Something You Said’s top films of 2015
Somethingyousaid.com’s end of year review is progressing at pace. We’ve already told you what the best albums were of 2015, now our contributors vote for their favourite films from the last 12 months:
SOMETHING YOU SAID’S FILM OF THE YEAR IS: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Remember how excited you were to see the Star Wars prequels? Then what happened? That’s right, a shower of shit was injected directly into your eyes in the form of three absolutely awful films. Terrible CGI, wooden acting, confusing plot-lines about trade disputes, Jar Jar Binks and fucking midichlorians. Thank the maker then, for J.J. Abrams, who has delivered a simply brilliant seventh instalment which – unlike Episodes I, II and III – feels like it truly belongs in the Star Wars universe. It is tense, exciting, surprisingly funny and poignant, with strong new characters. The action has real physicality and there is just the right amount of reminiscence. If you have ever been curious of the world of Star Wars, you can now start from Episode IV and The Force Awakens will make complete sense to you without having to watch episodes I, II or III. This film was everything we’d hoped it would be and more. George Lucas should hang his head in shame over the monumental turds that were his prequels. Words by Bobby Townsend, Melissa Barrass and Gary Page
2. MAD MAX FURY ROAD
A truckload of girl power in a heavily masculine film franchise. Charlize Theron is the boss in this highly energetic and entertaining flick. Melissa Barrass
3. EX MACHINA
Ex-Machina is a feminist, sci-fi masterpiece which takes a sharp and elegant look at humanity.
4. THE LOBSTER
The Lobster is surreal, disturbing and hilarious. Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz and Lea Seydoux, the film explores the idea of humans and relationships in an unusual way, where singles have 45 days to find a partner before they are turned into an animal of their choice. Be prepared for a couple of excruciating death scenes and a pretty unpleasant encounter with a toaster. Jayne Cheeseman
5. ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL
This comedy about a boy and his friendship with a girl from school who has been diagnosed with leukaemia is sharp, inventive, witty, hilarious and heartbreaking. As well as an abundance of humour, the story has real heart. It cares for its characters and its audience. You will laugh, you will cry and you will want to watch the whole thing again as soon as the credits role. It’s absolutely magnificent. Bobby Townsend
6. AMY
While peppered with moments of humour and levity, and of course reminding us of that stunning voice, Amy is, ultimately, a deeply sad experience. It is though, a must see. This lady deserves to be remembered the right way, not as a wasted junkie, but as a funny, gentle, talented soul who died far, far too young. It is truly heartbreaking and gut-wrenching to witness how it all went wrong. Bobby Townsend
7. INSIDE OUT
Inside Out does a brilliant job of creating a touching, witty and fun story about the inner workings of a person’s emotions. This is easily one of Pixar’s greatest films and if it doesn’t make you cry then you have a heart made of pure granite. Jayne Cheeseman
8. SUFFRAGETTE
The narrative is engaging throughout and Carey Mulligan is simply brilliant. Everything from her accent to her descent into increasing turmoil is perfectly delivered. The narrative too, gives a good potted overview of the incredible struggle and terrible oppression that these women faced. Bobby Townsend
9. ’71
The film does an impressive job of giving a microcosmic illustration of the complex political situation, especially considering the bulk of the narrative is set over the course of just a few hours across a handful of streets. It perfectly balances exhilarating action with genuine melancholy at the futility of war and the tragic deaths of those who get swept up in the fight. Bobby Townsend
10. A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE
The third and final film in Anderson’s Living Trilogy, A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence embraces the strange and socially taboo, translating a traditionally bleak look of death and doom into something we can laugh about. Addy Fong
11. CAROL
In keeping with a time when a lesbian relationship was not considered acceptable, this is brilliantly told through the smallest of movements. A touch on the shoulder here, a lingering glance there. The narrative doesn’t move forward through what is said, but rather through the things that are impossible to say. Bobby Townsend
12. THE MARTIAN
Alone, abandoned by his crew after a fierce storm damages his communication gear, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is stranded on Mars and has to grow potatoes on the desolate planet. He tells us, ‘In the face of overwhelming odds, I’m left with only one option, I’m gonna have to science the shit out of this.’ And science he does. Addy Fong
13. IT FOLLOWS
I was on edge for pretty much the entirety of this excellent horror movie. Possibly the most prolonged tension I’ve felt watching a horror film in a long time. It looks and sounds stunning and is genuinely frightening with an interesting take on its subject matter. Neil Martin
14. THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a coming-of-age drama that balances the innocence of youth with Minnie’s (Bel Powley) desire to grow up and blossom into womanhood. Minnie’s sexual awakening is treated with utmost respect that you never feel cheated or vulnerable at the supposed loss of innocence presented by the subtext of this film. Addy Fong
15. JURASSIC WORLD
Dinosaurs. Loads of dinosaurs, including one absolutely massive fuck-off great big one. Which is pretty much all you want from the series reboot. It’s a Friday night popcorn kinda flick, with Chris Pratt as an engaging frontman. Bobby Townsend
16. THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY
50 Shades of Grey? Pfffft, puh-lease. Press play on The Duke of Burgundy if you want a more beguiling BDSM cinematic experience. Liana Gow-Killingbeck
17. FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
Carey Mulligan is again magnificent of this newest adaptation of the story of the independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene. Bobby Townsend
18. LAST CAB TO DARWIN
A massive tear-jerker. Joel Anderson
19. SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE
As a huge fan of stop motion animation, I love this film’s use of classic squash and stretch animation techniques in order to exaggerate certain aspects of character. Shaun The Sheep Movie contains many references to pop culture and is all-round family-friendly fun. Addy Fong
20. ALEX AND EVE
Alex and Eve is an Australian movie, based on a very successful stage play. It’s a story about two people who meet and fall in love, but are from different cultural backgrounds; Arabic and Greek. Chaos ensues, naturally. Annastasia Robertson
*Before anyone gets pedantic about the above choices, our contributors are based all over the world, so what came out last year in your territory might have been released this year in theirs.
Aside from that, do you agree/disagree with our choices? Tell us in the comments section below.
