Ten must-see films at the 2016 BFI London Film Festival

This year has been one of the worst for film. Let’s face it, this year has seen some of the most boring blockbusters we’ve seen for years, all released during a long summer with just a few fairly decent, more indie fares, grabbing attention along the way. Well, the good news is that things are about to change.

During the last twelve months, The Hollywood News has travelled across the planet visiting film festivals sampling forthcoming releases and most of those are about to start landing in cinemas over the next few months. We’ve travelled to Germany for the Berlin Film Festival in February, over the France for Cannes back in May, and just this last month to Toronto for their annual gathering where tons of fantastic film fare was feasted upon by use and the international press.

Well, one of the last big film festivals  of the year is about to kick off in our own capital and we can tell you that it is one of the best yet for the quality of movies on offer. If you’re lucky enough to live near London, or are planning visit over the next 12 days or so, you may want to head for an official LFF ticket booth – or to their online portal – to bag yourself a ticket. Here are our top ten must-see films at LFF 2016.

10. Moonlight – dir. Barry Jenkins

This is one of the movies that debuted at TIFF back in September but unfortunately one that we missed over in Canada. Thankfully we’ve managed to see it since and can confirm that Barry Jenkins‘ drama is simply superb. The film revolves around a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life, as he struggles with his own sexuality.

Moonlight is perfectly constructed, supremely acted drama with a triumphant, heart-breaking performance from Trevante Rhodes and an unmissable Naomi Harris. The film engrosses from the off and will make you laugh and sob in equal measure. A pure delight and a hot tip for Oscar success.

See it: LFF – Thursday 6th October, Friday 7th October, Saturday 8th October.

9. American Honey – dir. Andrea Arnold

American Honey will split audiences. Guaranteed. This one got booed at its debut screening in Cannes, but then got a standing ovation the following night when Shia LaBeouf, Sasha Lane and co. took to the red carpet to dance all of the way up the stairs before the Palais des Festivals on the Croisette (Yup). I will even admit to disliking every single character in it, but you cannot help but applaud the filmmaking skills on display and the wonderful acting from Labeouf, Lane and particularly Riley Keough.

This American road movie is a near-three hour epic an unrelenting journey with arguably the most abhorrent group of young people captured on film this century – a outfit of misfits that will wind you up tighter than you’ve ever been wound before – though it’s absolutely wonderful in every way. Magnificently realistic, unquestionably hip, truly authentic and full of exceptional performances from its young cast. American Honey is one of the most unique cinema experiences of the year.

See it: LFF Friday 7th October, Saturday 8th October, Tuesday 11th October

8. A United Kingdom – dir. Amma Assante

This year’s opening film from Amma Assante also comes to London following an international debut in Toronto where it absolutely floored audiences. Assante’s A United Kingdom follows the story of Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), an interracial couple who married in the face of fierce opposition from both their families and the British and South African governments in a post-war 1948. Their pairing ignites personal issues, and indeed huge political turmoil between the British Empire and Seretse’s tribe, of which he is king, as he travels back home to ‘take his throne.’

Assante’s film, a her first since the stunning Belle, is equally as gorgeous to look at, so intricately designed and really rather enthralling, but what it does most is showcase the talents of its outstanding lead cast members. A worthy opener. [Read our full review here]

See it: LFF Wednesday 5th October, Thursday 6th October, Tuesday 11th October.

7. Bleed For This – dir. Ben Younger

Bleed For This is a little ow on the radar in terms of comparisons to the other big hitters at the festival, but equally as enthralling. Ben Younger directs Miles Teller as Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, a local Providence boxer, who shoots to stardom after winning two world title fights. Following a near-fatal car accident, which leaves him with a broken neck, he is told he may never walk again. Against all odds and doctor’s orders, renowned trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) agrees to help Vinny return to the ring just a year after the accident for what could be the last fight of his life.

Younger laces this superb boxing biopic with comedy beats and larger than life characters both in their manor and appearances. Bleed For This is a far-fetched, unbelievable, but wholly true boxing drama that somehow manages to land every punch. [Full review]

See it: Sunday 9th October, Monday 10th October, Wednesday 12th October.

6. Arrival – dir. Denis Villeneuve

Arrival arrives in cinemas very soon (November 11th), but will make its debut at LFF as the Royal Bank Of Canada gala on Monday 10th October. Amy Adams leads the cast as linguist who is is recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications. Jeremy Renner and Forest Whittaker are also amongst the cast of the film, which is magnificently brought to the screen by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario).

We said that Arrival is an ambitious, almost art-house, sci-fi epic with mainstream accessibility – and, above all, a wonderful compelling watch. A definite must-see on the big screen. [Full review]

See it: Monday 10th October, Tuesday 11th October, Thursday 13th October

5. Nocturnal Animals – dir. Tom Ford

Tom Ford directs a huge cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Armie Hammer and Isla Fisher in this story about a successful Los Angeles art-gallery owner’s idyllic life (Adams) which is marred by the constant traveling of her handsome second husband. While he is away, she is shaken by the arrival of a manuscript written by her first husband, who she has not seen in years. The manuscript tells the story of a teacher who finds a trip with his family turning into a nightmare. As Susan reads the book, it forces her to examine her past and confront some dark truths.

Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals, his second feature, based on the novel “Tony and Susan” by Austin Wright, is being tipped to be an awards-season success following screenings at TIFF and Venice.

See it: Friday 14th October, Saturday 15th October, Sunday 16th October.

4. Paterson – dir. Jim Jarmusch

Jim Jarmusch returns to the screen for this five-star THN rated Cannes wonder. Peterson doesn’t really have much of a story – it really just focusses on the daily life of New Jersey bus driver and poet Paterson, perfectly played by Adam Driver. His performance is stunning, and Driver has more than a good chance at nailing Best Actor here as Paterson is nigh on perfect. Wonderfully written, constructed and directed by the highly regarded Jarmusch, this film is simply sublime and one to completely melt into. [Full review]

See it: Monday 10th October, Tuesday 11th October.

3. A Monster Calls – dir. J.A. Bayona

Onto our top three, and these three films were actually our top picks from TIFF, each garnering a five-star review on the site. First up is the big-screen adaptation of A Monster Calls. Based on the children’s book of the same name, J.A. Bayona‘s film revolves around a boy (a spot-on Lewis MacDougall) who seeks the help of a tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) to cope with his single mother’s terminal illness. Felicity Jones delivers a top-notch performance as his mother, while Sigourney Weaver also delights in the role of Grandma.

This film will totally mess with your tear-ducts throughout. Compelling and emotionally charged through some supreme direction from a spot-on screenplay, A Monster Calls is an outstanding piece of work and one not to be missed. [Full review]

See it: Thursday 6th October, Friday 7th October, Tuesday 11th October.

2. La La Land – dir. Damien Chazelle

This one is the one to beat. I cannot remember the last time a film landed with so much buzz around it prior to festival screenings. La La Land deserves it all though as this wonderful musical starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, directed by the masterful Damien Chazelle, is a triumphant 2-hour journey into a whistling Hollywood of yesteryear.

La La Land is one of those films that I wish I could see again for the very first time, but it is also one of those films that I cannot wait to show everyone that I love time and time again. A stunning piece of cinema which is not only one the best of this festival, but also the best of the year and possibly even the decade… No, really.

Believe the hype – this is a note-perfect musical masterpiece – one that I could gush over all day long. Prepare to fall in love. [Full review]

See it: Friday 7th October, Saturday 8th October, Sunday 16th October.

1. Manchester By The Sea – dir. Kenneth Lonergan

So, after reading my thoughts on La La Land, it would take something quite special to beat it. Right? Absolutely. This was the first film that I saw at last month’s TIFF, and still remains my favourite. Kenneth Lonergan‘s Manchester By The Sea follows Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck), a character who has been given sole guardianship of his teenage nephew Patrick following the death of his father, and Lee’s brother Joe (Kyle Chandler). When Lee is forced to travel back to Manchester from his one-bedroom studio home in Quincy, Boston to settle his brother’s estate, he must face ghosts from his past – including his ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams) and the rest of the community where he was born and raised.

Believe me, this is perfect in every way – funny, utterly engrossing throughout and more than anything else, absolutely heartbreaking. It really will have you stuck in your seat waiting for the tear-ducts to dry before the lights come up.

Forget everything else, the Oscar-race starts here. Not only one of the best of LFF, but one of the best films we’ve seen all year.  Simply stunning. [Full review]

See it: Saturday 8th October, Sunday 9th October, Tuesday 11th October.

Notable mentions: Their Finest, Free Fire, Queen Of Katwe, The Handmaiden, A Quiet Passion, The Wailing.

The 60th BFI London Film Festival runs from October 6th – 16th, 2016. Keep it THN for full coverage throughout. Tickets here.