Okay look, I know a lot of people are involved in making a movie, but I'm just going to list some. I'm not a movie critic either, so I'm not going to comment on them.
I have a lot of favourites, but I change over time, and I only remember loving a film from ten years ago. Perhaps the person I am now would not like it as much, and it would be a shame to attach my current identity to it. So films here are going to be recent films I've enjoyed.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma, Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel
I watched this recently after it being on my radar for a year or so. I had seen Céline's previous movies Tomboy, Water Lillies, and Girlhood when I was younger and she became one of my favourite writers/directors. I didn't realise why at the time, but now I know why. I love the female gaze of this film, however it hurts.
I'm going to go back and watch all her other films. And speaking of other films...
Petite Maman
Céline Sciamma, Joséphine Sanz, Gabrielle Sanz
This is her latest film and it is quite short. But it explores a concept I haven't seen done so well before. This shot isn't the most cinematic, or even interesting, but the conversation and line delivered here hit me like a dagger. I couldn't stop crying after thinking about it.
Aftersun
Charlotte Wells, Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio
This is a Scottish film set in a holiday resort I used to go to with my family, so it hits a lot closer to home than it should.
It absolutely destroyed me. I cried for a good half an hour after this film. I'm crying just looking at the images and writing the this.
I hadn't heard of Charlotte Wells before this, but I've got my eyes peeled for her future work now.