Filmotomy’s Best Films of the Decade – Shadan Larki’s List

Members of the Filmotomy team agonize over their top ten for the decade (2010-19).

There are many ways to create a “Best Of” list. Many factors one could consider. The best acting, directing, the most rewatchable, or the most entertaining; When creating this top ten of the decade list for Filmotomy, there’s one thing I kept coming back to: What are the films I can’t stop thinking about? What are the stories that intrigued me? Made me cry? Taught me something? The stories I can’t stop recommending? There are the ten films the 2010s I can’t let go of.

Blue Valentine (2010)

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams have never been better in this heartbreaking look at a couple as they fall in love, and out of love, over the span of their doomed relationship. Derek Cianfrance’s direction and screenplay focuses on the day-to day moments of life and how the very things that make you love with someone, just might become their downfall later on. Blue Valentine is devastatingly realistic in its depiction of relationships, and how no matter how much you love someone, sometimes it’s just not enough. 

We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)

Lynne Ramsay’s We Need To Talk About Kevin follows a mother, Tilda Swinton in perhaps her best performance, as she begins to realize that her son (Ezra Miller) is more-than-a-little different and increasingly violent. The classic nature vs. nurture argument ensues. Was her child born a dark and twisted boy, or did her parenting (or lack thereof) lead to his detachment? As a viewer you watch in horror as things escalate, and all at once, pity this woman and blame her. The sad truth is that We Need To Talk Kevin still resonates as we see acts of senseless violence dominate the news. Be aware that We Need To Talk About Kevin is deeply upsetting and frank in its depiction of violence and trauma, but worth your time, now more than ever.  

A Separation (2011)

Asghar Farhadi’s relationship drama tackles love, marriage, parenting, class, and loss in Iran. Payman Maadi and Leila Hatami brilliantly play the couple in question. Should they undertake the titular separation so that their daughter might have a better life in America? A Separation is riveting and completely transports you into the lives of this couple a world away. And Farhadi’s screenplay will have you questioning whom you side with until the very last frame. And ultimately, asking yourself, what really determines a person’s quality of life? 

The Master (2012)

Uncertain about his future and still recovering from his time in The Navy, a veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) returns home and is pulled into the orbit of “The Cause” and its charismatic leader (Phillip Seymour Hoffman in a chilling performance, Amy Adams is also incredible as his commanding wife). Paul Thomas Anderson never fails to deliver a unique viewing experience and The Master is no exception. A thrilling look at deception, loyalty, and just how far we are willing to go to feel like we belong. 

Snowpiercer (2013)

Director Bong Joon Ho is a master at using genre filmmaking to dissect the world around us. In the post-apocalyptic, Snowpiercer, he uses a train and its inhabitants to show class inequality, environmental injustices, propaganda and dictatorship in action, and much more. As the poorer inhabitants housed in the back of the train fight to make their way to the elites in the front (led by a terrific Chris Evans), inequalities and harsh truths are revealed. Snowpiercer will have you questioning how you interact with our planet and her citizens.

Ex Machina (2014)

Ex Machina follows a young programmer (Domhnall Gleeson) selected to participate in a groundbreaking experiment (led by Oscar Isaac) evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced A.I. (Alicia Vikander). The beautiful and inquisitive Ava enthralls the programmer as his loyalties are tested. A visually stunning look at the hubris of human ambition, Ex Machina leaves you guessing until the final frame.

The Shape Of Water (2017)

Guillermo Del Toro uses a mysterious sea creature and a mute woman (Sally Hawkins) to tell an unconventional and beautiful love story about what it really means to love, to belong, and to truly accept those deemed “different.” Set in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, The Shape of Water is at once a political thriller, a love story, an ode to cinema, and a story about unlikely friendships. Del Toro transports his audience for an unforgettable experience. I urge you to revisit this worthy Best Picture winner, 

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Spike Lee tells the story of Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer (played by John David Washington in a terrific, star-making turn) in 1970s Colorado. With the help of a white colleague (Adam Driver), he infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan. BlacKkKlansman is at once a hilarious, stylish, highly entertaining look at a true story. And, also a sobering reminder of the very real racial tensions and prejudices of America past and present. 

Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight is beautiful. Beautiful in its use of color (stunning cinematography by James Laxton) and music (it’s score by Nicholas Britell is already iconic). The cast is spectacular, and it’s hard to believe Moonlight was only Barry Jenkins’ second feature. But, what made Moonlight truly unforgettable was seeing its protagonist, Chiron, grow up in three distinct phases of his life. We see his heartache, his wanting to belong, his coming to terms with his sexuality, and his moments of joy in between. The audience feels for Chiron and falls in love with him from the very first frame. Cinema as poetry in its finest form.

Leave No Trace (2018)

Leave No Trace follows a father and daughter (the unfairly overlooked Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie, who is a revelation in this role) living off the grid in a vast urban park. When their existence is discovered, they struggle to adjust to urban life as their wants and needs diverge. Debra Granik’s work here is a celebration of nature centered around a beautiful bond, with an unforgettable conclusion. 

Other unforgettable cinematic experiences from the 2010s:

If only I had a longer list…  

Winter’s Bone (2010), Bridesmaids (2011), The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Her (2013), Gone Girl (2014), Carol (2015), Inside Out (2015), Manchester By The Sea (2016), Arrival (2016), Mudbound (2017), Get Out (2017), Phantom Thread (2017), The Favourite (2018), Eighth Grade (2018), & Parasite (2019)