What a year 2018 has been for film – and namely because weve had diverse, smart films that have led with underrepresented, refreshing new (and old) faces.
From the huge success of an unlikable female character in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, to the Marvel Cinematic Universes first black superhero hitting the big screen – and probably sweeping the Oscars in six weeks – to Lady Gaga becoming a bona fide film star, its been one heck of a year.
So to celebrate, we asked all Metro.co.uk reporters to send over their favourite films which had 2018 UK release dates, tallied them up and finished with the following…
10. I, Tonya
Margot Robbie and Allison Janney are phenomenal.
The edit is slick and characters wonderful. I found it dark, moving, hilarious and thoroughly entertaining.
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Its done with style and wit, and incredible performances from everyone involved, and an unspoken acknowledgement that behind the repeated protestations of “its not my fault”, Tonya brought at least some of this on herself.
9. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Instead of reinventing the wheel, Fallout doubles down on the best attributes the franchise has to offer – zipping from one breathtaking action sequence to the next with punctures of warm-hearted silliness from its ever-appealing ensemble.
Absolutely exhilarating/exhausting/all encompassing in a franchise that looked in danger of going out in a whimper.
Will there ever be another Tom Cruise?
8. A Quiet Place
Such an amazingly unique concept and utterly horrifying. Plus Emily and John were incredible in it and the twists were really unexpected.
Potentially the most uncomfortable scene was watching Emily Blunts character give birth in silence while monsters crept around her bathtub. Cool.
7. Bohemian Rhapsody
Some didnt think it dove deep enough, I took it for what it was – a musical romp (literally) about one of the most flamboyant and loved rockstars. The soundtrack cannot be beaten.
Rami Malek is the champion of what is essentially a Queen Wikipedia entry – but what a rollercoaster entry it is.
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6. To All The Boys Ive Loved Before
It was a great talking point and was the first really great romcom weve had in years.
I dont normally go for the schmaltzy teen-drama-comedies, but this one got me in the feels. I may have cried. Maybe.
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5. Avengers: Infinity War
Its just such an epic movie that had a lot of build up and actually matched expectations. True storytelling at its finest.
Never before has an ending of a film led me to panic text the WhatsApp group until the world made sense again.
4. Three Billboards
Attempted to tackle difficult subjects at a time it wouldve been much easier to avoid altogether. Elevated by stand out performances.
Call it sadistic, but my favourite films are ones that emotionally disturb and include complicated relationships between characters and audience – when you dont really like any of the characters or are unsure if you should.
The raw emotion and anger that Francis McDormand encapsulates in this film stuck with me for days as did the development of Sam Rockwells character.
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3. A Star Is Born
Character progression at its finest featuring some actual bona fide bops.
A modern day fairytale for those who forgot.
In front of the camera, Bradley Cooper is magnificent as a man being slowly dragged down by his demons. As for Gaga herself, its a stunningly sophisticated performance for such an early role.
Its not just the announcement of Lady Gagas successful transition to film, its an enthralling meditation on how the entertainment industry makes casualties of so many of its stars.
2. Black Panther
A love letter to Africa.
No trailer could prepare us for Ryan Cooglers skills at perfectly weaving socio-political lessons on love, culture community, isolation, personal responsibility and identity in between some pretty dope fight scenes.
Black Panther had perhaps the most riding on its shoulders than any film in the last decade but Ryan Coogler, Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan pulled it off.
Stylish but emotional, world-building yet intimate, Black Panther hit every beat it needed to and more. No wonder Oscars are finally calling for the MCU.
1.BlackKklansmen
It meshed the brilliant balance of getting a really important message across while also being bloody entertaining.
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Topher Grace as the head Klansman is terrifying in its hilarity.
No one can talk about this film without referencing the end. The shock of going from the films ending to the Charlottesville footage sucker punched me.
It was powerful, necessary and Ive never heard silence in a cinema like it.
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
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