The Letterboxd crew celebrates 2023 cinema with their Year in Review, highlighting highest rated films, discussing Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and breaking the male-dominated trend. They analyze drama, romance, unconventional films, and courtroom dramas. They also discuss the impact of Wes Anderson's short films, surprising stats, and anticipate upcoming movies like a Disney sequel directed by Barry Jenkins and a Lion King movie.
The highest rated sci-fi film in the Year in Review is 'They Clone Tyrone,' a throwback to 70s films with a government experiment and conspiracy plot.
The top drama film in the Year in Review is 'Anatomy of a Fall,' a Palm Door winner that centers around a woman accused of murdering her husband. 'Poor Things' is another standout drama with a mysterious death and courtroom drama. Both films explore complex relationships and emotions.
The action-packed film 'Godzilla: Minus One' takes the top spot in the genre category. It offers an adrenaline-inducing experience and delivers the thrills expected from a monster movie. The film immerses audiences in a world filled with giant creatures and epic battles.
The Canadian section highlights fantastic films such as 'Rice Boy Sleeps,' which tells the story of a Korean single mother immigrating to Canada in the '90s. 'Blackberry' is also a standout, showcasing the adventures of a drug dealer, sex worker, and pimp in a retro-themed world. 'Past Lives' explores themes of belonging and identity amidst a compelling storyline.
Deep dives
Sci-fi Genre
The highest rated sci-fi film in the Year in Review is 'They Clone Tyrone,' a throwback to 70s films with a government experiment and conspiracy plot. Another standout is 'Godzilla: Minus One,' a thrilling monster movie with nods to John Carpenter's work.
Drama Genre
The top drama film in the Year in Review is 'Anatomy of a Fall,' a Palm Door winner that centers around a woman accused of murdering her husband. 'Poor Things' is another standout drama with a mysterious death and courtroom drama. Both films explore complex relationships and emotions.
Action Genre
The action-packed film 'Godzilla: Minus One' takes the top spot in the genre category. It offers an adrenaline-inducing experience and delivers the thrills expected from a monster movie. The film immerses audiences in a world filled with giant creatures and epic battles.
Canadian Movies
The Canadian section highlights fantastic films such as 'Rice Boy Sleeps,' which tells the story of a Korean single mother immigrating to Canada in the '90s. 'Blackberry' is also a standout, showcasing the adventures of a drug dealer, sex worker, and pimp in a retro-themed world. 'Past Lives' explores themes of belonging and identity amidst a compelling storyline.
Surprising Stats: Kathy Bates as Bobo Bates
One surprising stat for the host was that Kathy Bates appeared as Bobo Bates and became the highest-rated actor for the year. Another surprise was Tom Cruise's high ranking.
Anticipated Film: Godzilla X Kong
The most anticipated film for 2024 was Godzilla X Kong, a sequel to the highly praised movie. The host expressed excitement for watching it in theaters.
Honorable Mention: Anna Kendrick's Directorial Debut
An honorable mention was given to Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour,' which was highly recommended by a fellow Letterbox member.
Upcoming Show Tease
The hosts hinted at a new and exciting project in the works for 2024 that will bring a different show format to letterbox podcast land.
The Letterboxd crew pops the champagne and rounds up a roundtable for a celebration of 2023 cinema! We detail the results of our annual Year in Review, highlight the highest rated films of the year across categories and continents, reflect on the controlled chaos of our own personal stats and anticipate what 2024 has in store (the returns of Robert Pattinson and Bong Joon-ho). Plus, a New Year’s present from the creative team behind our community’s #1 favorite: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Credits: Recorded in Los Angeles, New York City, Auckland, London, Toronto, Nantucket, Delaware and Philadelphia. Edited by Slim, production manager Sophie Shin, editorial producer Brian Formo. Theme: ‘Hyperlight’ by Letterboxd member Trent Walton (AKA Echo Wolf). Artwork by Danny Haas. Best in Show is a TAPEDECK production. Title courtesy of Christopher Guest.
