Choosing the best film of the year is never easy and it always sparks plenty of debate among movie fans. Every year there are dozens of big releases competing for attention. And with several months still left of 2026, there is still plenty of time for more films to come out and change opinions.

But one movie has already been singled out by critics as the standout release of the year so far. The hard-hitting war drama has picked up huge praise from viewers and currently holds a near-perfect score online.

The film in question is The Voice of Hind Rajab, and it has taken the top spot in Time Out’s list of the best films of 2026 so far.

The film was released in cinemas on December 17, 2025 and began streaming in February 2026.

The publication praised the film for its emotional storytelling and described it as one of the most powerful releases of the year.

The movie currently has a 94% critics score and a 100% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

One person wrote in a review: “A vital yet painful watch, knowing that it’s just the tiny tip of the iceberg of what has been happening to these people for almost 80 years.”

Another added: “What a tragic and emotionally jarring film. A masterclass in filmmaking!”

A third said: “The MOST important film of the year.”

Someone else commented: “Absolutely devastating film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. It deserved its 23 minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival where it won an award. Captures the savagery of war in a visceral way. Don’t miss it.”

The film was written and directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, who previously directed Four Daughters.

It tells the story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl trapped inside a car in Gaza, while Red Crescent workers desperately try to reach her after receiving an emergency call.

The movie uses recreated versions of real audio linked to the final phone calls in the case.

Its official synopsis says: “January 29, 2024. Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A 6-year-old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab.”

The film stars Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel and Clara Khoury.

It premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2025, where it won the Grand Jury Prize as well as six other awards.

The movie later received nominations at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Time Out said the film stood out because of the way it handled the story and the emotional impact it leaves on viewers.

The publication wrote: “Using real audio of Hind’s final calls to the Palestinian Red Crescent, reenacted by Palestinian actors, this devastating docudrama presents a portrait of life and death in Gaza more piercing than any political commentary.”

Filming took place in Tunisia during November 2024 and lasted around three weeks.

The Voice of Hind Rajab is available to stream on the BFI Player.

SOURCE: EXPRESS