Wednesday, February 19, 2025

List: Brett Doze’s Top 10 Films of 2020

In a year that could have been a wasteland for movies, 2020 delivered a number of films that I found really excellent. While we were unable to experience most movies in the joyful theater locale, streaming services, virtual festivals, and VOD were loaded with films very much worth checking out. Like every year, it pained me to leave some films off this list, such as the great documentaries Time and David Byrne’s American Utopia. At the end of the day, my list consists of those that I love and could revisit time and again. Though it may change over time, here is the current list of my favorite films of 2020. 

Nomadland Review: Frances McDormand and Chloé Zhao Are a Magical Combo |  IndieWire

10. Nomadland

There were multiple films in contention for this spot. It came down to the film that I often think about deeply and look forward to watching again. Few directors, if any, can capture the essence of middle and western America the way that Chloé Zhao can. Led by yet another phenomenal turn from Frances McDormand, this one hones in on poverty and community without feeling exploitative. 

Members-Only Q&A: Unpregnant - Film Independent

9. Unpregnant

This is the comedy of the year for me, and it’s a film that I wish was being discussed more. Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira make an excellent team in this buddy film, which tackles the topic of abortion in a way that touches on the intricacies of choice while also making the process seem less daunting than other films. 

The Assistant' Is a Compact, Quiet #MeToo Movie With a Loud, Expansive  Effect | Vogue

8. The Assistant

The impact of the #MeToo Movement is reflected in multiple movies over the last few years, and the topic is handled with such awareness and importance in Kitty Green’s film. Sexual harassment in the workplace (in this case, a production company) is not shown explicitly. Rather, it is assessed through the anxieties of one young woman who works there, played brilliantly by Julia Garner. 

Soul' Review: Pixar's New Feature Gets Musical, and Metaphysical - The New  York Times

7. Soul

Is it among the very best Pixar has to offer? No. Did it make me think and feel deeply the way that a Pixar film often does? Absolutely. The idea of living every single day to the fullest may not be unique, but the way this film focuses on the small moments makes it so resonant. I’m not sure how much of a hit this is with children, and it may be Pixar’s least accessible film for that audience. But the soul world, in particular, is one of their most fascinating creations. 

Movie review: Radha Blank's 'Version' makes 40 look better than good |  Duluth News Tribune

6. The Forty-Year-Old Version

Radha Blank very well might be the entertainer of the year in my book, based on everything she does in this film. In addition to giving a convincing and powerful performance, she expertly directs this black-and-white character study. She also delivers the best original song in a film from 2020, “Poverty Porn.” And somehow, this is all surpassed by her brilliant original screenplay, which contends as perhaps the best of the year. 

Mangrove' Review: A Restaurant's Radicalism - The New York Times

5. Mangrove

As a whole, Steve McQueen’s Small Axe is possibly the cinematic achievement of the year. Of all five films, the first to premiere on Amazon Prime remains my favorite. McQueen’s vibrant direction, Shabier Kirchner’s cinematography, and the ensemble cast elevate this beyond a typical courtroom drama. The film really emphasizes the importance of Black spaces, and Shaun Parkes gives a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination (if only it was eligible for the Oscars). 

One Night in Miami Trailer: Regina King's Oscar Contender from Amazon |  IndieWire

4. One Night in Miami 

It’s difficult for a film based on a play to avoid feeling stagey, especially a film that primarily takes place in one motel room and centers on just four characters. But Regina King directs the film with a true flair, bringing all four larger-than-life figures to stunning life. The four central performances in this film are all wonderful, and the dialogue from Kemp Powers made me wish I could keep witnessing their conversations after the film ended. 

Review: 'Sound Of Metal' Delivers A Searing Riz Ahmed Performance : NPR

3. Sound of Metal 

No film from 2020 grew on me more than Sound of Metal. It’s a film that I thoroughly enjoyed when I first saw it, and I’ve grown to absolutely love it as it refuses to leave my mind. Riz Ahmed and Paul Raci give two of the very best performances of the year in an honest and affecting story of resilience and acceptance that never fails to conjure up emotional resonance. Director Darius Marder tells this story in such a personal fashion, and the sound is absolutely essential to the movie. 

Sylvie's Love' Film Review: Syrupy Yet Charming '60s-set Love Story -  Variety

2. Sylvie’s Love 

At times, it can feel like this film is employing very familiar plot points for a romantic drama. However, it takes those narrative aspects and heightens them where so many others have not. It features a nostalgic tone without getting too caught up in that, and it delivers the kind of beautiful 1950s/60s romance for Black characters that is long overdue. 

A Roller Coaster in the Dark: Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham on Promising  Young Woman | Interviews | Roger Ebert

1. Promising Young Woman

I love when a film can generate meaningful discussion, and this film certainly accomplishes that. To refer to this film simply as a female revenge thriller does it a disservice. It’s also a fascinating take on grief and dealing with traumatic events, anchored by a fantastic performance from Carey Mulligan and superb direction from Emerald Fennell. Though the ending is certainly controversial, it’s shocking and leaves an impact at the very least. 

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