Which are some highly regarded film adaptations of short stories in recent years?

One of the top recent ones is 'Little Women'. Greta Gerwig's adaptation was fresh and engaging. It brought out the different personalities of the March sisters really well. Also, 'Joker' was a very interesting take on the character from the Batman comics. It was more of a character study and Joaquin Phoenix's performance was outstanding. It was based on the concept of the character from the comics, which can be considered as a form of novel - like origin.

Definitely 'Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering'. It simplifies the epic without losing its depth. It's like a bridge between the ancient world of the Mahabharata and modern readers who might be intimidated by the original text.

I think 'Gerald's Game' was a very good recent adaptation. It was a challenging story to adapt, as much of it takes place in one room with a woman handcuffed to a bed. But the movie managed to build tension and horror effectively, just like the book.

One of the best is 'The Shawshank Redemption', which was adapted from a Stephen King short story. It's a powerful tale of hope and friendship in prison. Another great one is 'A Christmas Carol'. The various film adaptations of Dickens' short story have managed to capture the essence of the original, with its themes of redemption and the spirit of Christmas. Also, 'Brokeback Mountain', adapted from a short story, tells a poignant love story between two men in a very moving way.

Recently, 'Bitter Root' has had a great adaptation. It has a great art style that showcases the Harlem Renaissance - era setting and the story of a family of monster hunters. 'Lumberjanes' is another good one. The graphic novel adaptation is full of fun, adventure, and girl - power. It has a colorful and energetic art style that matches the light - hearted yet exciting story. And 'The Wicked + The Divine' is also a great recent adaptation. It has a very stylish art style and tells an interesting story about gods reincarnating as humans every ninety years.

A recent great adaptation is 'The Handmaid's Tale' series. It takes Margaret Atwood's novel and turns it into a very relevant and disturbing look at a dystopian society. The visuals are striking, and the acting, especially Elisabeth Moss as Offred, is superb. It really delves deep into the themes of female oppression and resistance.

A really interesting one is 'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi. It's set in a future where genetic engineering has run amok and the world is in a state of ecological and social collapse. The characters are complex and the cyberpunk elements are well - integrated into the overall dystopian setting.

Personally, 'God of War (2018)' has an outstanding story. It reimagines the character of Kratos and his relationship with his son Atreus. The journey they embark on together, combined with Norse mythology elements, makes for a very compelling narrative. The character development is excellent as you see Kratos evolving from a brute force fighter to a more complex father figure.

Definitely 'The Bell Jar'. It's a very well - known work. It tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman who has a mental breakdown. It's a poignant exploration of mental health and the challenges faced by women in a male - dominated society.

The novel 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine was among the top in 2019. It's a space - opera - like fantasy that combines political intrigue, cultural exploration, and a great deal of world - building. It's set in a galactic empire and follows the story of an ambassador trying to solve a mystery while also dealing with the complex politics of the empire.