16) Troy’s Pick – Bad Times at the El Royale
Troy has several film touchpoints that he enjoys. Giant ensemble pieces, episodic storytelling and the promise that anyone can die at any time. Plus, you’ve got the creepy underpinnings of mid 20th century Americana. Honestly, we’re shocked that Troy didn’t rank Bad Times at the El Royale higher. Read the review.
16) Daniel’s Pick – The Clovehitch Killer
Months ago, people in the horror community were fawning over festival favorite Summer of ’84. That film revolved around a young man beginning to suspect that someone he knows in his hometown is secretly a serial killer. The Clovehitch Killer has a very similar premise, but unlike the (still pretty good) Summer of ’84, this one actually delivers from start to finish.
What we have here is a thriller about a deeply religious community that is held within the grip of dread and despair due to numerous killings that happened years before. Themes of piety, guilt, loyalty, vengeance, lust, and civic duty are all examined through the eyes of a smalltown teen. It’s fantastic and at its center is one of the best performances of Dylan McDermott’s career.
16) Mike Flynn’s Pick – Gemini
- What Broad City would look like if every episode was directed by Brian De Palma
16) Jamie’s Pick – Can You Ever Forgive Me?
If there’s two things that Jamie loves, it’s Withnail and I and white collar crime. Naturally, Can You Ever Forgive Me scratched both itches.
