In October 2019, Escape Film Club attended BFI's London Film Festival to experience the most exciting upcoming independent and major releases. Here's our ranked list of every film we saw at the 2019 festival and links to our full reviews. List and reviews by Jack Aling.
22) WOUNDS
An interesting concept that takes a very sudden and odd turn, Wounds begins hopeful but quickly blends into overdone horror tropes. READ THE FULL REVIEW
21) EARTHQUAKE BIRD
As the story unravels, it looks at jealousy, obsession, and betrayal but begins to lose direction. Beginning as intriguing but ending up cliché and forgettable. READ THE FULL REVIEW
20) ZOMBI CHILD
Visceral from the very first shot, Zombi Child is a bold and unique look on tradition, life and death. READ THE FULL REVIEW
19) OFFICIAL SECRETS
A stomach-churning look into having the bravery to do what's right when you have nothing to gain and everything to lose which made for a very compelling watch. READ THE FULL REVIEW
18) ROCKS
A tough and honest film that deals with its intense narrative with so much maturity and childlike innocence whilst coming of age in modern Britain. READ THE FULL REVIEW
17) JUST MERCY
An important story that needs to be told, handled with the respect and care it deserves. Not without its flaws but the performances will make this one to watch when award season rolls around. READ THE FULL REVIEW
16) CALM WITH HORSES
Bloody and brutal but with a lot of heart, there's not much to help it stand out amongst crime dramas like it but it's still an impressive and poignant film especially for a debut. READ THE FULL REVIEW
15) THE AERONAUTS
An inspiring exploration of the skies that works best when the two characters are in the midst of their discovery but slows down in generic period set flashbacks. READ THE FULL REVIEW
14) BAD EDUCATION
A confidently directed film that is terrifyingly hilarious and puts the audience into a false sense of trust and keeps you guessing until the very end. READ THE FULL REVIEW
13) MAKE UP
An unexpectedly touching film, Make Up explores self-discovery set against the bleak off-season British seaside, in a delicate and intriguing look at modern love. READ THE FULL REVIEW
12) LE MANS 66
A triumphant film about friendship, rivalry and the search for the perfect lap with some good old fashioned competition thrown in for good measure. READ THE FULL REVIEW
11) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON
An unexpectedly heartwarming game of cat and mouse, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a beautiful film that puts stereotypes and friendship on centre stage. READ THE FULL REVIEW
10) OUR FRIEND
A sucker punch of a film that hits on real topics, the story speaks for itself but it’s the performances and chemistry of the main cast that really sells this. READ THE FULL REVIEW
9) A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
An existential crisis through Mister Rogers' fantastical lens, it's such a calming experience that helps you reflect on your own experiences like a cinematic therapy session. READ THE FULL REVIEW
8) JOJO RABBIT
An outrageous satire on the effects of war that pokes fun at every opportunity in Waititi's very slapstick and flamboyant style. READ THE FULL REVIEW
7) THE LIGHTHOUSE
Dark, moody and disorientating, The Lighthouse is a hypnotic and unique experience that I will not be forgetting any time soon. READ THE FULL REVIEW
6) HONEY BOY
An incredibly brave, honest and therapeutic semi-biographical project that looks at family, relationships, fame and the effect that can have on an individual. READ THE FULL REVIEW
5) THE IRISHMAN
Starring a legendary cast with some of the biggest names of the genre, everyone is on their A-Game making for a powerful story of growth, loyalty, and corruption that immediately pulls you in with its breathtaking scale. READ THE FULL REVIEW
4) UNCUT GEMS
Fuelled by greed, money, and power, rarely giving you a second to breathe, this is unlike anything I have ever seen and maybe the Safdie Brothers' masterpiece. READ THE FULL REVIEW
3) PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE
A different take on the period piece that feels modern and fresh, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a beautiful slow burn full of intrigue that recounts the memory of a love story. READ THE FULL REVIEW
2) MARRIAGE STORY
A deeply emotional opposite to the romantic comedy, Marriage Story shows the breakdown of a relationship and the consequences of that decision. READ THE FULL REVIEW
1) KNIVES OUT
Exceeding my expectations, Rian Johnson has struck gold, writing and directing a smart and stylish whodunnit murder mystery, making it hilarious, unpredictable and wholly entertaining. READ THE FULL REVIEW
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