Dancing In The Moonlight: Matt Donato’s 25 Best Movies Of 2016

10) A Bigger Splash

Tilda Swinton plays a rockstar currently vacationing in Italy, while Ralph Fiennes plays her rambunctious ex-lover who imposes on her romantic/relaxing getaway. Excited already? You should be. Luca Guadagnino’s exotic relationship “thriller” indulges in celebrity lifestyles, made dreamlike by brilliant performances and breathtaking scenery. Italian countrysides and charming villas attempt to contain egos that burst from their human vessels, but Guadagnino’s biggest success is creating tension out of pristine beauty. Noteworthy cinematography plays into a “thriller” arc you never see coming, until it’s too late and your mouth is pressed against the floor.

And can we get Ralph Fiennes a Best Supporting Actor nomination? Please?

9) Green Room

*Taken From My Best Of 2016 Horror Article*

Here’s another one – yes, Green Room is horror. How is it not? This is survival terror to the max, as an angsty punk band must escape a nightclub that’s surrounded by skinheads. Their methods are vile, death weighs heavy and attacks are beyond evil. Director Jeremy Saulnier’s intent is to scare and shock, and just because siege action prominently drives motives, that doesn’t mean horror dissipates. What about Tiger’s deadly encounter with a pit bull? Tell me that’s not horror. Go ahead.

The passing of Anton Yelchin hit with a strong force because of movies like Green Room. His leading presence as bandmate Pat spotlights the fear found in Green Room. Pat may fight back and support the group, but so much of Saulnier’s tension comes from Yelchin’s terrified reactions. The beauty in Green Room is how we feel every death, and live the same absolute savagery that the Ain’t Rights experience – an emotional connection derived from actors like Yelchin who convey nothing but hopelessness. This is the bleakest of the bleak, wrought with tension tighter than an Eagle scout’s knot.