Originally published December 29, 2020 at Cinema76.com
2020 was not what any of us expected, in many different areas. As a film fan who has not been able to go to the theaters since March 1, this was an especially odd experience. So many anticipated films either got pushed back indefinitely or got the VOD treatment. I am positive this shook up my list in ways that I can only imagine. That being said, I was still able to clock 48 films for the year which was not too far away from my 61 of 2019. Not all of them were gems, but it did open the floodgates for more low budget, and independent films that may not have gotten their do otherwise. There are some films I did not get the time to check out (apologies to First Cow and WolfWalkers) and there were others that I was excited about (The Assistant, and Tenet) that ultimately did not do as much for me as I had hoped.
If you read my best horror of 2020 list in October then you will notice a few repeats here but a few last minute watches were able to shoot their way up my list and I am excited to finally write about them.
10. Promising Young Woman (dir. Emerald Fennell)
I am overjoyed that I got to see this in time for my 2020 year in review. This has been on my must watch list since my sister sent me the trailer in March. 2020 was the perfect year for a solid feminist revenge fantasy and luckily I found that in Emerald Fennell’s feature film. As a fan of Killing Eve which I also discovered this year, it was no surprise that this deliciously dangerous narrative would hit home with me. This is a gorgeous looking film with a killer performance from Carey Mulligan like you have never seen before. Although it may not hit home with everyone it felt like a necessary story that left me satisfied.
9. Birds of Prey (dir. Cathy Yan)
I am fairly picky when it comes to the DC/Marvel cinematic universes. I was shocked that WW84, which I could not wait for, fell flat while Birds of Prey became one of my favorite films of the year. As someone who has never been a fan of Harley Quinn (or the fan boys that drool at her image) I thought Margot Robbie did a great job at taking this somewhat relatable break up story and showing how we can lean on female support in those moments. Jurnee Smollett from Lovecraft Country is one of my new favorite actresses and it is always a pleasure to see Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosie Perez. The women are great together. Plus Ewan McGregor, who is always amazing, truly chews on this insane character he is playing.
8. Color Out of Space (dir. Richard Stanley)
This is a film that I have not seen since my theater experience at the beginning of the year, but I think of it often. Few films this year were as visually striking as this one and few got into my head as much. Not only does this manage to visualize the indescribable horrors of Lovecraft it also updates the source material to include more female characters and POC folks. Stunning, indescribable, and just downright weird. This was one of the most fascinating watches of the year.
7. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (dir. Jim Cummings)
This year I am thankful for discovering Jim Cummings. He is such a delightful screen presence and he does a great job of bringing his physical comedy and drama to this horror film. Exploring alcoholism, the relationships we have with our parents, and the horrors that men can bring upon the world, this film has so much that I grab onto. It is also one of the last performances of Robert Forster who brings us a wonderful and memorable performance before his passing. This film made me laugh the hardest of anything I have seen this year.
6. Shirley (dir. Josephine Decker)
Elizabeth Moss has had an incredible year. I did not expect this film to hit me as much as it did since biopics do not usually work for me. Not only did this film stick with me, it has made Shirly Jackson one of my favorite discoveries of the year. Moss brings tragedy and dark humor to this role. It also explores one of my favorite concepts, the mystery of the dead girl. As the main characters feel more isolated from their lives and husbands, the dead girl that they are researching brings a connection that both women needed. It hits on something very real about the female obsession with true crime, as well as why houses are the places of horror for many women.
5. The Rental (dir. Dave Franco)
I am thrilled that this film found success in this weird year. Blumhouse smartly brought their features to drive in theaters this summer giving us the opportunity to see some fascinating small budget films on the big screen. Franco proves himself to be an interesting filmmaker with this terrifying narrative. It also features two of my favorite actors; Allison Brie and Dan Stevens who both bring an interesting depth to their characters. One of the more chilling films of the year.
4. I’m Your Woman (dir. Julia Hart)
I am ecstatic that I found time for this one. I have been a fan of Rachel Brosnahan for some time and I hope that this female-directed feature puts her on the map. This story shows the other side of the mob/gangster narrative. It tells us about the women who are affected by what their husbands, fathers, lovers, are doing. The film is terrifying and incredibly tender at moments. Without knowing what to expect I was floored. The characters are so wonderful and fascinating to watch, the show how beautiful the family we make is. There is a scene at a laundromat filled with women and it is one of the most beautiful illustrations of female support and community.
3. The Invisible Man (dir. Leigh Wannell)
After a recent rewatch, it really solidified for me how good of a film this is. Leigh Wannell uses cheap effects like the ones we see in the Paranormal Activity films and he elevates it to make the themes of abuse and domestic violence even more terrifying. One can only hope that this shoots off more of the Universal Monsters reboots that we had hoped for. This is one of Moss’s best performances and also proves what an amazing director Wannell has become. This is a gorgeous film that is elevated by its terrifying sound design.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (dir. Celine Sciamma)
Although I know many folks saw this last year at the film festival circuits I was not able to. This was the last film I saw in theaters and it is one I think about almost every day. The community of women on the island and the romance in this film is so good. The end makes me cry even when I just think about it for a moment. The end gives the main character a chance to see from a distance, how loved they really were. This is a gorgeous film.
1. Possessor (dir. Brandon Cronenberg)
I moved my top 3 around quite a bit but Possessor came out on top after watching it the other night. There are so many themes that stick with me and resent more than most of the films I have seen this year. At the core there is an emotionally manipulative relationship between Tashia and her female boss that is so relatable to experiences I have had. The not too distant future of capitalism is a terrifying one in this film and one that feels so close to us it makes me feel panicked. Possessor is what Black Mirror wishes it could be. Brandon Croneberg has proven himself to be an amazing genre film maker with his gorgeous colors, body horror, and character development. Andrea Riseburough is so unique in every role she takes and this tale of a woman who does not feel the least comfortable when she is in her own body is truly fascinating.
Honorable Mentions
These did not make the cut ultimately but each has something memorable and beautiful that I would be remiss not to mention.
1. Baby Teeth (dir. Shannon Murphy)
Every performance in this is gorgeous. It looks wonderful. One of the most heartwarming family dramas this year.
2. His House (dir. Remi Weekes)
A film that delves into the horrors that refugees have to deal with. It takes on the trauma of the past and the terrifying unknown of the future. More amazing performances. This is what horror films are all about.
3. She Dies Tomorrow (dir. Amy Seimtz)
A film that illustrates the worst parts of anxiety and depression. Beautiful, chilling, and unsettling.
4. Swallow (dir. Carlos Mirabella Miranda)
This was my number 1 last year. Just reminding you that it exists and its amazing. Go watch. Features
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