Top 3 Films of 2011 (Karen's List)

Three powerful female-driven stories stood out the most because of their complexity, gut-wrenching scenes and stylistic tones.

These films may not be the conventional picks of the awards season, but they mark compelling voices in the cinematic landscape both in front of and behind the camera. It is also noteworthy that all three movies were written or co-written by female screenwriters which is a step in the right direction when it comes Hollywood's lack of diversity. I didn't choose these movies because they were about women, but merely because these films lingered with me, provoked emotional and sparked conversation, and after I saw them I couldn't help but say to other people: "You gotta see this movie!"

1. We Need to Talk About Kevin - This movie will rock you. Every scene of it holds weight, and Tilda Swinton is perfectly cast in this twisted tale of a problem child.

2. Young Adult - I won't say which film this movie knocked off my Top 3 list, but Charlize Theron is a remarkable force in Young Adult. I can see why Jason Reitman was set on having her play the role. This collaboration only further confirms that Diablo Cody and Reitman should do another project together; they make a dream team.

3. Another Earth - This is the movie I suggested most when people asked me about indie films. It's part scif-fi and part drama, and yet it's much more than that. Another Earth tip-toes on greatness with its quiet scenes are break-out performance by Brit Marling, who also co-wrote the script.

For previous lists check out my Top 3 Films of 2010 and Top 3 Films of 2009.