Tyler Coates’ Favorite Movie And TV Moments Of 2014

Not only did Blue Ruin offer an intense, quick, unsettling mystery that was both quiet and extreme at the same time, it also boasted a pretty major twist: the surprising appearance by the former Jan Brady herself as a assault rifle-wielding grandma. [Where to stream Blue Ruin]

Paul Thomas Anderson’s dopey neo-noir based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel featured plenty of twists, turns, and wacky characters, but one of its more enjoyable aspects was the gorgeous Katherine Waterston (daughter of Law and Order star Sam) who offered a ’70s twist on the classic cinematic trope in the role of Shasta Fay Hepworth.

Wild could have easily been a formulaic crowd-pleaser about a pretty young lady who turns her life around after walking through the desert for a while. But under the direction of Jean-Marc Vallée, the film is a poetic study of redemption, loss, and memory — all of which is heightened by an incredible sound design that perfectly weaves together the real-time story and flashbacks.

I’ve regretfully never considered Rosario Dawson to be anything more than a middling actress, but that’s changed in the last few years as Dawson has gotten her chance to play meatier roles and great skill. She’s at her best in Chris Rock’s Top Five, gleefully holding her own up against the comedian as they walk and talk around New York. And she looks absolutely stunning doing so. Hell, I wish my hair looked that good.

Even just thinking about this movie gives me the creeps, and I’m not one who scares easily. But the spooky Australian horror film about an incredibly scary monster and the demons of parenthood is not only completely unnerving; it’s also masterfully designed, heightening the tension with a German expressionist-inspired aesthetic. [Where to stream The Babadook]

Richard Linklater’s twelve-years-in-the-making epic about growing up is a slow burn, but one that’s so deeply moving and thoughtful. And no one can deny that Patricia Arquette delivers a perfect performance as a beleaguered mother trying her best to deliver a stable life for her children despite the obstacles that are thrown her way. If you don’t tear up in her climactic scene, you certainly have no heart. [Where to stream Boyhood]

Both Snowpiercer and The Edge of Tomorrow offer a twist to the dystopian action genre, delivering a sturdy combination of thrills, great performances, and, thankfully, a dose of self-awareness that allows viewers to laugh with their somewhat preposterous conceits while acknowledging the great filmmaking on display. One of the best features about both films are their video game plot lines, which replicate the sense of level-based engagement and, at times, frustrating disappointment. [Where to stream Snowpiercer and The Edge of Tomorrow]

Bennett Miller’s subdued and tense drama follows the real-life story of the millionaire John du Pont, who uses his wealth to fund a wrestling team in order to suit his delusions of Olympic wrestling grandeur. It also blissfully features plenty of chances to see Channing Tatum in wrestling gear. Oscar for Best Costume Design, please?

I’ve written at length about it, but I still keep thinking back to Lorraine Toussaint’s powerful performance on the second season of the Netflix original series. As the villainous Vee, Toussaint displayed a terrifying, sociopathic, power-hungry woman whose vulnerabilities begin to rise to the surface as she loses control of her crew. [Where to stream Orange Is the New Black]

I’ve adored Jenny Slate for years, ever since I saw the short film that turned into the year’s most charming romantic comedy. It was a delight to see her replicate her original role in a longer feature, which allowed her not only to show off her comedic skills but also balance the jokes with a very serious and touching dramatic side. [Where to stream Obvious Child]

New York-based performer Bridget Everett has had a big year with a sold-out string of performances at downtown cabaret theater Joe’s Pub as well as filming a Comedy Central special, which is due to air next year. She’s one of the most joyful and brilliant people in New York City, and I get gleeful whenever she turns up on her friend Amy Schumer’s comedy series, either in a sketch as seen above or getting the chance to perform her own original, risqué material. [Where to stream Inside Amy Schumer]

Nothing made me happier this year than watching best pals Abbi and Ilana live their lives in the bustling metropolis of New York City — learning through their hilarious pratfalls, navigating though a marijuana-induced haze, and, more importantly, displaying a friendship that’s so rare to see on TV comedies these days considering its based entirely on the fact that they enjoy each other more than anyone else. [Where to stream Broad City]

Not only was Jill Soloway’s Amazon series the best new show of the year, but its star pulled off one hell of a performance as Maura, the new-found matriarch of a dysfunctional California family full of troubled, yet loving, souls. Tambor, known mostly for his comedic work, shines in a light-hearted dramatic role and delivers, hands-down, the best performance of the year. [Where to stream Transparent]

All I can say is that the surprising — and brief — glimpse of a naked Ben Affleck made an otherwise crappy year worth it. I don’t know who exactly to thank for this, but I remain eternally grateful. [Where to stream Gone Girl]