By Sylvia Treki & Zoe Ng
1. Judas And The Black Messiah
Judas And The Black Messiah is a historical drama detailing the life and death of civil rights figure Fred Hampton, and the FBI informant who betrayed him. Directed by Shaka King, the film personifies a man seen as just a civil rights figure, and shows the daily trials and tribulations Hampton faced among personal details often left out of his story. Watch Judas And The Black Messiah for outstanding performances from supporting actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, and a dramatic slowburn of Fred Hampton’s adult life and betrayal.
2. Promising Young Woman
“What would you have me do… ruin a young man’s life?” Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman is 2020’s revenge film. Follow the story of Cassie, as she, in full vengeance, takes an unlikely opportunity to right the wrongs of her past. Promising Young Woman is a tragedy disguised as a comedy, it tackles hard topics of today in the form of a revenge thriller that will keep viewers on their toes, and even confused at times. Promising Young Woman is a wholeheartedly a must watch.
[Warning: Topics of sexual assault, not for all audiences.]
3. Nomadland (Winner)
Above all, Nomadland is a film about human experiences. Set during the height of the Great Recession in the United States’s midwest, the journey of Fern, a 61 year old woman is followed as she embarks across the United States in search of abstract possibilities and through all- herself, although amid extreme poverty. Nomadland covers the disheartening realities faced by many, and with stellar casting shows the heightened perseverance and unfair struggles of present day nomads.
Critics say Nomadland misses the mark, its message is unclear at times, repetitive scenes make it boring, and the movie’s representation of large corporations like Amazon is very irresponsible. But, Nomadland has received overwhelming praise, winning best film among other awards at the 2021 BAFTAs, and of course, Best Picture at the 2021 Oscars.
4. Mank
Mank is truly a film you’ve never seen before. Sit back and watch Gary Oldman portray old Hollywood screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races alongside alcoholism and the social annoyances of Hollywood to finish the screenplay for the iconic film Citizen Kane. Set in the 1930s, Mank is a lighthearted piece featuring Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, and even an appearance from Bill Nye. With beautiful cinematography and costume design that seamlessly emulates the time period, Mank is definitely a movie to appreciate from the past year.
5. The Trial of the Chicago 7
If you’ve ever been bored of legal or historical dramas, but are willing to give the genre one more shot, The Trial of the Chicago 7 will not disappoint you. A genius screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin connected to some of the best casting of the entire 2021 Oscar best picture lineup entails the infamous 1969 trial of 7 anti-Vietnam war protesters, all alleged under conspiracy. The Trial of the Chicago 7 brings dramatism to the courtroom. Although not entirely historically accurate, and flawed in its ignorance of certain political structures of the time, it is definitely a must watch.
6. The Father
The Father, an emotionally captivating film, will keep you constantly on your toes. As you witness short snippets from cooking in the kitchen to being half awake in bed, this ever-evolving lifestyle is seen through the eyes of 80-year old Anthony Hopkins, succumbing to dementia. Florence Zeller, writer and director, creates a whirlwind of an experience as if you are in a world of confusion of your own. Not only this, but the perspective of Hopkins’ daughter, Olivia Coleman, and other caretakers are displayed, but are continuously altered. The thrilling suspense of figuring out which characters are fictitious, and Hopkins’ constant change of mind will have you hooked immediately.
7. Sound of Metal
“A heavy metal drummer’s life is thrown into freefall when he begins to lose his hearing.” Sound of Metal pushes the boundaries of what makes a movie great. Amazing performances delivered by Riz Ahmed and Olivia Cooke push the narrative further that “much like heavy metal music Sound of Metal isn’t trying to give us warm, pleasant feelings.” Definitely a more obscure film, but this is one to take a chance on. Interestingly, but very fittingly Sound of Metal took home the “Best Sound” award at the Oscars this year.
8. Minari
This heartbreaking movie will definitely have you in your feels. Written by Lee Isaac Chung, follow along a Korean-American family in search to live their American dream. The family’s lives completely change as the two parents, Jacob and Monica, move from Korea to a small farm in Arkansas with their two American-born children. This classic American drama has it all, showing the instability and hardships in an immigrant’s new life. The movie includes a unique twist with the arrival of a vulgar, foul-mouthed, but loving grandmother. If you enjoy a movie that will leave you sobbing, then this one’s for you.
Titan Times 