5) Tangerine
Die Hard may be renowned as an unconventional Christmas movie, but if you really want to think outside the box next December, look no further than Tangerine, a film starring a trans sex worker who seeks revenge for her boyfriend’s treachery on Christmas Eve.
Much has been made of the fact that Tangerine was shot entirely on an iPhone, but to focus solely on the film’s admittedly astonishing technical achievements does the movie a disservice. Sean Baker’s breakout indie is filled with an anarchic glee that leaps off the screen thanks to powerhouse performances from the film’s two leads, both of whom made vital contributions to the development of the script.
[zergpaid]2015 has been a pivotal year for the trans community, but while visibility has never been higher, controversial comments from Caitlyn Jenner and high profile performances from cisgender actors show that there’s still a long way to go before equality becomes a reality. Fortunately, Tangerine is hugely progressive, using real trans performers to depict a unique L.A. sub-culture in a fascinating light while exploring universal themes of friendship and love.
You won’t see another film like it this year.