At the end of every year, we find ourselves reflecting back on the year’s finest moments in film, music, sports, and video games, among other things. For me, this year has reaffirmed my love for the genre of film. Film has become one of many anchors for me. For one, it has been the lifeblood of not only our YouTube content but also the written reviews here. It has given me the chance to cover Final Girl Berlin Film Festival, Grindsploitation Film Festival, GenreBlast Film Festival, Fantasia Festival, Unnamed Film Festival, and a few others. The movie theater experience has also given me a place to find therapy and escape.
This list is a drop in the bucket compared to how many movies I’ve seen this year. For those interested, my overall year can be found here on my Letterboxd. This year has given us the return of the blockbuster. It has given us some truly memorable performances. Some of the latter you will find here but none of the former. I would love to know if you have any crossovers with me. I present to you my top 10 movies of 2021.
Honorable Mention: Candyman (Universal Pictures/MGM)
While the first few entries on this list err on the lighter side of genre, Nia DaCosta’s Candyman is the exception. DaCosta’s script, co-written by Win Rosenfeld and Jordan Peele, gives us the Candyman sequel we’ve so desperately deserved all these years. Following in the trend of 2018’s Halloween and 2013’s Texas Chainsaw 3D, this second chapter on the long mythed Candyman picks up where the original 1992 film left off. DaCosta and company expand the mythology of Candyman with sheer brilliance matched only by the performance of the leading man, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. On top of expanding the mythos of the character, we are also treated to brilliant social commentary. This movie is haunting from the first frame until its shocking conclusion. Listen to our full episode here.
Honorable Mention: Censor (Neon Pictures)
Perhaps the most vibrant film on this list, with the exception of Psycho Goreman, Censor is an unsettling look at the price media can cost a person’s mental health. Intertwining that commentary throughout the protagonist’s own grief stricken journey, Censor is a marvelously acted, brilliantly shot, and haunting story that flexes its neon color palette throughout its 84 minute run time. Prano Bailey-Bond, the film’s director, crafts a story that is equal parts nostalgic and timeless. The film is further solidified by Niamh Algar’s heartbreaking performance. Censor is one of the strongest horror films we’ve received this year and is worthy of your attention. Listen to our full episode here.
10. Werewolves Within (IFC Films)
I’m not a video game guy by any means. The fact that this one is even on my list is extremely surprising to me. Scare Me, director Josh Ruben’s previous film, had a spot in my top 10 list of last year. His follow up was already on my anticipated list for this year, and Ruben didn’t disappoint. By crafting a story that masterfully blends horror and comedy with an engaging whodunit element, the film is one of this year’s best comedies and what I would argue IS, in fact, this year’s best comedy. It is the only comedy to appear on this list. Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub have incredible chemistry and comedic timing together. This mixed with Richardson’s charisma as a leading man, its use of practical effects, and its simplicity, Werewolves Within is the best video game movie you’ve never heard of. Read my full review here.
9. Last Night in Soho (Focus Features)
Perhaps one of the most visually dazzling films on this list comes in the latest effort from Edgar Wright. Wright has made a career out of giving audiences something original and oftentimes exploring a wide range of emotions. Whether it is killing zombies in Shaun of the Dead, fighting off evil exes in Scott Pilgrim vs the World or a crime-related action spree in Baby Driver; Soho is a spectular blend of murder mystery, nostalgic throwback, and horror. Aligned with top tier performances from its cast, make no mistake, Last Night in Soho is as swinging as it is haunting.
8. Willy’s Wonderland (Saturn Films)
The first of two Nicolas Cage films on this list happens to be an absolute blast. The very idea of Cage taking on demon possessed animatronics is the stuff of pure genius. The great thing about this movie is that Cage doesn’t even utter a word the entire film. The lore of this movie is great. The teenagers cast along with Cage are awesome. I know there are many comparisons to Five Nights at Freddy’s but Wonderland is an absolute blast from start to finish. I promise whether you like Cage or not you’ll have an absolute blast with this movie. Listen to our full episode here.
7. Nightmare Alley (Searchlight Pictures)
Guillermo Del Toro is one of the best filmmakers currently working in Hollywood today. In the vein of Robert Rodriguez, Del Toro has made a career out of unusual and darker films, while also staying grounded in family entertainment. For some strange reason that’s a thing both seem to be quite good at. For his follow-up to his Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water, Del Toro assembles an ensemble cast featuring Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette, Ron Perlman, Rooney Mara, and Cate Blanchett - just to name a few. There is no singular bad performance in this movie. Del Toro creates one of the best noir films we’ve seen in recent memory with a narrative that draws you in with its slow burning pace but stunning atmosphere. Watch my full review here.
6. Psycho Goreman (RLJE Films/Shudder)
This one holds a special place in my heart for this year. It was actually the first film I watched this year. Psycho Goreman is one of the strangest movies on this list but it’s equally one of the funnest as well. While other films on this list addressed more serious topics like racism, suicide, and grief, Psycho Goreman is an 80s and 90s inspired film that marvelously blends elements of horror, comedy, and sci-fi for an unforgettable time. The practical effects and monster suits are a throwback to the days of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Every MMPR fan needs to see this Shudder exclusive film. Read my full review here.
5. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (Searchlight Pictures)
As a man of God, it’s movies and events like The Eyes of Tammy Faye that make my skin crawl. Telling the horrific true story of Jim and Tammy Bakker, Eyes is a stunning biopic with riveting performances. The movie is named after its 2000 documentary of the same name, and it has a great performance by Andrew Garfield. Garfield is incredible in this role. Not to be outdone is Jessica Chastain as the film’s titular character. Chastain is transformed into Bakker. Whether it's her mannerisms, visual style, or even voice, Chastain is an uncanny re-creation of the former televangelist. Without a doubt one of this year’s best performances, period. Listen to our full episode here.
4. Bad Girls (Films Colacitta)
Bad Girls is one of only two films to make this list from the various film festivals I covered this year. This indie darling came to my attention in the spring through coverage of Grindsploitation Film Festival. It is the only film I have backed on any crowdfunding site this year. I needed to have this movie on Blu-Ray. This insane film is about three girls who get fed up with their circumstances and travel cross country, creating chaos along the way. This movie is bonkers in nearly every sense of the word. With that insanity comes a thoroughly amazing viewing experience. This movie is one of the most fun viewing experiences I’ve had all year. Getting the chance to show this movie to friends has been my secret blessing of the year. Read my full review here.
3. The Night House (Searchlight Pictures)
Arguably my most anticipated movie for next year is Hellraiser, the reboot from director David Bruckner. The Nighthouse made me go watch literally every film this man has ever made. While this is no doubt one of the heaviest movies on this list, thematically speaking, the performance from Rebecca Hall alone makes it worthy of this list. However, it’s the optical illusions within the film, its gripping story, and the exploration of losing a loved one to suicide that truly makes it worth your time. The entire film feels like an audition for why Bruckner is the perfect man to direct Pinhead’s reinvention next year. This is without a doubt one of, if not the, creepiest movies I’ve seen this year. I can’t recommend this movie enough.
2. Pig (Neon Pictures)
Not to be outdone by his battles with animatronics comes the second Nic Cage movie on the list that is guaranteed to wreck any and all of its viewers, Pig. Pig, while in theory a subtle take on the John Wick trope of losing an animal close to you, actually contains a rich tapestry that explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the grieving process. Bring a box of tissues for this one. The less you know the better, and the harder this movie will hit you. Cage is astonishing, reminding every naysayer that he is still capable of whirlwind performances. Listen to our full episode here.
1. The Stylist (Arrow)
There is a large number of you that have probably never heard of this movie. The debut from director Jill Gevargizian comes as a slow burn masterpiece that is as hauntingly gruesome as it is grippingly emotional. Gevargizian presents a story that is equal parts a beautiful drama and an homage to the slasher genre. Two completely different genres that seemingly have no business being together, resulting in a character study that is delivered with stunning performances, rich cinematography, and some truly gnarly gags (horror lingo for kills). Najarra Townsend and Brea Grant are spectacular in this gripping horror film. Listen to my interview with the director here.
Mental Health Moment: Everyone has their outlet to which they turn for escape. For me, this has always been the medium of film. Sure, there have been seasons of my life where I read more or played video games. But nothing has ever quite captured me the way that movies have. This year was no exception. Here are twelve of the best films I’ve come across this year. Some of my favorite memories of this past year have involved introducing my friends to movies like Psycho Goreman or Bad Girls. Some of them have included silent car rides home to process the movie I just witnessed (i.e. Pig). While other movies have gripped me so intensely, I have escaped into a director’s entire body of work. Whatever this year has brought me, film has been the one constant thing. While I recommend all of these movies to readers, like yourself, I recommend finding an outlet for your own mental health even more.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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