The MacGuffin’s Top 10 Films of 2018

January 25th, 2019 | POSTED BY Sarah Ksiazek

The film critics at The MacGuffin have varied tastes when it comes to what our favorite films of 2018. As I compiled this list, there are always at least two to three films that another critic has chosen as a favorite that I have never even heard of. Suffice it to say, our top ten films of 2018 looks different from other film websites’ lists, and that makes me even more proud to write for this site.

1. Hereditary

Hereditary is not a scary, horror film in the traditional sense. There is a couple of jump scares, but other than that, it relies on the building dread that something is wrong and the quizzical situations and scenes that don’t quite make sense. There is a lot of symbolism and situations that even after the film ends, still have you scratching your head. Honestly, it is worth a second viewing after knowing the ending to pick up on all the hints and nuances Ari Aster has placed in the film. The final scene brings forth all of the built-up confusion to one big “What did I just see?” While this is not a scary film in the traditional sense, it is thoroughly disturbing and will leave you thinking about it for days to come, gnawing at your mind.”

2. First Reformed

“Ethan Hawke can sometimes be typecast into certain roles, but his take on Reverend Toller is not one of these. He presents Toller as described with hesitation and uncertainty that may be lost with another actor. Hawke inserts a mystery into Toller, one that unfolds partially as the film progresses. Hawke’s Toller never goes where one would predict, quite the opposite occurs. Even as Toller possibly comes close to the end of his own life, he is conflicted in his faith, his love, and his purpose. The close-ups provided by Paul Schrader and cinematographer Alexander Dynan of Toller, along with narration, emphasize his reluctance to accept the role that has been placed before him.”

3. Eighth Grade

“This event also results in the greatest heart-to-hearts between a father and his child. The speech given by Josh Hamilton rivals that of ending speech of Michael Stuhlbarg in Call Me by Your Name. I identified so much with Kayla’s questions to her dad and the resulting answers that radiated nothing but love. I had tears streaming down my face as I remembered posing similar questions to my parents. Seeing this film with my mom, I posed one question again remembering all that I had put them through as a young teen struggling to find her identity amongst so many life changes. I would highly recommend bringing your parents to see it with you.”

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A Star Is Born, Alexander Dynan, Alfonso Cuarón, Ari Aster, Armie Hammer, Boots Riley, Call Me by Your Name, Eighth Grade, First Reformed, Fred Rogers, Hereditary, Joshua James Richards, Lakeith Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Schrader, Roma, Sorry to Bother You, Tessa Thompson, The Favourite, The Rider, Widows, Won't You Be My Neighbor?