Cahiers du Cinéma Top 10 Of 2018 Honors Lars von Trier's Latest As Well As French Film 'The Wild Boys'

As the end of 2018 rapidly approaches, it’s that time of year where some of the biggest names in film criticism release their top 10 lists. One of those lists that we always try to highlight is that of France’s Cahiers du cinéma. However, since the publication’s list focuses on films released in Franche in 2018, there are some projects that you probably won’t see on many other year-end lists.

First, you’ll notice that films like “Phantom Thread,” “The Post,” and “On the Beach at Night Alone” are all on the 2018 list, despite being released last year in the US. Again, the list includes films from last year, if they had their French release in 2018. That being said, the rest of the list features some films that you definitely won’t see featured elsewhere.

READ MORE: Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Burning’ Is A Masterfully Mysterious Psychological Thriller [Cannes Review]

Leading the way at #1 is the debut film from Bertrand Mandico, “The Wild Boys.” For those not familiar with the film, ‘Wild Boys’ follows a group of five young boys (all played by actresses) that are drawn to some of the darker elements of life. After being punished for a crime they committed, the boys are all taken on a boat to a lush island, where they transform in mind and body.

On the other end of the spectrum is a film that you’ve probably not seen yet but has been talked about at length, Lars von Trier’sThe House That Jack Built.” Cahiers du cinema puts the controversial film in the top 10 for 2018, placing it at #8. Many people, including our reviewer from Cannes, have used some not-so-nice terms in describing the latest film from von Trier. However, this placement in the top 10 shows that ‘Jack’ will live on as a film that is fiercely debated in the months and years to come.

READ MORE: ‘The House That Jack Built’: Lars Von Trier’s Film Is A Sad, Self-Loathing Cry For Help From A Failed Artist

One film that no one can debate is Lee Chang-dong’sBurning,” which shows up at #4. That’s a great film, from beginning to end, with star-making performances from its three leads.

Here’s the entire Top 10 of 2018 from Cahiers du cinéma:

1. The Wild Boys (Bertrand Mandico)
2. Coincoin and the Extra-Humans (Bruno Dumont)
3. Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson)
4. Burning (Lee Chang-dong)
5. Paul Sanchez est revenu! (Patricia Mazuy)
6. The Post (Steven Spielberg)
7. On the Beach at Night Alone (Hong Sang-soo)
8. The House That Jack Built (Lars von Trier)
9. Leto (Kirill Serebrennikov)
10. Treasure Island (Guillaume Brac)