Edited by Anfisa Semenova

With the 95th Academy Awards coming up on March 13th 2023, the Reel Talk team brings you our own take on the past year’s films and TV shows. We have a lot of opinions on a lot of quality content that might not have gotten an Oscar nomination, but is definitely worth considering for viewing and voting for in our annual Alternative Oscars. Hence, it is necessary that we share these with you. Without further ado, members of out editorial team share their best films and TV shows of 2022:

Remember to make YOUR contribution by voting in the Alternative Oscars here! All Warwick Film and TV Studies students and staff are eligible to vote.

Best Films of 2022

Barbarian – Luke Brown

Of all the horror films released in 2022, Barbarian directed by Zach Cregger stands out above many of the year’s frankly lacklustre offerings. Following a relatable situation of a woman arriving at her Airbnb to find it double booked, the film wastes no time in setting out the tense atmosphere that is maintained throughout its entire runtime. To describe the narrative in full would be to ruin what I believe is the best way to watch this film – going in blind. Therefore, all I will say is what struck me at the cinema was that this was one of the first horror films in recent years to make me feel truly uncomfortable and scared for an extended period of time, without relying on fake-outs and jump scares.

The slow reveal of what is really going on, and the extent to which it is happening, is one of the most effectively horrific narratives in recent horror, without simply relying on shock and gore to make the audience feel uncomfortable. You leave the film slightly queasy yet, I enjoyed every second of it. The film itself looks absolutely fantastic, making even the most disgusting places seem somehow alluring. The performances from Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long and the whole supporting cast are outstanding.

I cannot recommend this film enough, however, be warned that it is most definitely a horrifying and unsettling experience. If you do feel you wish to watch it, which you absolutely should, I recommend going in without knowing anything. It will only make the twists, turns and reveals that much better.

Nope – Ben Barnett

Jordan Peele’s Nope was my Halloween viewing last year, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. This riveting horror, which blends the western setting and sci-fi genre perfectly, is a truly unique creation well worth watching more than once. On second viewing, subtle details start to pop, and the themes of the film (spectacle, exploitation, hubris) really come into their own. The film’s climax takes a surprising turn straight into an action set piece, filling the screen with adrenaline, eldritch horror, and a punchy, ambiguous ending which leaves you grinning despite the genre.

Peele brilliantly displays his talent here, utilizing the open, deserted landscapes and vast sky to create beautiful compositions. His expertise shines through in his day-for-night scenes, which refuse to leave the audience “in the dark” unlike many modern films and television (no one wants to squint at the screen!). His control of lighting is phenomenal, and he clearly understands how to light darker skin tones, which many directors still struggle with. There is a sharp clarity to every scene, whilst simultaneously blocking elements in shadow, composition, and framing to keep things hidden for as long as possible. This creates a deeply-felt suspense in the first half of the film, waiting for the “big reveal”, knowing something is out there, but being unable to see it clearly. Much like the characters, the audience is left searching the sky, trying to get a glimpse of the cloud-dwelling “U.F.O”.

The narrative is carried by the stoic yet sensitive OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and his sister, the energetic and enthusiastic Em (Keke Palmer). The rest of the cast (Steven Yeun, Brandon Perea and Michael Wincott as main characters) are equally brilliant, with every character being acutely written and, importantly, likeable.

Overall, Nope is my pick for best film of 2022 not only because it is a well-crafted piece of art, but because I have never seen anything quite like it.

Best TV Shows of 2022

Abbott Elementary (2021 – present) – Diya Gill

Abbott Elementary is an American mockumentary created by writer-actress-comedian Quinta Brunson, who also plays the protagonist, Janine Teagues. The show follows the lives of the teachers, and students, of Willard R. Abbott Elementary School, a predominantly Black public, and underfunded, school in Philadelphia, a setting which was inspired by Brunson’s own teacher and her mother’s work as a teacher. Alongside Brunson, it stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, and Chris Perfetti. This talented cast provide hilarious interactions and shared looks with the camera which emulate other mockumentaries such as The Office and the format’s ability to offer an insight into the characters’ personalities and relationships with one another. Despite having been developed and green lit in a depressing world climate, Abbott Elementary provides a truly heart-warming and wholesome atmosphere which follows the role of teachers, which was an occupation one could argue was truly appreciated for all they did during the pandemic – the sacrifices they made and the care they provided for their children. We also see how the teachers supported their co-workers despite their frustrations with them due to the natural hijinks that occur in the world of sitcoms, mostly caused by Janine, who, misguidedly, is constantly trying to solve ‘problems’ within the school. Abbott Elementary has also achieved lots of critical success this year, although its second season is not fully aired, the show itself has won Best Comedy series at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards and 2023 Golden Globes, as well as three Primetime Emmy Awards for its outstanding casting, writing for Quinta Brunson, and supporting actress, in Sheryl Lee Ralph. Abbott Elementary is definitely a show that lives up to its success and is often one of the most talked about TV shows on Twitter, showing its positive reception from the average viewer too. Its characters, setting and plots are relatable, funny and also up-lifting.

Our Flag Means Death – Ben Barnett

As a comedy series, I don’t think David Jenkins’ Our Flag Means Death was expected to gain the huge following and recognition it did. However, this show is much more than expected, and as it has now been released officially in the UK by the BBC (originally only on HBO Max) its following only continues to grow. While it is exceedingly funny and clever, it is also a poignant tale with themes of trauma, neglect, and love, reworking the Blackbeard story into a comedy-drama-romance with plenty of pirate shenanigans. The main character, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) is the “gentleman pirate”, or, a man who has run away from his wife and children and has no idea how to captain a pirate ship. He forms an unlikely alliance with the infamous Blackbeard (Taika Waititi, who also co-produced the show) and they work together, learning from each other and building a friendship which eventually turns into something more.

Aside from wonderful directing, set design, and acting talent, this show exceeds expectations with its inclusion of queer storylines. Blackbeard and Stede’s romance carries the story towards the end of the season, and the realistic, heart-wrenching slow-build, bonding moments, and general pirating action give audiences a much-needed break from wholesome gay high-school dramas (though those are lovely) and show that yes, queerness is found everywhere, even (and, historically, especially) on pirate ships. Another important character of queer representation is Jim, played by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz, who is initially introduced as a “woman” disguised as a man on the ship, but, when revealed, decides to stay as “just Jim” and uses they/them pronouns. There are several other crew-mates who are gay, and the “found family” narrative trope resonates deeply with queer audiences.

Our Flag Means Death may not be a stunning Netflix drama, but its brilliance comes from its narrative innovativeness and unapologetic inclusion of LGBT+ people and people of colour, which is what makes it my pick for best TV show of 2022.