Mark Ziobro (Top 5)
1. “UnBroken” (Dir. Beth Lane)
“UnBroken” was a fantastic documentary about a family of seven siblings who survived the Nazi Holocaust. The film by Beth Lane—the daughter of one of the seven—does justice to a horrible period in world history. The way it does that is to inject her film not with drama or sadness (as is often the case with major motion pictures on the subject), but on the family’s will to survive and stay together. Given its subject matter, “UnBroken” can also sometimes feel very light and free: these are people after all and they have their sense of humors and, gratefully, innocences. Towards the end of the film, one of the survivors comments: “there is always so much evil in this world, being overcome by so much good.” A poignant message and one that resonates throughout the ages. (Read our review).
4. “Because of Mika” (Dir. Paul Santoli)
Paul Santoli’s indie film “Because of Mika” is one of the most ‘New York’ films I’ve seen in some time, and heartwarming to boot. It’s “Clerks”-esque comedy and indie feel alongside healing and growth. It all starts when the film’s chief character, Gino (Santoli) finds a dog in a park one night that becomes an inseparable part of his life. However, we soon learn the dog is deceased, a ghost, and is leading (more tugging) him towards a life of healing, all while reuniting the dog’s previous owners: an estranged father and daughter. “Because of Mika” is a film that makes me love indie films. And certainly one of the most hopeful films I’ve seen this year. (Read our review).
3. “Marty Supreme” (Dir. Josh Safdie)
While the “hero” of “Marty Supreme” is probably the most unlikable character I’ve seen on-screen since Walter White, the film still struck a nerve. The frenetic, non-stop pace of its lead, played with utter perfect insanity by Timothée Chalamet, alongside a really perfect period piece (the 1950s), make the film stand out. Josh Safdie directs the film well, solo, working apart from his brother Benny. Alongside Marty are a host of other actors and actresses all doing a great job. Chief among them is Odessa A’Zion and Gwyneth Paltrow. Marty himself chokes out a lot of life form others in his quest to be #1; however amidst his hurricane-like path, the lives of the people in 1950s New York stick out and demand attention.
2. “Good Luck to Me” (Dir. Maya Ahmed)
Maya Ahmed’s indie short “Good Luck to Me” features one of my favorite indie regulars, Timothy J. Cox, and is a somber look at divorce. In just ten minutes the film carries the same notes as full length features such as “Marriage Story.” This is not a film of acrimony, nor bitterness, yet the need to move on—regretfully—while still respecting the other person, maybe even thinking of them as a friend. That’s what makes “Good Luck to Me” so important and sad: it’s easier to understand why two people have to separate when they hate each other. When they don’t, and clearly care for the other, we question why it all couldn’t just work out. (Read our review).
1. “Sinners” (Dir. Ryan Coolger)
“Sinners” is horror in the same way Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” was. It’s a straight-up horror movie, a period piece (1930s, Jim Crow era), a tale of brotherly love, racism, and true, unadulterated freedom. Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack alongside a mostly all-Black cast, including—and introducing—Miles Canton, who becomes the film’s soul. When the Smokestack twins open a Juke for one revelrous night in Clarksdale, MI, and a pack of White vampires descend upon them, Coogler explores themes of family, bonds, oppression across cultures, America’s racial demands that minority cultures “assimilate”—all before turning into a bloody revenge tale at the end. But amidst it all, it’s a celebration of soul, blues, and music. When one character states, “for just a few hours, we was free,” we know exactly what he means. A stellar film I’m glad to see receiving the recognition it deserves.
Honorable mentions:
- “Operation: Total Trouble” (Dir. Chad Meisenheimer)
- “Hi.” (Dir. Olivia Nash)
- “Sundays With Dad” (Dir. Thomas Angeletti)
- “One Battle After Another” (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
- “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025)—guilty pleasure
Follow us as we continue to cover wrap-up film coverage along with Oscar news.
