Coming up on the 2021 film calendar
Last week I only wrote about one film (Soul), which that wasn’t available to cinemas. To make up for it, this week I’m going big on what we’ve got to look forward to in 2021. With a little luck, cinemas will be open soon, so here are my recommendations for what to catch when we’re back.
Nomadland
This film swept up awards on the film festival circuit and if
director Chloe Zhao’s previous film - The
Rider is anything to go by, it will be spectacular; rife with
emotions that can be felt in your bones. Starring Frances McDormand as a woman
who embarks on a journey across America after losing everything in the
recession, The Guardian has already named this the ‘best film of 2020’ (the
list includes festival premieres). It promises to be unmissable.
Minari
A gorgeous American indie that made my heart literally ache. It
tells the story of a Korean family that buys a farm in Arkansas in the 80s. A
simple film that is richly detailed and deeply moving.
Gagarine
This French film is about a young man who inhabits a high rise
that’s about to be demolished. It’s a welcome depiction of social housing as a
place of great community and togetherness. Through eyes that have lived through
2020, it's a richly relatable tale of buildings and the people that make them
homes.
Sound of Metal
Riz Ahmed stars here as an angsty drummer who is struck by
sudden hearing loss. An incredibly moving film that deftly explores what it
means to lose one of your senses, and to rebuild your identity and
understanding of self around it.
Another Round
In this boozy Danish tragicomedy, four teachers each stuck in a
mid-life rut decide to see if remaining gently inebriated at all times is an
effective way to improve their lives. With its nuanced approach, Another Round effortlessly
captures the difficult love-hate relationship many have with alcohol, whilst
remaining genuinely funny.
The French Dispatch
Ending this list on a high, The French Dispatch is the latest film
from Wes Andersson. His 10th feature is overflowing with his well-loved,
idiosyncratic style, and is described as a “love letter to journalists set at
an outpost of an American newspaper in 20th century Paris”.
Most of these films are due to be released early-to-mid-2021,
but it seemed foolish of me to try to include dates.
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This article first featured in the Sheffield Telegraph on Thursday 31 December 2020.