In a lackluster year for film, some movies managed to shine through.
In a lackluster year for film, some movies managed to shine through.
Whether your cinematic taste leans bloodthirsty or bittersweet, this year’s films served something for everyone. The Phoenix’s staff assessed their favorite films from 2025.
“Sinners” — Will Nichols
It’s become increasingly rare for an original movie to make a distinct and immediate cultural imprint, but director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan’s latest effort “Sinners” certainly accomplished it.
Released April 18, “Sinners” follows twins Smoke and Stack — both portrayed by Jordan (“Creed,” “Black Panther”) — as they take their cousin Sammy (Miles Caton) under their wings for the evening. As the night progresses, evil lurks around the corner in the form of vampires.
The movie itself plays like a rock concert — a dramatic, gory, sexy spectacle. It’s a genre-bending film, a period piece vampire musical that delivers on each genre’s promises.
Aside from the joyous viewing experience the film provides, it also takes an incredibly deep and nuanced look at the American Black experience through themes of cultural vampirism, colonization and the power of music.
Filled with complex ideas and awe-inspiring set pieces, “Sinners” is the sort of movie audiences rarely receive, and even more rarely appreciate.
“One of Them Days” — Kevin Stovich
Past-due rent, a pair of Jordans, an angry gang leader and a tumble weave all come together in the comedy of the year, “One of Them Days.”
Starring Keke Palmer and SZA, “One of Them Days” details the chaotic 24 hours of best friends Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) as they haphazardly try to gather rent money in an accident-prone day.
While everything that could go wrong does go wrong, the humor doesn’t come from their suffering, but from the ludicrous situations they find themselves in, such as a literal tug of war with a nurse for a bag of blood at a donation clinic.
At the heart of the film, Palmer (“Nope,” “Hustlers”) and SZA’s chemistry is unmatched — it’s like watching true lifelong friends. Unlike many musicians-turned-actors, SZA fits right in on screen with sharp comedic timing and delivery only seen in seasoned comics.
“One of Them Days” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it doesn’t have to. Instead, it dives headfirst into comic absurdism while maintaining a compelling story between two best friends.
Unlike films that feel the need to have a profound message, Lamont’s first feature doesn’t take itself too seriously, reminding the audience that we all have “One of Them Days.”
“Another Simple Favor” — Andrew Quinn
Featuring a captivating combination of darkly-twisted humor and ominous thrills, “Another Simple Favor” provides a sequential story in the “Simple Favor” series’ cinematic universe — this time set in Italy.
The Prime Video Original, released May 1, tells the twisted story of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as the pair find themselves involved in potential murder plots and other unsavory activity during Nelson’s wedding weekend in Capri.
Offering clever, offbeat jokes that work surprisingly well, the film explores the complex dynamics of friendship, betrayal and inevitable romantic relationships. The contrast of Kendrick’s (“Pitch Perfect,” “Trolls”) pep and Lively’s (“It Ends with Us,” “Gossip Girl”) twisted mind brings something new and fresh into the world of thrillers — comedy being just as unexpected as murder.
While “Another Simple Favor” won’t be winning any Oscars, the film offers an innovative take on the classic thriller that’ll leave audiences both stunned in their seats and howling with laughter.
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” — Faith Hug
In a cinematic year characterized by high-energy superhero blockbusters and allegorically rich indie flicks, the pacifying Welsh seaside shots and simply sweet stakes of “The Ballad of Wallis Island” create a soothing place to rest weary eyes.
Released March 28, James Griffiths’ melancholic dramedy follows happy-go-lucky two-time lottery winner Charles (Tim Key) as he spends his winnings reuniting his favorite folk duo for a private concert.
The weathered performances of Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan as estranged bandmates Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer, respectively, are imbued with enough dry humor to soak up the sappiness of pun-inclined Charles, creating a delightful comedic harmony among the trio.
The film’s levity balances heavier themes of lost love, taking care not to wallow in sadness but to embrace it and move forward.
While it may not be the most complex film, “The Ballad of Wallis Island” sure hits the heartfelt jackpot.
“Together” — Dana Prodoehl
Millie and Tim, played by real-life husband and wife Dave Franco and Allison Brie, project their bedroom fantasies onto the screen, shedding a new light on codependency in July 30 release “Together.”
Moving to a small town comes with its complexities, making the couple question splitting up while they navigate their new surroundings, neighbors, nearby caverns and the resident religious sects’ fallen chapel in the woods.
The struggling artist and new schoolteacher tackle these challenges as life pulls them apart and supernatural forces push them together in unimaginable ways.
Squeamish viewers beware — as the film demonstrates that not only the heart wants what it wants, but so does the body.
This film leaves audiences questioning the impetus behind mysterious writing choices and to what extent it’s healthy for couples to imprint on each other.
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