On 2nd December, on Plato’s Cave on Triple R – a show in which I’m lucky to be involved – we counted down our collective Top 10 films of 2019, the criteria being that any film nominated had to be in general release in Australia for that given year (i.e. no festival exclusives, etc.).

Interestingly, no film received a unanimous vote from the five co-hosts on Plato’s Cave; however two films received four votes each: THE CLOCK and PARASITE. Both of these films also appear on my individual list.

So what other films did I choose? Detailed below are my Top 10 Films of 2019 (up to December releases), listed in alphabetical order (much to the chagrin of my co-host, Paul Anthony Nelson) who really wanted ranked lists to break ties. Apologies, Paul, my brain would have exploded…

APOLLO 11
A bonafide marvel of documentary filmmaking and archival assemblage that pitch-perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the Moon landing event, without the need for narration or unnecessary exposition. Weep-worthy.

BURNING
Electrically charged South Korean slow-burner, stunningly directed by Lee Chang-dong that, despite its two-and-a-half hour running time, holds you transfixed until its devastating final moments. Taps into a deep vein of inherent evilness. 

THE CLOCK
24 hours of timepiece footage, in real time, from 100 years of cinema around the world screened in ACMI’s gallery space – what’s not to love? Both a wondrous celebration of screen art and a cunning play on our temporal existence. An experience to lose yourself in.

EIGHTH GRADE
Comedian-musician-poet and now filmmaker, Bo Burnham, jumps out of the gates with this unassuming little stunner that magically captures the awkwardness of being a girl and being 13. Massive props to Elsie Fisher who is the heart of the film.

THE GUILTY
A gritty and rollicking Danish thriller, ostensibly taking place in the one room, proves that all you need is a good story and solid performers to make a truly excellent film. Essential viewing for all wannabe filmmakers (and lovers of Nordic Noir).  

THE IRISHMAN
Just when you thought you knew what to expect from a Martin Scorsese gangster film, this one comes along. Proof of Scorsese’s genius (if there was ever a doubt), as well as his command over tone and performance. Joe Pesci steals the show.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER THREE – PARABELLUM
The most fun to be had in a cinema in 2019! John Wick’s filmic legacy just gets richer, more visceral and more beautiful. Takes fight sequences to even higher balletic standards, and turns horses and books into weaponry. Amazing.

JOKER
Balls-to-the-wall ballsiness – how this film managed to get made, we’ll never know. But we should be grateful because we need it. All hail Todd Phillips!

MID 90S
Actor Jonah Hill’s writing and directing debut is really something else. A skateboarding ride back into the 1990s, with a killer soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and magnificent performances from predominantly non-actors that will have you crying with both laughter and pathos.

PARASITE
Filmmaker Bong Joon-ho returns to South Korea (yay!) to deliver this incredible, incendiary comment on class division. Lots of Bong-at-his-best moments – beautifully directed ensemble cast, delicate balance of humour and drama, and a conclusion that will leave you reeling.