Cinematic Brilliance: The Best Cinematography of 2025
The year 2025 has unfolded like a grand cinematic tapestry, offering a feast for the eyes and soul. This year’s movie offerings have not only captured captivating stories but have also pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. From lush landscapes to intimate character studies, filmmakers have displayed an impressive range of approaches that have made going to the theater a genuine joy. Let’s delve into some of the most visually stunning films of the year, highlighting their unique cinematographic triumphs.
1. “After the Hunt” — Malik Hassan Sayeed
Returning from a long hiatus, Malik Hassan Sayeed has proven that he’s still got the magic touch. The director of “After the Hunt,” Luca Guadagnino, partners with Sayeed to create a provocative black comedy that strikes a chord. The cinematography blends the influences of greats like Sven Nykvist, showcasing detailed close-ups that reveal intricate emotions simmering beneath calm exteriors.
Sayeed opts for a deliberate approach, often eschewing conventional techniques. It gives the film a visual language that eloquently expresses contradictions and layered feelings. It’s not just a movie; it’s an exploration of how appearances can sometimes mask the chaos underneath.
2. “Black Bag” — Peter Andrews (Steven Soderbergh)
Steven Soderbergh shines once again in "Black Bag," a spy thriller that feels like a nostalgic nod to classic cinema. Acting as his own cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, Soderbergh’s visuals embody elegance and sophistication. The film is filled with beautifully lit scenes that elevate its characters, showcasing their allure as if they’re straight out of a classic Hollywood romance.
What makes this film stand out is its ability to balance spontaneity with precision. The cinematography is both stunning and unobtrusive, allowing performances to shine through without unnecessary embellishments.
3. “BLKNWS: Terms and Conditions” — Bradford Young
Kahlil Joseph’s ambitious "BLKNWS" delves deep into the world of news media, presenting a blend of reality and art through its innovative cinematography by Bradford Young. Known for creating visually arresting narratives, Young enhances scripted scenes with a grainy, almost archival quality that feels deeply resonant.
Through careful lighting and inventive techniques, each segment of the film captures diverse temporalities: the haze of history juxtaposed against bright modernity. It encapsulates the intricacies of African American culture and offers a unique representation of time collapsing into a single narrative moment.
4. “Die My Love” — Seamus McGarvey
Seamus McGarvey collaborates with Lynne Ramsay for "Die My Love," a deeply unsettling exploration of a disintegrating marriage. McGarvey’s choice of Ektachrome reversal film gives the visuals a surreal quality that highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist, played by Jennifer Lawrence.
By employing day-for-night techniques, McGarvey creates a nightmarish atmosphere that makes the viewer feel the dread and chaos that accompanies the characters’ breakdown. It’s not just a visual spectacle; it’s a raw portrayal of psychological unraveling.
5. “F1: The Movie” — Claudio Miranda
"F1: The Movie" isn’t just about racing; it’s an immersive experience that draws the audience into the thrilling world of Formula One. Claudio Miranda’s cinematography marries speed and beauty, capturing breathtaking race sequences with clarity and an intoxicating sense of motion.
Developing innovative technology to shoot from within racecars, Miranda ensures that every frame reverberates with excitement. The film doesn’t shy away from the technicalities involved in racing; it mirrors the athletes’ strategies and high-stakes decisions while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
6. “Hamnet” — Łukasz Żal
The visually stunning "Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao, features Łukasz Żal’s masterful cinematography, which transforms Shakespeare’s story into an emotional journey. Guided by exquisite lighting and elegant compositions, the film captures the emotional landscape of the characters with rich detail.
Each shot feels imbued with meaning; from the warmth of the interiors to stark depictions of life and death, the visuals resonate on a profound emotional level, elevating the narrative beyond mere storytelling.
7. “Jay Kelly” — Linus Sandgren
Known for his mastery at creating striking visuals, Linus Sandgren delivers once again in "Jay Kelly." Colliding old Hollywood glamor with modern techniques, Sandgren’s cinematography encapsulates the film’s narrative depth.
His keen eye for color and warmth creates a welcoming contrast while maintaining a naturalistic look. Sandgren’s ability to adapt his methodology to different directors’ visions showcases his versatility as a cinematographer, making him one of the industry’s finest.
8. “The Naked Gun” — Brandon Trost
In a clever reboot of the classic comedy franchise, Brandon Trost takes the helm as cinematographer, setting a new standard for comedic visuals. His approach integrates a filmic quality reminiscent of 90s action films, ensuring that the humor transcends traditional bounds.
The film’s technical achievements, especially considering its limited budget, emphasize production values that elevate the comedy. Trost’s cinematography is both a homage to the original while cleverly updating its style for a contemporary audience.
9. “No Other Choice” — Kim Woo-hyung
In "No Other Choice," Kim Woo-hyung pairs with director Park Chan-wook, creating a smartphone-age narrative imbued with visual richness. The film’s distinctive fades and superimpositions convey a range of emotions that track the protagonist’s descent into obsession.
Woo-hyung’s bold visual choices amplify the humor of the story while ensuring the emotional stakes remain palpable. This film stands out for its originality, showcasing how modern techniques can enhance storytelling.
10. “One Battle After Another” — Michael Bauman
Shooting in VistaVision, Michael Bauman creates a visually memorable experience in "One Battle After Another." This film effortlessly shifts between thrilling action and poignant family drama. The expansive landscape is utilized to navigate emotional and physical battles with clarity, drawing viewers into the story’s heart.
Bauman’s artful use of this almost-extinct format invites audiences to appreciate the scope of cinema, making it a must-watch on the big screen.
11. “Preparation for the Next Life” — Ante Cheng
Ante Cheng’s cinematography in "Preparation for the Next Life" elevates the film’s poignant love story. By capturing nuanced performances, Cheng conveys the deep emotional scars of a war veteran and a Uyghur immigrant’s romance through an exquisite visual language.
His ability to showcase both lyrical beauty and raw emotional turmoil leaves a lasting impression, emphasizing the characters’ struggles and longing for connection in a fragmented world.
12. “The Secret Agent” — Evgenia Alexandrova
The meticulous work of Evgenia Alexandrova in "The Secret Agent" transports audiences to 1977 Brazil, expertly adapting the visual storytelling to suit the suspenseful narrative. Using evocative lighting techniques and historical accuracy, Alexandrova immerses viewers in a world filled with paranoia and tension.
Her choices in framing and shot composition enhance the story’s urgency and keep the audience on edge, making for a thrilling cinematic experience.
13. “Sinners” — Autumn Durald Arkapaw
"Sinners" dazzles with its unique blend of horror and historical commentary, made all the more powerful through Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s immersive cinematography. Using Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX 65mm for a striking visual feast, the film captures the essence of Southern heritage and the supernatural warfare unfolding.
The tactile quality of the visuals resonates deeply, allowing viewers to feel the weight of the landscape and the characters’ emotional struggles. Arkapaw’s work highlights how cinematography can breathe life into a narrative, creating deeply felt connections.
14. “Song Sung Blue” — Amy Vincent
"Song Sung Blue" intertwines dreams and reality in a heartfelt tale of perseverance. Amy Vincent’s cinematography captures the gritty authenticity of everyday life, balancing it with moments of romantic grandeur.
The climactic concert scene stands out, akin to some of the most memorable moments in music films, blending staging with visual flair that elevates the emotional experience. Vincent’s classical approach to lighting and composition crafts a timeless quality that resonates with audiences.
15. “Train Dreams” — Adolpho Veloso
In "Train Dreams," Adolpho Veloso’s stunning visual storytelling paints a portrait of a simple life, elevating the mundane into moments of profound beauty. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, Veloso’s compositions showcase the enchanting interplay of light and landscape.
His dedication to capturing fleeting moments, along with the emotional core of the narrative, serves as a reminder of the magic that can be discovered in everyday life.
16. “Weapons” — Larkin Seiple
Finally, "Weapons" pushes the boundaries of genre, combining horror with deep philosophical questions. Larkin Seiple’s cinematography is crucial in crafting the film’s frightening atmosphere, seamlessly intertwining visual poetry with haunting imagery.
Moments of horror unfold with precision, utilizing light and shadow to enhance the visceral impact of the performances. Through Seiple’s lens, the film becomes a tapestry of fear, intelligence, and stylistic innovation.
Conclusion
The films mentioned here remind us why cinema is a captivating and essential art form. Each set of visuals tells a different story, enriching not just the characters but also our viewing experience. Whether through innovative techniques or a deep understanding of visual language, these cinematographers have created an enduring legacy of beauty and craft.
As we reflect on 2025’s cinematic landscape, one thing is clear: great films don’t just tell stories; they create experiences that, long after the end credits roll, linger in our hearts and minds.
