2020 was a chaotic year as our nation went into lockdown and we did our best to stay safe and healthy. Our ability to escape through the magic of film was unusually cut short by various films scrapping their 2020 release dates. But even though we didn’t get a lot of films, there were some gems that were released through theaters, VOD, and streaming services.
10. The Invisible Man
Coming off of Universal’s atrocious The Mummy in 2017, I was skeptical of Invisible Man. But boy was I pleasantly surprised. Elizabeth Moss continues to wow me with everything she’s in. This popcorn flick has something for everyone. It has revenge, action, drama, and a good dose of horror. Not to mention, some shocking moments that will leave your jaw on the floor. Sure nothing beats the original Invisible Man from 1933, but this new take on a classic is very entertaining!
9. Minari
Minari, set in the 1980s, is a sensational telling of a Korean family as they establish a new home in Arkansas. The film illustrates the hardships of those who come to America hoping to find the “American Dream.” Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, and Youn Yuh-Jung give us some of the most extraordinary performances of 2020. But, in my opinion, it’s newcomer Alan S. Kim who makes the biggest splash with his great performance and overabundance of cuteness. Minari is incredibly tender, and woefully honest.
8. Pieces of a Woman
We’ve seen Vanessa Kirby play Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown, and we’ve seen her kick-ass in action franchises like Mission Impossible and Fast & Furious, but Pieces of a Woman is Kirby like we’ve never seen her before. From the moment Pieces of a Woman begins, it hits hard. Kirby and Ellen Burstyn bring their A-game as the two of them have one of the best scenes to come out of any film released this past year. It can be a hard one to watch but, to put it simply, Kirby is magnetic. You just can’t take your eyes off her.
7. Let Them All Talk
I’m a sucker for films that have some great dialogue. If that means showing the characters talking for long periods of time, then so be it. These stunning actresses, Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, and Dianne Wiest, have still got it! Their zingers towards one another, and one character’s search for “love,” makes for some funny moments. We go in for the familiar talent, but we stay for the interaction between these characters. Let Them All Talk shows us how words can have a long-lasting effect on our lives, and how the things we say can’t be so easily erased.
6. I’m Thinking of Ending Things
If I were to say that I’m Thinking of Ending Things messes with your mind, that wouldn’t even begin to tell you what you’re in store for. It’s unconventional, but so is director Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman’s use of symbols, foreshadowing, and twists creates a film truly unlike any other. Jessie Buckley holds this film together with great performances from fellow actors like Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, and David Thewlis. There’s not much to say about this film, because it’s meant to be experienced, not just watched. We’re always crying out for something new — something genuinely creative. Well, I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the film to quench that thirst.
5. French Exit
French Exit is the perfect mixture between drama and extremely dry humor. Michelle Pfeiffer exudes elegance with every scene she’s in, and Lucas Hedges plays his usual endearing, supportive, character. The film brings to life the moments when a family has to deal with losing a family member, and how not all people grieve the same. I believe we can all relate to those moments when we’ve lost someone dear to us. Sometimes it’s the oddest things, and the presence of family, that get us through it all.
4. The Father
I have never been so immersed in a film like I was with The Father. The film is adapted from director Florian Zeller’s play, which was inspired by his own experience of seeing, first-hand, his grandmother’s fight with dementia. Zeller’s screenplay is gripping as the viewer is fighting to understand what’s going on. Your feet are never firmly planted on the ground as a jarring edit sends you off course again and again. Anthony Hopkins is heartbreaking as he fights his way through the horrors of dementia — his mind slowly turning against him. The Father is a film that punches you straight in the gut. You’ll never be able to forget this one.
3. Nomadland
I applaud Nomadland for its stunning visuals and terrific storytelling. We don’t need to go into detail at the sheer talent that’s exhibited onscreen. It’s Frances McDormand for crying out loud. The real shining light throughout this production is Chloé Zhao and her unbelievable talent as a director and editor. Zhao brilliantly highlights the life of the aging Americans who live their lives as nomads, traveling throughout the country. Zhao was made to make this movie, and McDormand was made to play Fran. The combination of these two powerful women has culminated in a modern masterpiece.
2. Promising Young Woman
The obvious choice for the most talked about film of 2020 goes to Promising Young Woman. This film envelopes itself in layers — peeling back each one as we get closer to the truth that surrounds this incident. Carey Mulligan is absolutely astounding and transforms herself in the role of a woman seeking justice for a friend who was raped. No one should be calling Mulligan a “sleeper actress” as she’s more than proved herself throughout her career. However, Promising Young Woman shows Mulligan in her best role yet.
1. Sound of Metal
Sound of Metal is, in my opinion, hands down the best film of 2020. Riz Ahmed comes out in full force as a man whose hearing is rapidly deteriorating. But on top of that, his livelihood in music relies on his ability to hear. For anyone who has tried to cope with a disability, this film will resonate and speak volumes for you as it accurately depicts the shock of a life-altering condition. Bring the tissues, because Sound of Metal cuts deep.
