Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
Joey, Megan, and I just wrapped up our coverage of the 53rd Telluride Film Festival. This marked my tenth pilgrimage to one of my favorite places on Earth.
Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, there is simply nowhere else quite like it. Every year, I arrive and find myself staring at the town’s majestic beauty, wondering how a place this beautiful can also happen to host one of the greatest film festivals in the world. Between racing from theater to theater, attending studio receptions, catching up with friends, breathing the thin mountain air, surviving on too little sleep, and somehow finding time to eat, it’s remarkable that Telluride remains the most wonderful long weekend every single year.
One of the highlights was spending time with Joey and Megan. The three of us covered the festival for The Contending, discussed films between screenings, and shared the kind of conversations that make festivals like this so much fun. We missed having Clarence with us, of course, and his absence was certainly felt throughout the weekend.
Of the ten films I was able to see, I genuinely don’t think there was a bad one in the bunch. Some were good, some were very good, and a couple completely blew me away. As awards season begins to take shape, several of these films seem poised to become major players in the months ahead.
So, before the Oscar race shifts into high gear, here are my ten favorite films from the 53rd Telluride Film Festival. And because no Telluride recap would be complete without a little friendly disagreement, I’ve included Joey and Megan’s five favorite films of the festival as well.
10. A Long Winter
9. The Liberation
8. Elsinore
7. Club Kid
6. La Bola Negra
5. The Debut
4. Wild Horse Nine
3. Fjord
2. You Can See Everything
1. Ink
Megan’s top five:
5. Gentle Monster
4. Fjord
3. Club Kid
2. Tender Loving Care
1. The Debut
Joey’s top five:
5. Wild Horse Nine
4. Elsinore
3. Club Kid
2. The Debut
1. La Bola Negra
5. Elsinore
4. The Debut
3. La Bola Negra
2. Fjord
1. Wild Horse Nine
From these films, I´m most looking forward to You can see everything, Fjord, Club Kid and Wild Horse Nine.
Top 5 of what I've seen so far:
1. The Unknown
2. The Man I Love
3. Minotaur
4. Fatherland
5. The Black Ball
Most excited to see:
1. My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile
2. Tender Loving Care
3. Ink
4. Bucking Fastard
5. Wild Horse Nine