Robert Eggers, in only three feature films, has proven himself to be one of the most unique filmmakers working today. So, it’s always interesting to see what a creative person like Eggers would think about the past year’s crop of films. Well, as you might expect, his favorite films from 2023 doesn’t disappoint, as it’s filled with some obvious choices but also a few under-the-radar indie darlings.
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In a new piece from IndieWire, which aggregates over 35 Best Of lists from various filmmakers, Robert Eggers, the filmmaker behind “The Lighthouse,” “The Northman,” and “The Witch,” has shared his favorite films from 2023, including a bit about why he chose each. As is the case with many Best Of lists from the past year, it features some universal choices, such as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “The Zone of Interest,” and “Poor Things.” But after that, there are quite a few surprises.
Eggers is apparently a big fan of Ari Aster’s polarizing feature, “Beau is Afraid,” which he called a “horrifying, challenging masterpiece” and “vital filmmaking.” High praise for a film that divided critics. He also gave some love to international favorites such as “The Beasts,” “Godland,” and “R.M.N.” The latter of which Eggers described as an “excellent, dour, and disturbing slow burn.”
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When talking about awards season powerhouse, “Poor Things,” Eggers commended the performances in the film, but also pointed out how the film breaks his trend of seemingly loving really sad films.
“It also seems to be the only film on my list that’s not wholeheartedly depressing and dire,” he said.
Here’s Eggers’ full list of favorites from 2023 (read the entire piece, including his reasons at IndieWire):
“The Beasts,” Rodrigo Sorogoyen
“Beau is Afraid,” Ari Aster
“Earth Mama,” Savanah Leaf
“Godland,” Hlynur Pálmason
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Martin Scorsese
“May December,” Todd Haynes
“Poor Things,” Yorgos Lanthimos
“R.M.N.,” Cristian Mungiu
“The Zone of Interest,” Jonathan Glazer
Honorable mentions: “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Asteroid City,” “The Holdovers,” “Infinity Pool,” “The Iron Claw,” “Saltburn,” “Talk to Me,” and “When Evil Lurks.”
