Ava Bellows' Top 10 Films of the year: A Listicle
Here’s a rundown of my favorite films this year— in no particular order of preference — each a standout in its own unique way. These are the movies that captured my heart, blew my mind, or left me speechless.
Challengers
DIRECTED BY LUCA GUADAGNINO
Three lives collide on and off the tennis court in a story of love, ambition, and rivalry.
This movie felt alive—like a living, breathing organism. Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor’s chemistry was electrifying, their performances like two halves of the same soul. It’s sexy, raw, and achingly real, making it impossible to look away.
KINDS OF KINDNESS
DIRECTED BY YORGOS LANTHIMOS
An ensemble of interconnected stories dives into the intricacies of human connection and morality.
A fever dream of a film that feels startling and daring at every turn. This is what happens when a director has total trust in their cast—a set company of actors working together to create something visceral and beautiful.
A DIFFERENT MAN
DIRECTED BY AARON SCHIMBERG
An isolated man undergoes facial reconstructive surgery and begins a twisted journey of self-discovery.
Sebastian Stan delivers a career-defining performance, unlike anything I’ve ever seen from him. The concept is brilliant, the execution flawless, and the result is a film that’s unsettling and impossible to forget.
DIDI
DIRECTED BY SEAN WANG
A young girl navigates the trials of adolescence while forging her identity and family bonds.
An unbelievably tender and lovely coming-of-age story that absolutely wrecked me. It’s a film that sneaks up on you with its quiet honesty and emotional depth, leaving you in tears by the end.
sing sing
DIRECTED BY GREG KWEDAR
In a prison theater program, inmates find hope and freedom through art.
A deeply moving tribute to the therapeutic power of the artistic process. The ensemble cast is one of the year’s best, and the film is a reminder of how art can heal and transform.
HIS THREE DAUGHTERS
DIRECTED BY AZAZEL JACOBS
Three estranged sisters reunite as they prepare for their father’s death, confronting years of resentment.
An intimate and haunting exploration of grief, resentment, and the complicated love we feel for family. Elizabeth Olsen stands out in a sea of incredible performances. This one burrowed into my heart and stayed there.
THE SUBSTANCE
DIRECTED BY CORALIE FARGEAT
A scientist’s breakthrough beauty treatment spirals into a chilling exploration of vanity and power.
Campy in all the best ways, this film delivers powerhouse performances while exploring beauty standards and the way society polices women as they age. It’s sharp, smart, and wickedly entertaining.
BIRD
DIRECTED BY ANDREA ARNOLD
A woman’s life unravels after a traumatic event, told through breathtaking visuals and emotional candor.
Tender, raw, and visually stunning. The camera work alone is breathtaking, but the emotional honesty of the film is what makes it unforgettable.
QUEER
DIRECTED BY LUCA GUADAGNINO
A kaleidoscopic exploration of identity and desire, told through surreal and visceral storytelling.
A wild, psychedelic trip of a movie. I’ve never seen anything quite like it—it’s daring, experimental, and an absolute sensory overload in the best way possible.
BABYGIRL
DIRECTED BY HALINA REIJN
A provocative tale of obsession and vulnerability, centered on a volatile relationship.
Sexy, uncomfortable, and vulnerable. Harris Dickinson proves once again that he’s one of the best actors working today. This film feels like nothing else, pushing boundaries and leaving you breathless.
There you have it—ten films that defined my year in cinema.
Each one brought something unforgettable, whether it was emotional resonance, bold artistry, or sheer cinematic magic.
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Ava Bellows
very laboratory