108. Film + TV 2023 Index
The one you (I) have been waiting for.
Hi, I’m Maggie, and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a bi-weekly newsletter on all things slow: beauty, fashion, living. Links in this newsletter may include affiliate links or discount referrals. If you enjoy this newsletter and would like to support it, click the button below or shop through my links! No pressure, but thank you if you do.
2023 was filled with a good amount of films I had been waiting for. Those who rose to the occasion knocked me down by how fantastic they were. For some statistical reference, in 2022, I watched 129 films, and in 2023, I watched 117. The criteria for these most memorable remains the same:
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 2023.
Here are my top five with an additional Honorable Mentions list.
*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.
Aftersun (2022, Dir. Charlotte Wells, A24) ★★★★
‘Aftersun’ embodies that slow passage of time many of us feel during the summer with a quiet undertow. It never forces anything upon you, yet suddenly, without warning, you’ll find yourself pulled into its current. Fluid in more ways than one, it seeps and soaks all of your senses: you smell the sunscreen, chlorine, saltwater, and clay. And you feel the sizzle of the sun against your skin, the cool night breeze off the ocean waves, the stifling still air of the airport. This film eviscerated me. Unpredictably poignant, beautiful, and a brilliant representation of life in various stages, overflowing with love and heartbreak.
May December (2023, Dir. Todd Haynes, Netflix) ★★★★
This is right in that pocket for anyone familiar with Haynes’ work. Beautiful to look at, uncomfortable to observe, and unravels in unexpected ways. The lead trio is a force to be reckoned with. Julianna Moore is as captivating, bold, and fearless in her acting style as ever. Natalie Portman leads us through it with attention to detail and surprise. And Charles Melton, a man with presence, shapes himself into someone quiet and small, a most impressive feat.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022, Dir. Edward Berger, Netflix) ★★★★
I have always had a soft spot for war films, and this one did not disappoint. Visually breathtaking and audibly striking, it’s an epic tale of brotherhood, survival, fear, understanding, and grief. If your emotions tend to get easily hijacked, wait for a sunny day to watch this.
The Killer (2023, Dir. David Fincher, Netflix) ★★★★
You say “David Fincher,” and I’m in. No questions asked. This was one heck of an entertaining film. Is it my favorite, Fincher? No. But is it exactly the way it should and could ever be? Yes. Fincher and Fassbender make a naturally great pairing, but the rest of the cast is equally fantastic. Two hours spent in a Fincher world is never a waste of time.
Bottoms (2023, Dir. Emma Seligman, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures) ★★★★
This made me laugh until I cried. Hilarity and ridiculousness around ever corner under every seat. Our two leads, Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri were flawless, and their improv was at the highest caliber level. “Shiva Baby” was Seligman’s previous film, and it’s what put her on my radar. I’m thrilled that her following film was equally an immensely good time.
Honorable Mentions: 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.
Watcher (2022, Dir. Chloe Okuno, IFC Midnight)
Visually burned into my brain, it features a wardrobe I can only hope to own and wear someday. You can read the full gush in Newsletter 100.
Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One (2023, Dir. Christopher McQuarrie, Paramount Pictures)
I have waited years for this. In hindsight, I should have waited until Part Two came out so I could double-feature it. I don’t want this franchise to end.
The Flash (2023, Dir. Andy Muschietti, Warner Bros. Pictures)
So good I watched it twice, two days in a row. Perhaps the best Snyder DC Universe movie. It really surprised me with all its action, comedy, music, CGI, cast, and story. I laughed, I worried, I cried, I was moved. I’ll fight anyone who hates this movie.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023, Dir. Chad Stahelski, Lionsgate)
It’s always a great time when we get to visit international Continentals within the John Wick Universe. I especially loved the new characters brought into Chapter 4. Koji and Akira are excellent, but DONNIE f*cking YEN’s Caine was by far my favorite. I was disappointed in Skarsgård’s character and hoped he would play a larger role in the action choreography.
The Menu (2023, Dir. Mark Mylod, Searchlight Pictures)
An unnervingly good time. This is fun to watch on your own, but if there’s a professional chef in your family, it’s infinitely more fun to watch with their commentary.
Best (in no particular order):
Film: Aftersun. My heart is instantly crushed whenever I think of it.
Scene: Low angle “hero” shot of Calum at the top of his steps on his birthday (‘Aftersun’), the bedroom scene when Joe confronts Gracie (‘May December’), or the mirror scene outside the changing room in ‘May December.’
Action Scene: Caine’s kitchen fight sequence in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ or the David and Goliath fight sequence in ‘The Killer.’
Actor: Tough one…Paul Mescal’s Calum in ‘Aftersun’ or Charles Melton’s Joe in ‘May December.’
Actress: Another tough one…do we go Portland or Moore? I say Julianna Moore in ‘May December.’
Director: David Fincher for ‘The Killer.’
Cinematographer: Oof, how do you choose one when they are all superb and stylistically different? Christopher Blauvelt for ‘May December.’
Score: Marcelo Zarvos and Michel Legrand for ‘May December.’
The North Water (BBC Two) ★★★★
This was the most replayed tv series in my head of 2023. ‘The North Water’ is so spectacular in its storytelling, and the entire cast is so deft in their character work. Colin Farrell and Jack O’Connell star, but Sam Spruell gives both of them a run for their money. Countless visually stunning sequences and moments of despair, rage, and reflection.
Standout Episodes: I say all of them, and coming in at only five episodes, anyone can do it. But if I had to choose: ‘Behold the Man’ (Episode 1), ‘Homo Homini Lupus’ (E3), ‘The Devils of the Earth’ (E4), and ‘To Live Is to Suffer’ (E5).
Succession: Season 4 (HBO) ★★★★
And so, the opus comes to an end. This one fell most flat of all its seasons, but even then, the caliber of talent is high. And it’s most certainly still one of the best series from 2023.
Standout Episodes: ‘Conner’s Wedding’ (S4E3), ‘Kill List’ (S4E5), ‘Church and State’ (S4E9), and ‘With Open Eyes’ (S4E10).
Catastrophe (Channel 4) ★★★★
I am honestly ashamed to say I am this late to the game, considering how much I bloody loved this. It is so pitch-perfect that it had me crying and laughing a solid 85% of the time through all four seasons. There is a giant Sharon and Rob hole in my life now and I don’t know what to fill with it. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Standout Episodes: Season 1 Episode 1, Season 2 Episode 3, Season 3 Episode 6, Season 4 Episode 6.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
This was the year of rewatching television series for me, so there is only one mention that comes to mind:
Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) ★★★
Remember that Sharon hole I spoke about just above? Luckily, it gave me a reason to watch Bad Sisters finally. What an incredible cast! It’s easy to get caught up in all their hijinks and misfires.
Standout Episodes: ‘’Explode a Man’ (S1E2), ‘Chopped Liver’ (S1E3), ‘Splash’ (S1E6), ‘Going Rogue’ (S1E9), and ‘Saving Grace’ (S1E10).
Thanks so much for reading. I’m always looking to add more to my watchlist. What were your favorites of 2023?
As always, I hope you have a great start to your week. See you February 11.
