097. Film + TV 2022 Index
The one you (I) have been waiting for.
Hi, I’m Maggie, and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a weekly newsletter on all things slow: beauty, fashion, living. Links in this newsletter may include affiliate links or discount referrals. If you enjoy and would like to support this newsletter, click the button below or shop through my links! No pressure but thank you if you do.
Before we jump into today’s newsletter, I need to share some news. As one of the foundational brands in green beauty, it is with a heavy heart that I say Earthwise Beauty is closing. After a phenomenal tenure, let us celebrate all the good that has sprung forth from this brand and the team behind it.
To Ava, the founder and creator extraordinaire: without you, I would not have been able to experience such a profound season of my life through your floral and herbal wisdom and formulations.
To Joslin and Rhiannon: Thank you for granting me such a warm home as an EWB brand ambassador. It has been an honor to champion EWB.
To the rest of the team, past and present, Shena, Caitlin, and Christine: thank you for your love and care in correspondence, knowledge, gifting, and shipping.
Here’s to one of the most incredible teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
In their usual, elegant, heartwarming form, Earthwise Beauty (and their sister brand Pacific Northwest Essences) is offering a 50% off sale through February 7 with the code FinalSale50.
Last Newsletter 096 has some of my all-time favorite items listed (if they haven’t sold out already) should you need inspiration.
Today is the latest installment of yearly favorites with the Tender Forms Film + TV 2022 Index! I will link to any I’ve written at length about to keep things moving. This also follows last year’s criteria:
As with most of my top-rated films, both my heart and mind gravitate towards those that face hard truths, ask tough questions, teach, and transports to new worlds. The list includes new-to-me films along with those released in 2022.
Here are my top five (seemed fitting to cut my top ten in half as I roughly watched half of the usual amount this year). It was truly the year of islands and man (you’ll see…).
*I’ve tried to link those available on popular streaming services. If not available there, you can find them for rent on all the usual platforms.
1. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022, Searchlight Pictures) ★★★★½
Watching this film made my heart soar: from narrative to scene to sound to sight, it is a dazzling feat. Transportive and telling, this will stick with me for a long-time and deserves another viewing or two. I would not recommend watching any trailers for this one or listening to its stellar score before viewing. Everything is best left as a surprise.
2. Bergman Island (2021, Les films du losange) ★★★★
This is one of those films that makes you feel a particular way. The “way” is a robust and heady mixture of melancholy, nostalgia, anxiety, and warmth—excellent performances all around from Vicky Krieps, Tim Roth, Mia Wasikowska, and Anders Danielsen Lie.
3. The Northman (2022, Focus Features) ★★★★
I have waited years (okay, at least an entire year) for this. I adore Robert Eggers. He is one of my all-time favorite directors (top five, easy). His 2022 ‘The Northman’ took a surprising turn (both good and bad), and one can only speculate that everything behind the scenes caused it to be less Eggers and more a collaborative effort amongst many parties. But don’t let that discourage you. As always, the folklore is magnificent, the cinematography in a realm of its own, and the performances will take your breath away. *I do wish they would release a director’s cut, as I imagine it would be a completely different film (and better).
4. Wrath of Man (2021, United Artists Releasing) ★★★★
A sleeper hit. Everyone loves Guy Ritchie but for different reasons. Similar to other prolific directors, there’s a spectrum to his vision. This one happens to line up more on the end of what I prefer to see from him. Jason Statham is at his best in this epic tale of revenge. The chapter titles will give you a good sense of the time and scale of this ride. I loved it.
5. The Batman (2022, Warner Bros. Pictures) ★★★½
Matt Reeves’s ‘The Batman’ is a highly underrated telling of the familiar tale. This is likely my favorite version of Batman captured on film (though shot on digital). Despite its highly stylized, cinematic, bokeh, and filmic look, this is the rawest version of any Batman I’ve witnessed. Jagged-edged, insecurities and all, it’s the first to depict Batman underneath a different light and scope. I won’t ruin all the other surprises, but this is one worth watching. (Again, don’t watch the trailers. They didn’t do it any justice in any way.)
Honorable Mentions (split by genre, listed alphabetically): The criteria for this section is simple: if the film stuck around in my brain for an extended period of time, it made this list.
Action
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021, Netflix)
A fun and funny wild ride. The leading ladies smashed it. Plus, a hilarious action sequence that can’t be pulled off by anyone other than Karen Gillan.
Drama
Black Bear (2020, Momentum Pictures)
Highly entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet build. Some excellent visuals, along with some of my favorite “younger generation” (aka my generation) actors: Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott, and Sarah Gadon.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts (2022, Warner Bros. Television)
This one holds an extra special place in my heart and always will. Yes, I am a massive fan of the Harry Potter film series (not the books, sorry). But furthermore, all the graphics you see are from yours truly (concept, design, direction). I can’t thank the studio I work for enough for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a huge thanks need to be given to the team for their stellar work, long hours, and the bit of magic each and every one of them brought. You can see a more in-depth breakdown of what we did here: Harry Potter — Sibling Rivalry. *This is exclusive to HBO Max though you can buy or rent it on iTunes and Amazon Prime.
Ich bin dein Mensch (English title: I’m Your Man, 2021, Majestic Filmverleih)
Another sleeper hit. I enjoyed this tremendously; equal parts humorous, sweet, and devastating.
Spencer (2021, Neon, Topic Studios)
If it’s a historical film by Pablo Larraín, I’m in. No one can immerse you in a particular space and time as he can. Not to mention the ever-amazing cast list.
Verdens verste menneske (English title: The Worst Person in the World, 2021, SF Studios)
One of the most effectual films I watched this year. I got stuck in a melancholic loop for a week after (not as bad as it sounds, actually a good thing).
Waiting for the Barbarians (2019, Samuel Goldwyn Films)
Stunning, quiet, traumatic, brutal, free-fall, wasting are all words I’d use to describe this under-the-radar film.
Horror
Hellraiser (2022, Hulu)
Finally, the stars aligned in 2022 for Hellraiser to embody the true horror that it is. Everything about this is f*cked up, but there is most definitely a disturbed yet beautiful vision in David Bruckner’s (director) and Eli Born’s (cinematographer) version of the cult franchise. Much-deserved applause goes out to the visual effects, costuming, and special makeup effects teams for their incredible theory, attention to detail, and extraordinary monstrous creations.
Kimi (2022, HBO Max)
Another highly entertaining film. Soderbergh is very hit-or-miss in my book, but he’s “back” in this one! Zoë Kravitz does a fantastic job, and it’s got one of the best soundtracks of 2022.
The Cursed (2021, LD Entertainment)
An expert gothic take on one of the world’s (in)famous monsters. I won’t spoil it for you, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The Night House (2020, Searchlight Pictures)
I adore Rebecca Hall in these types of roles. An underrated actress in a more underrated film (this, too, by David Bruckner). This has the potential to be a cult favorite if viewers know where to look.
Best (in no particular order):
Film: No question ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’
Scene: What I refer to as the “cross” edit in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (if you know, you know) or the last scene in ‘Ich bin dein Mensch.’
Action Scene: Any Alexander Skarsgård killing scene from ‘The Northman.’
Actor: Colin Farrell as Pádraic in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’
Actress: Aubrey Plaza in ‘Black Bear.’
Director: Martin McDonagh for the masterpiece that is ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’ Honorable mention to one of my all-time favorites, Robert Eggers, for ‘The Northman.’
Cinematographer: Is it terrible if I do a three-way tie? You’re right; it is. I have to decide. Gold goes to Jarin Blaschke for ‘The Northman,’ Silver to Ben Davis for ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ and Bronze to Greig Fraser for ‘The Batman.’
Score: Carter Burwell’s ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’ A close second is Michael Giacchino’s ‘The Batman.’
1. Severance: Season 1 (Apple TV+) ★★★★½
I’ve written about this at extensive length in Newsletter 087. All still rings true. Though I have to say I’m very torn about this not being a limited series. I genuinely feel they should have stopped at one season (what a spectacular ending if they had!). We’ll see if I’m wrong or not once Season 2 airs.
Standout Episodes: ‘Good News About Hell’ (Season 1 Episode 1), ‘In Perpetuity’ (S1E3), ‘Defiant Jazz’ (S1E7), and ‘The We We Are’ (S1E9).
2. Outer Range: Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video) ★★★★½
I went back and forth on whether this should take the number one spot; ‘Severance’ just edged it out. It’s because it was nothing short of spectacular. I wrote about it in Newsletter 089 when I was halfway through, and my love for it ratcheted way up after completing the season—an epic tale of regret, rewriting history, and the cost of righting a wrong. I can’t wait for Season 2.
Standout Episodes: ‘The Void’ (S1E1), ‘The Soil’ (S1E5), ‘The Unknown’ (S1E7), and ‘The West’ (S1E8).
3. The Terminal List: Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video) ★★★★½
Similar to the first two contending for number one, ‘Outer Range’ barely won out here. ‘The Terminal List’ was an utter surprise: flawlessly told and captured, it’s clear to see how much work went into this. Based on the novel of the same name by Jack Carr, the series follows Lieutenant Commander James Reece after his return home from a mission. I truly don’t want to say (give away) anything else aside from my plea to watch this series. The story and action scenes are so striking and impeccably executed, with pitch-perfect performances from the entire ensemble cast. Not one to be missed. Fingers and toes crossed that it returns for future seasons (last I read, they were still amidst negotiations).
Standout Episodes: ‘The Engram’ (S1E1), ‘Detachment’ (S1E4), ‘Extinction’ (S1E7), and ‘Reclamation’ (S1E8).
4. Normal People (BBC Three, Hulu) ★★★★
I have no words to describe how this series made me feel. That’s how enchanted, swayed, drowned, and relieved I was upon experiencing it (I guess I have some words)—an unbelievable take on the worldwide literary sensation ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney. The book doesn’t hold a candle to the television series. I’m happy to discuss more if you’d like.
Standout Episodes: Episode 1, Episode 6, Episode 8, and Episode 10.
5. Irma Vep (HBO) ★★★★
I am a huge fan of Oliver Assayas, and this series over-delivered. I loved every second of it. Incredible cast, lush, opulent textures, unsuspectingly humorous, and an utter delight. I am at war with myself about not having seen the original before watching this: on the one hand, it may have helped me to appreciate the miniseries even more than I do, but on the other hand, I can’t imagine this any other way.
Standout Episodes: ‘The Severed Head’ (Episode 1), ‘Dead Man’s Escape’ (Episode 3), ‘Hypnotic Eyes’ (Episode 5), and ‘The Spectre’ (Episode 7).
Honorable Mentions (listed alphabetically):
Hacks: Season 2 (HBO Max) ★★★★
It pains me that this didn’t make it into the top spots. This is a pitch-perfect show: utterly enjoyable, laugh-out-loud funny, endearing characters, and wonderful stories. I missed Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder before Season 2 graced us with its presence. Then I missed them again once Season 2 ended. There’s no other show like this currently on television. Please watch it if you haven’t already.
Standout Episodes: ‘Quid Pro Quo’ (S2E2), ‘Trust the Process’ (S2E3), ‘The Captain’s Wife’ (S2E4), and ‘On the Market’ (S2E7).
Industry: Season 2 (HBO) ★★★★
It’s been two years since ‘Industry’ blew onto the scene and swept me away. I was thrilled that it finally returned with its sophomore season in 2022. It’s certainly held up and continued to fill the void left by ‘Succession.’ Though it is wrong to think of it as a copycat. The characters in ‘Industry’ are as rich (pun intended) and complex, with an overwhelming ambitious urge to win while trying to stay a good…human being. I adored the new additions this year as they opened up the cast and stories. This will get your heart pumping, and brain short-circuiting, and produce a non-drug-induced high that only shows like this can grant you. I loved every ticking nanosecond and am itching for the next season, naturally.
Standout Episodes (episode numbers as listed on HBO Max): ‘Daddy’ (S2E9), ‘Short to the Point of Pain’ (S2E14), ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ (S2E15), and ‘Jerusalem’ (S2E16).
Lisey’s Story (Apple TV+) ★★★★
Another Pablo Larraín gem. At first, I wouldn’t have imagined that he and King’s material would make for an excellent partnership, but of course, it does! Some of the most visually stunning tableaus I can recall in 2022 came from this series. The top-billed cast is spectacular, as always, given their accolades and past works. What a singular, indelible experience.
Standout Episodes: ‘Bool Hunt’ (Episode 1), ‘Jim Dandy’ (Episode 4), ‘The Good Brother’ (Episode 5), and ‘Lisey’s Story’ (Episode 8).
Mayor of Kingstown: Season 1 (Paramount+) ★★★½
I got Paramount+ for a month or two, and this show is what made it worth it. ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ is Paramount’s Golden Child Taylor Sheridan’s latest series. Led by Jeremy Renner, this is a mix of ‘True Detective,’ ‘Breaking Bad,’ with a hint of ‘Prisonbreak.’ It’s highly entertaining, and just when you think it will slip into something cheesy, it doesn’t! A terrific look and take at incarceration, corruption, and justice.
Standout Episodes: ‘The Mayor of Kingstown’ (S1E1), ‘Every Feather’ (S1E6), ‘The Devil is Us’ (S1E8), and ‘This Piece of My Soul’ (S1E10).
Pistol (FX on Hulu) ★★★
Good ol’ Danny Boyle delivers again. A marvelous young cast, film grain I can almost touch, and Westwood fashion. What else does one need?
Standout Episodes: ‘Track 1: The Cloak of Invisibility’ (Episode 1), ‘Track 2: Rotten’ (Episode 2), ‘Track 4: Pretty Vaaayct’ (Episode 4), and ‘Track 6: Who Killed Bambi?’ (Episode 6).
Tokyo Vice: Season 1 (HBO Max) ★★★½
Michael Mann is what drew me to watch this series. And there are glimpses into an epic narrative of underbelly corruption and betrayal that is signature Mann style. During the season, this was sensational. It has an incredible cast of seasoned and new-to-the-scene actors, polished cinematography, and an excellent unraveling. Afterward, it fell out of memory so take from that what you will. Again, the cast was sublime (Watanabe, Kikuchi, Sugata, Tanida, the list goes on), but Shô Kasamatsu stood out the most.
Standout Episodes: ‘The Test’ (S1E1), ‘Everybody Pays’ (S1E5), ‘The Information Business’ (S1E6), and ‘Yoshino’ (S1E8).
Under the Banner of Heaven (FX on Hulu) ★★★½
A whirlwind of violence, faith, and acceptance, watching this series is like trying to stand your ground in the center of a tornado. Established and newcomer casts were outstanding, even if this series started award-contending before fizzling out.
Standout Episodes: ‘When God Was Love’ (Episode 1), ‘Surrender’ (Episode 3), ‘One Mighty and Strong’ (Episode 5), and ‘Blood Atonement (Episode 7).
Thanks so much for reading! What were your film and tv favorites of 2022? I would love to know and add them to my watchlist! You can join in on the chat here:
And if you know anyone who might enjoy this newsletter, please share!
As always, I hope you have a great start to your week. See you January 29 for a bonus Index!
Hi Maggie
What a lovely tribute to your championed brand.
I like the sound of your film-watching criteria.
My husband and I are looking forward to watching The Banshees. We recently re-watched In Bruges, and it'll be interesting to see how Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson interact in this one. You make it sound very intriguing and good viewing.
Mia Wasikowska seems to me to be an interesting actress. I thought she was pretty good in Tracks.
Congratulations on your Harry Potter Anniversary involvement!
I'm with you on scores done by Carter Burwell. As you probably know, he composed the music for Olive Kitteridge. I think highly of the book (of all of Elizabeth Strout's writing, though it's often not easy reading), and I found the score for the film series unusual, evocative and at times goose-bump inducing.
Your review is making me think twice about not watching Outer Range. And Josh Brolin is so good (how amazing is he in No Country for Old Men and Men in Black 3?!)
Thanks for the rest of your reviews - such good descriptions. And thanks for teaching me a new word - I'd not encountered 'bokeh' before!
D
"the one you have been waiting for" is such an accurate tagline for this list. indeed, i've been waiting for this. your recommendations and list are too interesting to skip ;)
the banshee of inisherin, yes!! i couldn't watch it before 2022 end, but i watched early jan this year and i enjoyed it too. i'm so happy with your rating haha
i still need to watch the northman! your rating is telling me i should watch it quick :))
and that also includes the tv show severance (though i have to wait for either my hbo or prime to expire first before i can re-subscribe to apple tv lolol)