon which steals it. He manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny and tear-jerkingly emotional (much better than you’d expect for a sitcom actor), with his and Streep’s characters developing a touching, almost mother/son bond. In bad hands this could’ve been nothing more than a one-dimensional comedy, encouraging the audience to laugh at this odd, tone-deaf woman. However, Frear’s expert direction and the terrifically nuanced performances by its three leads elevate this comedy-drama to so much more.

Director: Stephen Frears

Run Time: 110 minutes

Country: UK/France

Starring: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Nina Arianda, Rebecca Ferguson

Released in UK: May 2016

 

#04 Room

Another of this year’s Oscar winners; Lenny Abrahamson’s fifth film is a delicate depiction of a very harrowing tale. Based on Emma Donoghue’s novel, Room tells the story of a woman who’s been held captive for seven years in a very enclosed space (the titular “room”) and her five-year-old son. The film shows their daily life in captivity, before following their escape and the two as they gain their freedom. However, it is the aftermath which truly makes this film a worthy watch, as for the first time, the young boy experiences the outside world. Brie Larson is outstanding as the mother, utterly immersing herself in an emotionally draining role (Larson deservedly picked up this year’s Best Actress prize at the Oscars). Yet, it is Jacob Tremblay’s superb portrayal as Larson’s young son which has been wrongly overlooked (it’s a travesty Tremblay wasn’t even nominated for Best Supporting Actor). At just nine-years-old, Tremblay gives one of the best performances by a child actor I’ve ever seen. A tough, heart-wrenching watch, but Room is a film which deserves to be seen, if only for its two, stunning lead performances.

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Run Time: 118 minutes

Country: Canada/Ireland/UK

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, William H. Macy

Released in UK: January 2016

 

#05 Joy

Surprisingly, a tale about the invention of a mop is one of my film highlights of the year. David O. Russell’s latest continues his partnership with the actress of the decade, Jennifer Lawrence, with Lawrence portraying Joy Mangano, the inventor of the miracle mop. Joy charts Mangano’s life; from her tumultuous childhood, through her marriage and subsequent divorce, to the inspiration behind, and execution of, the invention which has gone on to make her millions. Lawrence’s performance is strong and diverse, as well as managing to convince (Lawrence is one of few actresses who has the ability to successfully play roles well beyond her age), but it is not this alone that earns Joy its place here. Joy is a bit of an enigma and requires a few viewings for a cohesive opinion to be truly formed. O. Russell incorporates some surrealist and theatrical elements, with the film often cutting to, what are presumably, scenes from some of the melodramas watched by Joy’s TV-obsessed mother. Their inclusion isn’t explained and the audience is left to make up its own mind about their importance. Brisk pacing and an array of intriguingly dysfunctional secondary characters further make Joy a film everybody should experience at least once.

Director: David O. Russell

Run Time: 124 minutes

Country: US

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Édgar Ramírez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Bradley Cooper

Released in UK: January 2016