14) Blue Ruin
Not enough of you know who Jeremy Saulnier is, and that’s a shame. While I originally discovered this unique director through a film called Murder Party back in 2007 (a goofy horror flick), Blue Ruin shows how Sauliner’s talents are maturing with age like a fine wine. There’s no other reaction after watching Blue Ruin than “Holy Shit,” as Sauliner musters the most honest, stripped-down story of pure revenge this year – and in a very long time. There’s nothing flashy about the action sequences, and Sauliner does an amazing job avoiding any glorification of violent acts, but success would have been hard without lead actor Macon Blair’s gut-punch of a maddening performance.
Blue Ruin is the realistic equivalent of Hollywood’s shoot-em-up action mentality, hitting upon an emotional impact that should come along with the decision to murder someone in cold blood – and the consequences that follow.
13) Cold In July
As indie films continue to embrace an incredibly gritty nature, auteurs like Jim Mickle are finding their voice through grimy genre pieces that establish punchy, stylistic trends. While I’m a fan of his earlier works as well, Cold In July immediately jumped ahead as my favorite Micklepiece thanks to a sleek 80s vibe supported by a synthy soundtrack and a dirty period focus.
Michael C. Hall hasn’t been this good in a while, and Don Johnson’s Southern swagger is off the charts, but Mickle’s biggest triumph is building a slow-burn mystery that’s equal parts suspenseful and engaging – including a powerful ending that sends Cold In July out with a loud, commanding BANG.
Mickle has proven that he can do it all – hold our attention, tell a story, scare us senseless, and throw together a favorable action sequence. Whatever’s next for this filmmaker, my excitement is already bubbling over.