As a self-proclaimed film fanatic, I have taken it upon myself to watch at least one new film every single week this year. I have now carefully curated a watchlist that includes both independent arthouse movies and cinematic blockbusters – and I haven’t forgotten to add in a few of the classics for good measure. There are so many superb gems to choose from – but these are my highlights of the year so far.
Tangerine (2015)
This is my most recent watch, and the film that sparked me to write this story. Tangerine, is a comedy-drama directed by Oscar-winning director Sean Baker. Baker’s latest work, Anora, which won an Oscar for Best Picture, was captivating and my favourite film of 2024, so it only felt right to return to his earlier work, which, although it has received critical acclaim, is still quite unknown. Tangerine tells the story of a transgender sex worker who discovers that her boyfriend/PIMP has cheated on her. The entire film was filmed on iPhone 5S, which makes it feel gritty, raw and unfiltered. It’s most definitely worth a watch.
The Outrun (2024)
The Outrun was the first film I watched this year. Saoirse Ronan plays a recovering alcoholic who returns home to the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is such a beautiful film and will likely make you want to visit Orkney or somewhere secluded. More than that though, it is a story of becoming sober and the complexities that come with that. It felt very relevant as more and more people decide to take the sober path of life. The Outrun was directed by Nora Fingscheidt based on the 2016 memoir The Outrun by Amy Liptrot.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
I was late to the party with this one as I am not super into the period film genre but after a friend recommended it, I took the plunge – and absolutely loved it. Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as her romantic interest Mr Darcy, Joe Wright’s first feature film was a commercial success. Knightley also received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her part, which is no surprise as she is the essence of the movie. Its talented cast included the late Donald Sutherland (Mr Bennet), Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet), Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet), Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourgh) and Rupert Friend (George Wickham).
Legend (2015)
Legend, is a biographical drama about the Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie Kray, who were violent gangsters in 1950-1960s London. I’d always heard people talk of this film and knew the vague story of the Krays, but when Netflix advertised that they were dropping this for the platform, I decided to bite the bullet. The film tells the true story behind the notorious gangster twins and their rise through the criminal underworld. Tom Hardy is absolutely superb in this. I’d recommend this film to anyone who loves true crime, gangster flicks and, of course, impressive acting.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides is an iconic film that portrays loss and the female experience during the 1970s and it has taken me until this year to discover it. It is centred on a group of male friends who become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who have been sheltered by their strict, religious parents. The coming-of-age film still resonates strongly today and has seen somewhat of a renaissance in popular culture. I haven’t seen any other films like it, and it has solidified Coppola as my all-time favourite director. It stars Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett and Scott Glenn among others.