Peter Bradshaw highlights the standout films, from Tilda Swinton’s performance in Memoria to Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast and Edgar Wright’s chilling 60s horror.

As the 2021 London Film Festival unfolded, The Guardian’s chief film critic Peter Bradshaw handpicked his top ten films to watch, each showcasing a blend of diverse storytelling and exceptional talent. Here’s a glimpse at the must-see films of this year’s festival:

Petite Maman
Directed by Céline Sciamma, this captivating film takes viewers into a whimsical and poignant exploration of childhood and grief. After her grandmother’s death, an eight-year-old girl encounters a mysterious version of her mother in the woods, played by twin actresses, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.

The Souvenir Part II
Joanna Hogg’s sequel to her acclaimed film The Souvenir continues the story of Julie, a film student navigating love and loss. This reflective, emotionally charged journey through Julie’s personal and artistic growth stars Honor Swinton Byrne and explores the impact of her toxic relationship.

Our Men
Rachel Lang’s French drama delves into the emotional challenges faced by the families of French Foreign Legion soldiers on deployment in Mali. With strong performances from Louis Garrel and Camille Cottin, the film subtly portrays the struggles of both soldiers and their loved ones in a war zone.

The Power of the Dog
Jane Campion’s return to filmmaking after over a decade is a tough and atmospheric Western that unravels the complexities of family, jealousy, and repressed emotions. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons as two cattle-ranching brothers, the film explores the dangerous undercurrents of their relationships when one marries a widow (Kirsten Dunst).

Bradshaw’s list also highlights films like Memoria starring Tilda Swinton, and Edgar Wright’s nostalgic yet terrifying Last Night in Soho, reflecting the festival’s rich variety and the remarkable range of talent showcased this year.