Number 10. Zola - 2020
A sprawling 148-tweet narrative ignited a meme phenomenon. Unless you've been living under a rock in Florida's untamed swamplands, you're undoubtedly familiar with the commencement of this exotic dancer's odyssey: "Y’all wanna hear a story about why me and this bitch here fell out?" Janicza Bravo's masterful reimagining of Aziah "Zola" Wells' outlandish journey to the Sunshine State culminates in a tumultuous weekend, entailing ventures through the intricacies of the sex trade, skillful dodging of bullets and physical altercations, and even witnessing a harrowing attempted suicide.
Number 9. The Trial of the Chicago 7 - 2020
Aaron Sorkin, renowned for his rapid-fire dialogue on the page, finally takes the reins in the director's chair. His inaugural directorial venture revisits the notorious trial that shaped the destinies of seven anti-Vietnam War protestors accused of inciting a riot during the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention. The result? A gripping courtroom spectacle, brimming with powerhouse performances from the likes of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and a stellar ensemble. And in classic Sorkin fashion, yes, he penned the script himself.
Number 8. The Irishman - 2019
The enigmatic disappearance of Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa has long puzzled the public imagination. But do people truly vanish without a trace? Martin Scorsese, the master of cinematic mob tales, steps up to unravel the mystery in his adaptation of "I Heard You Paint Houses." This narrative nonfiction gem by former homicide prosecutor Charles Brandt unveils the confession of Frank Sheeran, Hoffa's trusted lieutenant who purportedly betrayed him. Leading the charge is Robert De Niro, a seasoned veteran of the gangster epic genre, perfectly poised to bring this complex character to life.
Number 7. The Good Nurse - 2022
Who can resist the gripping allure of a medical thriller, especially when it's based on true events? Enter the riveting Netflix Original featuring Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne as ICU nurses Amy Loughren and Charles Cullen, respectively. Amy, a compassionate single mother with a fragile heart, and Charles, the sinister figure behind the untimely demise of around 40 patients. As chilling as it is captivating, "The Good Nurse" peels back the layers to expose the shocking abuse of power by one caregiver and the relentless pursuit of justice by those closest to him.
Number 6. Judas and the Black Messiah - 2021
Shaka King's compelling drama delves into the 1969 cover-up involving FBI informant William O'Neal (portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield) and his involvement in the assassination of Fred Hampton (played by Daniel Kaluuya), the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. "Judas and the Black Messiah" is a gripping narrative that explores themes of race, betrayal, and the quest for justice. While King exercises his artistic license to fill in the gaps left by government redactions, the film remains a poignant and necessary examination of a tumultuous chapter in American history.
Number 5. House of Gucci - 2021
Lady Gaga continues to astound with her versatility—singing, dancing, and immersing herself so deeply into character that she requires on-set medical supervision to ensure she doesn't lose herself entirely. In Ridley Scott's latest directorial endeavor, Gaga portrays Patrizia Reggiani, the socialite who orchestrated the assassination of her ex-husband, Mauricio Gucci, in 1995. Adapted from Sara Gay Forden's gripping bestseller, the film not only delves into the chilling details of the murder but also treats viewers to some of the most captivating fashion moments of 2021.
Number 4. Dark Waters - 2019
While environmental crime might not have the glitz of other cinematic tales, it's still a grave offense. In "Carol" director Todd Haynes's latest venture, the spotlight shifts to DuPont. Inspired by the New York Times article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare," the film tracks the relentless battle of Ohio lawyer Robert Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo) against the corporate giant. Bilott's crusade unveils DuPont's conscious pollution of the public's drinking water with toxic sludge, exposing the harrowing reality of corporate negligence.
Number 3. Cocaine Bear - 2023
Hold onto your hats: in a Georgia park, there's a bear causing chaos, fueled by cocaine and leaving a trail of shredded bodies in its wake. Now, before you raise your eyebrows, bear with me (pun intended): while the gory rampage is purely cinematic mischief, everything leading up to the bear's wild spree is rooted in reality. Back in the '80s, authorities stumbled upon a bear that had indulged in the contents of a duffel bag dropped by a drug smuggler from a plane overhead. Intrigued by the tale, Elizabeth Banks takes the directorial reins, with Keri Russell stepping into the spotlight.
Number 2. Can You Ever Forgive Me? - 2018
In a collaboration that promises both sophistication and intrigue, Marielle Heller ("The Diary of a Teenage Girl") and Nicole Holofcener ("You Hurt My Feelings") join forces for a captivating crime drama. The film delves into the true story of biographer Lee Israel, who shocked the literary world with her audacious act of forgery, crafting letters purportedly penned by iconic figures like Dorothy Parker and Ernest Hemingway. Drawing from Israel's candid 2008 memoir, the narrative grapples with themes of redemption and forgiveness, inviting audiences to reconsider their perceptions of the infamous author. With Melissa McCarthy delivering a compelling performance that defies expectations, you might find yourself hard-pressed to resist sympathizing with Israel's complex journey.
Number 1. Bad Education - 2019
Contrary to popular belief, what you learn in high school can indeed have real-world implications, as demonstrated by the editors of the student newspaper at New York's Roselyn High School in the early 2000s. Their investigative work played a pivotal role in uncovering a sprawling embezzlement scheme orchestrated by superintendent Frank Tassone (portrayed by Hugh Jackman) and his assistant, Pam Gluckin (played by Allison Janney). While Tassone and Gluckin are based on real individuals, it's worth noting that the student reporter who ultimately exposes them, portrayed with brilliance by Geraldine Viswanathan, is a fictional creation.