In October 2022, 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 2022 festival and links to our full reviews. List and reviews by Jack Aling.
26) COMA
Takes the lockdown project to a whole new level, throwing structure out the window, creating a final project that feels more like a fever dream than a film. READ THE FULL REVIEW
25) BLUE BAG LIFE
This troubling look at addiction, love, and what it means to be loved is both a harrowing yet surprisingly fulfilling watch. READ THE FULL REVIEW
24) MY FATHER'S DRAGON
It's a joy to see the artistry from Cartoon Saloon on display as they transport audiences to an unseen world full of imaginative creatures. READ THE FULL REVIEW
23) I LOVE MY DAD
You would have thought you were watching a horror as you watch this agonisingly cringe-inducing film through your fingers.
22) LAST FLIGHT HOME
Showing the power of one person's legacy through their children, their relationships, and their connection with others - it's nothing short of inspiring. READ THE FULL REVIEW
21) FAST & FEEL LOVE
A hilarious satire that pokes fun at every cliché it can get its hands on. Its creative style and visual flair make even the mundane exhilarating to watch. READ THE FULL REVIEW
20) CAUSEWAY
There is a sombre tone that weaves throughout every element of this film but through the heavy subject matter and tormented characters, there is a sense of hope.
19) THE SON
Exploring complex and personal themes with a focus on mental illness but lacking the intimacy and emotional awareness that made Zeller's debut so powerful.
18) THE WONDER
A demanding and atmospheric period piece that delves into the dangers of faith and how far some will go to keep it. READ THE FULL REVIEW
17) BARDO, FALSE CHRONICLE OF A HANDFUL OF TRUTHS
We still couldn't confidently tell you what BARDO is about, but we enjoyed the ethereal ride it took us on. READ THE FULL REVIEW
16) UNICORN WARS
Bringing the brutal reality of war to the adorable world of teddy bears and unicorns with one of the most extreme visual juxtapositions ever to hit the big screen.
15) WOMEN TALKING
A purposely tough and essential watch that brings you into its claustrophobic setting, holding you tight, forcing you to listen and take part in its central debate. READ THE FULL REVIEW
14) WHITE NOISE
There is a sense of impending doom shrouding this film but Noah Baumbach holds on to that feeling reminding audiences that there is solidarity in that fear.
13) BROS
Unapologetic in its delivery and is a unifying reminder of how great it is to laugh uncontrollably with strangers in the dark. READ THE FULL REVIEW
12) SICK OF MYSELF
Goes to deranged lengths as it jumps between darkly hilarious and deeply distressing moments of madness. READ THE FULL REVIEW
11) SHE SAID
Gritty, complex and faithful; telling the brave story shook the world and took down one of Hollywood's biggest tyrants. READ THE FULL REVIEW
10) THE MENU
Respects and satirises fine dining in equal measure showing a wicked look at the industry that goes to sinister lengths to create a meal to remember. READ THE FULL REVIEW
9) TRIANGLE OF SADNESS
A visceral class satire that does everything in its power to invoke a reaction from cry-laughing to nauseously holding down your lunch.
8) LIVING
This heartening film celebrates the finer things in life making for a reflective experience that leaves the cinema with you. READ THE FULL REVIEW
7) THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN
A twisted character study full of crazed hostility that will make you want to hold onto your fingers and go on the search for a fresh Guinness. READ THE FULL REVIEW
6) EMPIRE OF LIGHT
A much more personal film compared to Sam Mendes' other work, this has moments of cinematic perfection but suffers from an identity crisis as it jumps between its many themes.
5) ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
You can feel the love and dedication in every frame making for a whimsical, mischievous, and revolting experience. READ THE FULL REVIEW
4) BONES AND ALL
Against the odds, this violent and touching love story really works with moments of abrupt and horrifying chaos to create a coming of age story with bite. READ THE FULL REVIEW
3) DECISION TO LEAVE
A mystery box of a film that begs to be explored, rewarding your curiosity in a dark and off-kilter style. READ THE FULL REVIEW
2) GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
An enchanting and bold take on the whodunnit genre full of laughs, shocks, and a mouth-watering mystery at its centre. READ THE FULL REVIEW
1) THE WHALE
Brendan Fraser returns with a comeback to end all comebacks as a man who has lost touch with what is important to him with a sense of bittersweet heartbreak as he still holds on to hope. READ THE FULL REVIEW
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