‘A pitch-perfect shot in the arm’: Guardian readers’ best films of 2023 so far
While John Wick: Chapter 4 was a close second, Still for me has been the most rewarding movie experience of 2023. Fox himself is an utterly engaging subject, and his lightness and wit elevate what could have otherwise been a grim and heavy story. The film is put together with consummate skill, effortlessly weaving perfectly chosen clips spanning Fox’s career with some of the best constructed recreation I’ve ever seen. This is a joy of a film. David O’Brien, 44, Dublin
The Fabelmans
I’ve been a movie buff from the time I was six or seven. I always wanted to be in the local cinema at Granville, watching whatever was showing. I have never lost my passion for movies but feel sad that the Marvel-type blockbusters dominate, which I gave up a while ago. The Fabelmans is my favourite movie of the year so far. So much of this film touched me because it was my story, in a way. Young Fabelman went on to become a famous film-maker. I went on to be the Joe who forked out to watch the movies that he made. Brian, New South Wales, Australia
The Nettle Dress
I was taken to the film with a friend, not holding much hope for a documentary about a man making a dress from nettle fibre over seven years. Doesn’t really sound like a winner, does it? But what a beautiful film it turned out to be. It’s hard to review without using opposing adjectives: gentle yet powerful, simple yet complex, deeply emotional yet without manipulation. I’m actually going to watch it again this weekend, something I very rarely do. I hope this enchanting movie gets the recognition it deserves. Claire O’Sullivan, Fressingfield, Suffolk
Beau Is Afraid
This felt like being a participant in someone’s worst nightmare, but was also was extremely funny. That said, I did notice I was the only one laughing in the cinema. The mixture of strangeness and inventiveness with bizarre humour was breathtaking. John O’Dwyer, 66, Co Kildare, Ireland
Knock at the Cabin
M Night Shyamalan’s film seemed to fly under the radar for British audiences, at least judging by the screening I shared with a single couple a few rows behind me. But it shouldn’t have! This is my favourite of all of his films. A gay couple brings their daughter to a cabin in the woods for a holiday,