Runner up - Monkey Man

 Oscar Tidbit: This film hasn’t received an Oscar nomination yet, but it’s still too recent. It may be a strong contender in next year’s Academy Awards.

Dev Patel's directorial debut takes you on a gripping journey through the worlds of crime, redemption, and self-discovery. The film opens in an underground fight club in Mumbai, and as the story delves deeper into the protagonist's past, the audience is drawn into his suppressed anger, which ultimately erupts into a bloodthirsty rage. This is a classic underdog revenge story executed to perfection.

The pacing is expertly handled, with the main character, referred to as Kid, initially portrayed as a timid, lonely adult burdened by a dark past. Through flashbacks, we witness the love and tenderness that was cruelly taken from him too soon. The film also sheds light on the origins of the Monkey Man, known as Hanuman—a hero in Hindu mythology, a god with a hybrid body of monkey and man. As the narrative unfolds, we see Kid infiltrate the elite class, exposing political corruption and religious influence, and slowly transform into an unstoppable, yet likeable, fighting machine.

The fight scenes are masterfully choreographed, evoking memories of classics like Oldboy, Kill Bill, and The Matrix. Every bone-crunching blow and blood-spurting moment is captured with visceral intensity. Dev Patel shines in the lead role, delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced, though I must admit my bias—I’ve always had a bit of a Hollywood crush on him.

While I initially hoped this would be a stand-alone film, its success makes it no surprise if it spawns a new beloved franchise, possibly even creating its own sub-genre. I’m excited to see where Dev Patel’s career goes from here and can’t wait for what he does next.