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Ranking the Best Drama Movies of 2022 |
This year has been a great one for drama movies. If you're
searching for something with suspense, comedy, romance, action and even
adventure, look no further - 2022 has something to offer everyone! From Don't
Worry Darling to Adam Sandler's Netflix hit Hustle, here are the 16 best drama
films of this year that you won't want to miss.
Don't Worry
Darling
Don't Worry Darling, released
this year, was met with mixed reviews. The press tour and drama between the
cast only added to this. However, the movie was quite decent when it hit
screens. The main character (Florence Pugh) lived in a 50s inspired suburbia -
providing a backdrop similar to "The Step Ford Wives". Although some
felt there were elements missing from the story and that the ending seemed
rushed, it's hard to deny how great Pugh and Chris Pine were in their
performances. Additionally, the concept of Don't Worry Darling is interesting
and captivating - making it worth watching if you ignore all the hype.
The Fallout
Megan Park's directorial debut,
The Fallout, was released to audiences in January 2022. This movie follows the
aftermath of a school shooting from the perspective of students. Jenna Ortega
and Maddie Ziegler take lead roles in this film which explores the mental
health issues and trauma that survivors must deal with after such a tragedy.
The Whale
At the Venice International Film
Festival in September, The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink, was
met with a six-minute standing ovation. Videos of Fraser's reaction to the
reception went viral. The film follows the story of a 600 pound man who
struggles to repair his relationship with his daughter after facing family
issues.
Luckiest Girl Alive
Luckiest Girl Alive is a mystery
thriller released on Netflix in 2020, based on Jessica Knoll's 2015 novel of
the same name. It stars Mila Kunis as Ani, whose seemingly perfect life -
working as a magazine editor with a handsome fiancé - is unsettled when a
documentary director approaches her to make a movie about the school shooting
she survived in high school. This resurfaces long-buried trauma which impacts
Ani's life and relationships. Kunis delivers an impressive performance in this
dark role, and the screenplay was written by the author of the book for an
excellent transition from page to screen.
Hustle
Adam Sandler is mostly known for
his comedy roles, but he also has some impressive dramatic roles such as
Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems. His latest release Hustle, made through his
Netflix deal, follows the story of an NBA scout (Sandler) who discovers a
basketball player in Spain with potential and works to get him drafted. Even if
you don't like basketball, this movie will still be enjoyable due to its themes
of compassion, family and taking risks. If you do enjoy sports however, it's
definitely worth watching more than once!
Where the Crawdads Sing
Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a
young, nature-loving woman who raised herself in the marshlands of North
Carolina. In Where the Crawdads Sing, things take a turn when an ex of Kya's is
found dead and she becomes the prime suspect in his murder trial. This movie is
based on Delia Owens' 2018 bestselling novel of the same name and does justice
to the book with its captivating performances and believable plot. Combining
elements of mystery, thriller and romance, this movie will keep you invested
from start to finish.
Till
It highlights how Emmett was
tortured and killed simply due to an alleged offense towards a white woman (who
later admitted she lied). The film follows Mamie's difficult journey to seek
justice for her son. Emmett's story remains well-known because of its details
and the acquittal of his murderers. With this movie, viewers gain an
understanding of the long history and present day racism.
Ranking the Best Drama Movies of 2022
She Said
She Said is a biographical film
about Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) and Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan), two Pulitzer
Prize-winning journalists who investigated and uncovered Harvey Weinstein's
sexual assaults. The movie shows their journey as they tracked down
victim-survivors, leading to Weinstein being held accountable for his actions.
Despite its lack of success at the box office, She Said is still an important
story for today's audiences.
Women Talking
This movie is based on Miriam
Toews' 2018 novel and tells the story of an isolated Mennonite community in
Manitoba Colony, Bolivia. When some of the women kept waking up to find they
had been sexually violated, their community ignored them. In order to seek help
and support, the women formed a union. Women Talking deals with themes of
patriarchy, gender inequality and sexual assault, aiming to bring social change
in 2022.
Corsage
Empress Elisabeth of Austria is
the main focus in the 1877-set film Corsage, with Vicky Krieps playing her. The
story follows the Empress's attempts to break away from her regimented life and
make brave choices. Krieps delivers a stunning performance as Elisabeth, making
it an intriguing watch.
The Banshees of Inisherin
Colm Doherty (played by Brendan
Gleeson) and Pádraic Súilleabháin (played by Colin Farrell) star in the dark
comedy drama, The Banshees of Inisherin. Former friends, they find themselves
locked in a feud that takes some drastic and often violent turns. Through their
journey, the film examines the meaning of friendship, loneliness and revenge.
Earning eight Golden Globe nominations, this gripping story shows how far
people are willing to go to keep someone away or seek retribution.
Ranking the Best Drama Movies of 2022
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The sequel to 2019's Knives Out,
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, follows another murder mystery investigated
by Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). This movie satirizes the lifestyles of those
with an abundance of wealth and power. It questions the dynamics between those
in power and those who are powerless as it provides a blend of drama and
comedy.
The Swimmers
The Swimmers tells the story of
the Mardini sisters, two Syrian refugees who became Olympic swimmers. Real-life
sisters Nathalie and Manal Issa take on their roles in this emotional,
inspiring journey that reflects on the trauma faced by refugees. Despite being
a rollercoaster of emotions, this is a movie worth watching.
Bones and
All
Directed by Luca Guadagnino,
Bones and All stars Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell in the lead roles of
Lee and Maren. The film is based on the 2015 novel by Camille DeAngelis and
follows two young cannibals as they attempt to run away from their past, but
ultimately come to realize their feelings for each other. Despite its graphic
visuals and violence, Bones and All has been hailed as one of the most
interesting films of 2022. Both Chalamet and Russell put forth powerful
performances that have added to the film's success.
Babylon
Babylon follows the journey of
Hollywood's silent film stars as they struggle to adjust to the introduction of
sound films in the late 1920s. Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie star in this movie,
inspired by classic musical Singin' in the Rain. Its vivid imagery and
soundtrack from the same director behind La La Land have captivated moviegoers.
The movie
Babylon shows the lengths some Hollywood stars will go to in order to reach stardom,
as well as the dedication of those who work hard to make it.
The Wonder
An English nurse named Florence
Pugh goes to an Irish village to investigate a miracle. There, she meets a
young girl who hasn't eaten for weeks yet remains healthy. The villagers
believe it's a sign from heaven, but Florence wants to find the scientific
explanation behind this mystery. Based on the novel of the same name by Emma
Donahue, "The Wonder" is a period drama exploring the clash between
religion and science in 19th century Europe.
The Wonder starring Florence Pugh
is an original movie that explores themes of family, trauma, and morality
uniquely. The production value is high, and the narrative is slow-paced, but
for those who stick it out it's worth the watch - Pugh shines as usual. It's
one of her best performances yet.
The Fallout
Vada and Mia become friends after
a traumatic school shooting changes their lives. Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler,
Niles Fitch, Will Ropp, Lumi Pollack, John Ortiz, Julie Bowen and Shailene
Woodley star in this HBO Max original movie which premiered on January 28th.
The story follows Vada and Mia as they deal with the emotional consequences of
the shooting while changing their perspectives of the world around them.
Kimi
Steven Soderbergh's latest film,
starring Zoë Kravitz, Rita Wilson, Byron Bowers, Erika Christensen, Jamie
Camil, India de Beaufort and Robin Givens, premieres on February 10th 2022. The
story follows an agoraphobic tech worker who discovers evidence of a crime
through their AI assistant.
This year has been a great one for drama movies. If you're looking
for something with suspense, comedy, romance, action and adventure, look no
further - 2022 has something for everyone! From Don't Worry Darling to Adam
Sandler's Netflix hit Hustle, here are the 16 must-see drama films of this
year.