The Best of 2023
Books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and albums that got me through it.
Oh, 2023. You sure did happen. These little buoys of artistic beauty kept me afloat amid a truly capsizing 365 days. As with my offerings of 2021 and 2022, here—in no particular order—are the best creations I read, watched, and listened to this year.
BOOKS
A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy
This novella series is best described as “cozy dystopia,” and I highly recommend them even if you’re not generally a Sci-Fi Fantasy lover. They follow a tea monk and an exiled robot discussing humanity and nature while walking together through author Becky Chambers’ gentle, hopeful world. They’re an optimistic, life-affirming balm.
Damn, this novel messed me up—I wish I didn't relate to it so intensely. It's a feral, triggering (fair warning, fellow SA survivors), deeply empathetic story about how the echoes of trauma reverberate through every choice we make in our lives, and sometimes those decisions inadvertently lead us toward healing. It's absolutely filthy with piercing observations about the power dynamics between men and women; every sentence is a sharply-honed weapon.
I finally read the first two volumes of Neil Gaiman’s beloved graphic novel series while concurrently watching the season one Netflix show (see below), matching each episode to its corresponding issue. I can feel a bit of an obsession blossoming—I even ordered the Death of the Endless spinoff volume.
I always anxiously await a new Catriona Ward novel, and I think this is my favorite yet. A spooky, atmospheric seaside-set narrative about trauma and writing and perspective that grapples with who gets to tell and own their story, and what becomes trapped in its pages.
I read this after I watched its incredible film adaptation, called The Quiet Girl (more on that below). The story is deceptively simple, yet it beautifully and wrenchingly captures the complex feeling of being a solitary child who seeks comfort from parental figures who aren't her own. The narrative lives in the space between breaking down an emotional wall and re-erecting it; that fear of and desperate need for intimacy and love, and the surrendering to it despite knowing that it will one day abandon you. I didn't relate to it at all. Not. One. Bit.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Rick Rubin’s short, easy-to-digest chapters are filled with encouraging insights that sum up all the wisdom about the creative process that he’s acquired throughout his formidable career. I recommend cracking it open with a highlighter in hand, because it’s chock full of gems you’ll want to return to.
This graphic novel touches on a bunch of my favorite themes: dealing with grief, the struggle for autonomy, and navigating a haunted house. Plus some really incredible art (Emily Carroll's horror comic work is gorgeous across the board, and she also created the illustrations for the video game Gone Home). The ending is a brilliant head-scratcher.
Rachel Harrison’s books are always a rousing read, and this latest entry is a hero’s journey for the familially estranged, cycle-breaking set. It’s a bit like if Midsommar was about escaping family and fate as opposed to finding it. Both delightful and affecting; a line Harrison is masterful at straddling.
Ali Hazelwood has solidified herself as an auto-buy contemporary romance author for me, though I thought this year’s Check & Mate missed the mark (I appreciate that she tried her hand at the young adult category, I just really couldn’t stand the protagonist). Luckily, her forthcoming February 2024 release (which I nabbed an early copy of) tackles a popular theme—werewolves and vampires—and nails it. This one has nice characterization, a well-wrought mystery, and it definitely delivers on the filthy love scenes.
MOVIES
I know I said these were in no particular order, but it bears noting that this is my favorite film of the year by a country mile. A delightfully strange, gross, hilarious Frankensteinian gothic steampunk odyssey of womanhood. It’s technically stunning as hell—from the costumes (!!!) to the sets to the lighting to the cinematography. The last time I felt this way was after watching Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula for the first time. I always brace myself before a Yorgos Lanthimos movie (ask me about seeing The Lobster in a theater full of couples), but he completely won me over with this. Emma Stone will rightfully earn every award nomination under the sun.
The latest theatrical release from Studio Ghibli's legendary Hayao Miyazaki hurts very, very good. Miyazaki made it to help his grandson process his impending death, and boy is it obvious. This is a dark entry in his oeuvre—more Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke than, say, My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki's Delivery Service, add a dash of The Graveyard Book (my favorite Neil Gaiman). The breathtaking animation and music made me physically ache.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
This is basically just Albert Brooks and director Rob Reiner shooting the shit about Brooks’ brilliant brain and career. There’s nothing not to love. If you're into comedian documentaries, I also recommend George Carlin's American Dream and The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling.
This was surprisingly funny, nihilistic, internal…it feels like director David Fincher's response to Fight Club. A commentary on gig economy culture and late stage capitalism that's far deeper than meets the eye. The Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross score is understated and organic, and there's a legendary Tilda Swinton scene to be savored like a very old whiskey (literally). It's violent (hi, fellow wusses) but all very integral to the story.
Nobody does gilded cage angst like Sofia Coppola, and her latest film about how fourteen-year-old Priscilla Ann Wagner met Elvis Presley brilliantly explores a coming-of-age that never quite permeates the fringe of fame, even when ensconced deep within it. It's a stroll through a stolen, manipulated girlhood beneath a blush-hued sky. Devastating, to say the least.
In my humble opinion, Jennifer Lawrence never misses, even in the worst movies. Her performance in this is a legit star turn, plus the writing is sharp, the chemistry between the leads is stellar, and it made me full-on belly laugh. Beyond being entertaining, it's also sneakily poignant and sweet. Major instant classic raunchy comedy vibes.
Without being too hyperbolic, this film feels like a watershed for capturing the precise climate of a moment in a big budget blockbuster. It's campy and hella feminist and subversive (think Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion meets a classic Hollywood musical on literal steroids). It's also existential and entertaining and it hits the perfect mark for the common denominator. Give Greta Gerwig the world!!!!!
This was very beautiful and very beautifully made (some of the shots reminded me of the gorgeous work in Aftersun). It scratched the Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight itch a bit, for my fellow Richard Linklater fans. It’s quiet and deep and bittersweet, my favorite kind of film.
This is pretty much a beat for beat adaptation of the novella Foster highlighted above, miraculously rendered in exactly the same style and sensibility. It's Irish (an automatic all-in for me), and it feels like a more understated, elevated (and, let's face it, somber) Anne of Green Gables. The ending is as perfectly telegraphed and executed as that of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and it'll make you snot-cry just as intensely.
I put off watching this in 2022 because it's based on my favorite Austen book (the "half agony half hope" bit is the most heart-stopping speech in all of romance, period) and I heard it's not at all faithful. But lord help me, I caved and I actually loved it?? It's semi-anachronistic and Dakota Johnson is crazy charismatic and it takes a page from Fleabag's fourth wall breaking that also somehow works. If you go in expecting it to be a unique interpretation, it's fine. Though it in no way unseats the brilliant 2007 Sally Hawkins version.
This is a very simple story well told, and yes it's a Predator movie (though the first one is a classic for a reason!) but the highlight is that it's set in 1719 among the Comanches and it follows an incredibly assertive and capable young native woman protecting her tribe. It's gorgeously shot, features some amazing physical action (plus one extremely good girl pup) and Amber Midthunder absolutely crushes it in the lead role.
TV SHOWS
I completely lost my mind over this show. From the stunning animation and camerawork to the beautiful characterization and propulsive plot, it's a total masterpiece—and I don’t use that word lightly. Full of feminism, revenge, gore, insane action sequences, fascinating historical details, and even a little romance, as a treat. I’ve already watched it three times…
The Fall of the House of Usher
It's surely no surprise that I loved Mike Flanagan's most recent Netflix adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic short story. It's a sharp take on the material that uses Usher as the overarching framework for episodic anthologizing of Poe's other works. Think: gothic horror Succession, with a prestige drama spin.
I’ve adored this cozy mystery show for the last two seasons (it is so NYC-steeped), but the third made it clear that it’s delivering diminishing returns. I enjoyed being with the characters again, but the twist was way too obviously telegraphed. Regardless, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez have crackling chemistry and I’m a die-hard Steve M fan, so I'm in for season four. Here's to hoping they take some big swings!
I'm kinda baffled that I haven't heard people raving about this show—I have to assume everyone loved it and just kept it to themselves? It's an empathetic, warm, funny, moving depiction of best friendship and should in no way be a secret. Plus, it’s greenlit for a second season—so catch up now!
This is one of the best shows out there—everyone in front of and behind the camera is firing on all cylinders. It’s so good it kinda makes me mad, and season two is the exact opposite of a sophomore slump. It skillfully deepens our relationship with every character through the course of ten episodes before raising the stakes at the very end. Just brilliantly done and so affecting.
As I mentioned above, I watched this while reading along with the graphic novel issues—I'm not generally great with fantasy/heavy CGI, but the spooky elements and Neil Gaiman's brilliant writing and world-building outweigh all that. I’m looking forward to season two!
PODCASTS
I'm obsessed with Rick Rubin's new podcast—he’s an incredibly laid-back, insightful interviewer and he’s wonderful at getting his guests to relax and open up. The best episodes so far are his discussions with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Trent Reznor (obviously), Will Smith, Judd Apatow, Nick Cave, Steven Pressfield, and Daniel Kaluuya.
This made it onto my 2022 list, but it deserves another year in the sun because it’s just too fun and special. This “feelings podcast about movies” is hosted by the delightful Alex Steed and Sarah Marshall (the latter is also co-host of You’re Wrong About…see below), alongside a revolving door of fantastic special guests. My favorites from this year cover Moonlight, M3GAN, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Rosemary’s Baby, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Babe, School of Rock, High Fidelity, Poltergeist, Twister, Midsommar, Romeo + Juliet, Death Becomes Her, Broadcast News, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, and My Neighbor Totoro.
As with the above, this was featured in my 2021 round-up, but there were so many great episodes this year. Sarah Marshall brings on new guests to discuss popular history that we’ve collectively glossed over or remembered incorrectly. Standouts of the 2023 season include Chris McCandless, Sinéad O’Connor, Flowers in the Attic, The Cottingley Fairies, Lizzie Borden, Urban Legends, Amy Winehouse, and The Exorcist.
ALBUMS
I’ve been scream-singing along to boygenius’ debut full-length album since its March 31st release, and I’m not ashamed to say it. Though it hasn’t quite unseated their 2018 EP in my heart.
Olivia Rodrigo’s second album is incredibly fun and makes me feel nostalgic for a cool emo teenage life I never had. vampire is it.
Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.
Crosses is the side project of Deftones lead singer Chino Moreno, so it’s got an excellent pedigree. The band’s latest is their most Nine Inch Nails-esque, which I of course consider high praise.
I discovered Royal Blood by way of their new 2023 album and quickly became obsessed with their full catalogue; they're like a more metal Arctic Monkeys. Yes, please.
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
My favorite Lana Del Rey will likely forever be Norman Fucking Rockwell! but this one features some excellent guest collaborations with greats including Jon Batiste, Father John Misty, and SYML. For my money, the standout is Paris, Texas.
I never expected to endorse a BTS member, but Jungkook’s first solo studio album has some crazy catchy hooks and serious 90s vibes, so…here we are. As an off-album footnote: his Standing Next to You remix with Usher is amazing.
Did I miss something you think I’d love? Want to debate your own favorites of 2023? Let me know in the comments!
Katie - Just watched "No Hard Feelings." My wife and I belly laughed through it to the poignant ending. Jennifer Lawrence did not disappoint. But the witty writing was the star. We are working our way through the list.
Just saw The Killer. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The internal talk is mesmerizing in its similarity to the Nightengale Conant sales improvement tapes of the 1990s. The same calm monotone exhortations to perfecting the craft of sales. Such a good movie.