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When looking at these rankings of the top Australian movies of the year, I pay attention to any recurring themes or trends. For instance, in 2022, three of the highest-rated films were centered around rivers. Half of the top films in 2021 were documentaries, while in 2019, there was a clear difference between the best and most popular Aussie films. The year 2018 also saw a collection of daring and uncompromising works.
This year, you, the reader, may be able to figure out a pattern for yourself. The 10 movies listed below are a diverse mix, covering a variety of genres – from dystopian drama to emotional documentaries, romance, dark Australian films, horror, and more. To be included on this list, the films must have been released outside of the festival circuit, either in theaters or on a streaming service.
10. Limbo
Where to view: ABC iView.
Ivan Sen, a renowned filmmaker from the Indigenous community, has once again graced us with his latest work, a sun-drenched outback noir. This time, however, he has opted for a more subdued monochromatic aesthetic. Despite the lack of vibrant colors, the film is still searing with emotion as it follows a despondent detective (played brilliantly by Simon Baker) who is investigating the unsolved murder of an Indigenous girl that occurred two decades ago. The story is masterfully crafted, with a sense of detachment from conventional narrative structures, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters’ weariness as they reflect on their distant past. For a detailed analysis, check out the full review.
9. Man on Earth
Viewing options: Currently not available for streaming, but you can request community screenings.
Tears were rolling down my face by the end of Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s heartbreaking but beautifully humane documentary about the final days of Bob Rosenzweig, a 65-year-old Jewish man living in Washington who has Parkinson’s disease and decides to end his life through assisted dying. Rosenzweig – who designed bathrooms for the likes of Elton John and Janet Jackson – invited the Australian film-maker to record his exit from the mortal coil, making preparations and bidding farewell to loved ones. It’s a tough watch but we emerge from films like this deeper and richer. You’ll never forget that ending. Read the full review.
“The Continuance of Compassion”
Where can I view it? It is possible to rent on Amazon Prime/Apple TV+.
Rolf de Heer’s latest film, his first as a solo director in nearly ten years, is an enigmatic one, even for the creator of Bad Boy Bubby. This dialogue-light, symbolically dense film takes place in a dystopian future and follows the story of BlackWoman (played brilliantly by Mwajemi Hussein), who is imprisoned in a locked cage in the desert by gas mask-wearing oppressors. As she breaks free, we gradually piece together the details of this mysterious world, which has clearly fallen into chaos for unknown reasons. Presented with stunning visual imagery, the overall tone is reflective and ambiguous. To learn more about this thought-provoking film, read our full review.
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7. You Can Go Now
Where can I watch it: SBS On Demand/Amazon Prime?
Larissa Behrendt’s lively documentary about Richard Bell suggests that the artist, who hails from the Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman, and Gurang Gurang communities, has a duality in his personality. On one hand, there is Richard, a man deeply connected to his art and his land. On the other hand, there is Richie, a troublemaker who loves to stir up controversy and make a scene, such as crashing the Venice Biennale in a spectacular fashion. This wonderfully vibrant film not only presents the subject’s life and career, but also captures his attitude by incorporating aspects of his artwork into its structure and visual style. Read the complete review.
6. The Royal Hotel
Where can I see it? Currently playing in theaters.
The last scene (no spoilers) in Kitty Green’s new film didn’t sit right with me but everything else is great in a nerve-jangling way. Cash-strapped US backpackers Hanna (Julia Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick) take a job at a pub in dust-caked nowhere, continuing a long history of Aussie productions that plonk foreigners in Woop Woop then assault them with sun and yobbos. The women encounter sexism and misogyny, and the threat of violence almost always implied – not necessarily in the sense that it happens off-screen, but that it might happen at any moment. A tense and gripping film. Read the full review.
5. Christmess
Where can I view: Binge
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Steve Le Marquand delivers another outstanding performance in Heath Davis’s latest film, reminiscent of his role in the critically acclaimed Broke (which also made my list of top Australian films from 2016). Le Marquand plays a broken and struggling alcoholic, attempting to turn his life around in this Christmas-themed production. While I’m not a fan of the title (a clever play on the main character’s name and situation), the rest of the film is exceptional. The acting is convincing and the cinematography beautifully captures the grittiness of working-class Australian suburbs. The story itself explores the idea of being trapped by one’s past, while also holding onto hope for a better future – a theme that may seem cliché but is executed without a hint of cheesiness.
4. Of an Age
Where can I view it: Amazon Prime
Last year, Goran Stolevski, the writer and director, impressed with his uniquely strange horror film You Won’t Be Alone. His latest work is a complete departure: a raw and heartwarming romantic drama that realistically portrays the hardships of love. The film opens with a sense of urgency as Ebony (Hattie Hook) calls her dance partner, Nikola (Elias Anton), asking him to retrieve her from a beach where she woke up. The pace slows down as Ebony’s older brother Adam (Thom Green) offers to drive Nikola to find her. This sets the stage for a potential romantic relationship between the two men, which keeps the audience on edge. However, the film never loses momentum and remains captivating throughout. Read the full review for more details.
3. Shayda
Where can I view it? Currently playing in certain theaters.
Following its premiere at Sundance, there was buzz surrounding the performance of Zar Amir Ebrahimi, the lead actress in the feature debut of Australian-Iranian writer and director Noora Niasari. Ebrahimi’s portrayal of a woman on the run from her abusive husband was highly praised and did not disappoint. The film, which draws inspiration from Niasari’s personal childhood experience living in a refuge in Brisbane, is a powerful and nuanced drama. The director creates a tense and intense atmosphere, building up to a climactic finale. To learn more, read the complete review.
2. Talk to Me
Where can I view it: on Netflix.
This film has a straightforward concept that is executed well. A group of daring teenagers find excitement in using a creepy ceramic hand to summon spirits. These spirits then possess their bodies and take them on a wild ride. When Mia (played by Sophie Wilde) begins to believe she can use the hand to communicate with her deceased mother, it becomes clear where the film is heading (to a dark place). However, the dynamic and bold execution by co-directors Danny and Michael Philippou keeps the audience on their toes. They create a sense of unease that persists throughout the entire visually captivating film. To read the complete review, click here.
1. The Plains
Where can I view it: Mubi.
David Easteal’s drama, which was shown at festivals last year, is a paradox: a piece of art that appears mundane. The majority of the film takes place in a car, as we follow a middle-aged lawyer (Andrew Rakowski) on his daily commute from work to home. He makes phone calls to his mother and wife, and listens to talkback radio. Sounds uninteresting? That’s the point. However, this understated and innovative film serves as a reminder that stories are all around us, woven into our daily lives. There is no “correct” or “true” experience when it comes to films – only varying degrees of convention and experimentation. To learn more, read the full review.
Source: theguardian.com
