As the year draws to an end, I love to look back on the films and television shows that I have enjoyed and, unfortunately for you, dear reader, I'll take you through a short summary of them.
To begin, a few honourable mentions from 2020 that I watched this year: Soul (2020), Pieces of a Woman (2020), Another Round (2020) and His House (2020).
But now, buckle up for the main event:
January
Malcolm and Marie (2021)
"Cinema doesn't need to have a message. It needs to have a heart."
A self-contained film, starring John David Washington and Zendaya hold and carefully creates the films tension and conflicts beautifully between themselves.
American Gods Season Three (2021)
"Oh, please tell me death isn't being on a plane with you."
Unfortunately, American Gods has been cancelled, therefore season three is the last. However, if you enjoy mythology - Norse and otherwise - this is a show you should watch.
Disenchantment Season Three (2021)
"Our minds are blank, but our hearts are free."
From the creators of The Simpsons and Futurama comes to this wonderfully dark fantasy comedy on its third season, with an intricate storyline spanning across all three seasons continuing onto the next.
WandaVision Season One (2021)
"This is our home now. I want us to fit in."
I'm sure at this point WandaVision is on everyone's end of year lists, not only does it have references to classic Marvel comics, it's a real treat for fans of old sitcoms. Elizabeth Olsen was fantastic, as was her portrayal of Wanda with a broken mind and heart.
February
Nomadland (2020)
"No, I'm not homeless. I'm just house-less."
There was no surprise Nomadland won three Oscars and was nominated for three more. Frances McDormand's performance was once again out of the park, playing a nomad travelling around the US and living out of her car. It felt like you were watching a documentary more so than a fictional woman. This was helped by the fact that Chloé Zhao based the film on the real-life struggle of freedom of real-life Nomads, even including real people in the film as supporting actors. If you want something that feels real, this is certainly a must-watch.
March
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
"Note to self: Don't die."
A wonderful film about the journey of understanding and unity, Raya is a relatable down-to-earth hero that seamlessly stumbles from one adventure to the next.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
"She's 5,000 years old, Barry. Every guy's a younger guy."
After the mess of 2017's Justice League, it is a real pleasure to see the true vision of what Zack Snyder had in mind. If you haven't yet seen this version and you hated the original I would strongly recommend watching this. The film allows you to get to know the characters and have a better understanding of their motivations within the story. The aspects that DC comics are known for really shine through in this version.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Season One (2021)
"Androids, aliens and wizards."
It is great to see more side characters coming into the limelight, the show is more about the personal journey of Sam and Bucky than about the overarching villain of the show. Yes, that is also important, as always there's the big Marvel set up for the future. But the real purpose of the show is to learn more about the pair, more about their troubles, struggles and the potential friendship they build along the way.
Invincible Season One (2021)
"I use to change your diapers, kid. There isn’t anything down there I haven’t seen before."
Starting colourful makes you think this show is a run of the mill superhero show, however that is certainly not the case. Turning gory, violent and dark, this colourful show quickly changes into something that is very much similar to The Boys. If you enjoy gore this is a watch for you.
April
Promising Young Woman (2020)
"Who needs brains? They never did a girl any good."
One of the more topical films on this list and one that has still stuck with me since watching it. Carey Mulligan's performance fills you with awe, how she changes from one emotion to the next was fantastic. I wrote a review on it earlier this year, you can check it out here.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
"I'm here to bust criminals and lick my own butt. And I'm all out of criminals."
One of the more surprising films of the year, this was a wonderfully wholesome film about a creative teenager not seeing eye to eye with her traditional father. A story that has been done, however not like this. The film is told from the perspective of Katie Mitchell (Daughter) in a uniquely creative way in an apocalyptic setting.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
"Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed"
Based on a true story about the Black Panthers in the late 1960s comes an inspiring film about Fred Hampton, a man that was on a mission to unite marginalised groups within their state to fight back the US against racism.
May
Army of the Dead (2021)
"Somewhere between leaving your ass and saving my own, I developed a conscience. It's exhausting."
A heist film with a twist. A group of specialist-outcasts has to infiltrate a zombie riddled Las Vegas. With a unique take on the zombie genre that has not yet been done on the big screen, the film is part of an extended universe created by Zack Snyder that has a lot to offer.
Cruella (2021)
"I'm just getting started, darling."
When hearing they were making a prequel for Cruella de Vil's character I was sceptical, as I thought no one could match up to Glen Close's portrayal. However, Emma Stone was fantastic, she has the perfect balance between crazy and fabulous - which is true the Cruella style. And the fashion creations were to die for darling.
Mythic Quest Season Two (2021)
"I will not, I'm not a killer."
A comedy show about the behind-the-scenes of making a massively successful video game, featuring power-hungry Head of Monetisation, an egotistic Creative Director and a self-loathing Lead Programmer. What else could you want?
June
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
"The people that are left, they're not the kind of people worth saving."
Starting from where the first one left off, A Quiet Place Part II takes you on a journey of growth, mainly from the perspective of children. They mature into what their parents were to them, Regan Abbott becomes more of a journeyer and fixer like her father and Marcus Abbott a protector and fear-defying like his mother. The film follows a slightly different formula: Where the first was quiet and tense this one is more fast-paced "guns ahoy" than the first. Think Alien compared to Aliens.
Dream Horse (2021)
"Dream Alliance"
Based on a true story about a welsh community buying a racehorse. A film with a superb cast tells a wholesome and joyful story about how some dreams may seem intangible at first and you may fall, but with a bit of perseverance and hard work, you'll get there in the end.
Nobody (2021)
"I hope these assholes like hospital food."
From the writer of John Wick and with a name like Nobody, you can already tell what this film may be about, albeit with an actor that you may think is not much of an action hero. This film brings some imaginative combat sections that hit a lot harder than you would think, and a story that takes you through some surprises. I would very much like to see a sequel that opens up the world a lot more much like John Wick 2 did.
The Father (2020)
"Paris. They don't even speak English there."
Such a wonderfully heartbreaking performance from Anthony Hopkins and very much deserving of the Oscar he won for his role as Anthony. The film is set from the eyes of a man that is struggling with dementia and the feeling of losing his grip with reality. Florian Zeller did a wonderful job of creating a space where the audience is right next to Anthony experiencing the emotions of feeling lost, scared, confused and angry.
Loki Season One (2021)
"You're taking me somewhere to kill me?"
Loki here, Loki there, a Loki everywhere. Loki is a show where Marvel has decided to grab a character before all his character development and redo it. At first, I thought it would get tiring to see Loki grow into a more caring character (again), however, they did it a lot better the second time around. If you enjoy Marvel and like wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff then you'll be in for a treat.
Sweet Tooth Season One (2021)
"This is a story about a very special boy. A boy by the name of Gus."
One of the cutest apocalyptic stories this year, the story follows different characters that are jumbled around the world of Sweet Tooth, in a perfect balance with one another, there is no wishing you could focus on one branch of the story more than the other. Each storyline feeds you another piece of what the world is like. A second season has been confirmed, I know I was left wanting more.
July
Black Widow (2021)
"You should know I'm a better shot when I'm pissed off."
I was wondering how Black Widow would handle the story, especially knowing that Natasha's story has already ended. However, this felt like her swan song, it showed her that Natasha is finally content with who she is. She rounded up her relationships with her fake family and finished what she had started many years prior. The film also introduces us to the awesome Yelena Belova played by the even more awesome Florence Pugh, I'm excited to see what she brings to the Marvel universe. Also - we still don't know what happened in Budapest!
Blood Red Sky (2021)
"It helps her body."
A story about a mother trying to get better for her son. Set mainly on an airplane we see Nadja battle against hijackers, releasing her inner monster to combat and protect her son.
The film has a surprising vampire twist to it and it manages to hold that within its own and not let the film be too silly.
Deerskin (2019)
"Excuse me sir, but isn't your film a bit weird?"
A film about a man, his jacket and a camcorder, I walked into this film not knowing anything about it. It starts out with a man in his midlife crisis. He is clearly running away from relationship drama, but instead of facing it he buys a deerskin jacket. He gets obsessed with this jacket, wanting it to be the only jacket in the world. The film turns on its head and becomes a slasher - if you enjoy strange films this is definitely one to watch.
Atypical Season Four (2021)
“I don’t like getting in water that people have touched."
A show about a teenager that has autism, Keir Gilchrist perfectly portrays someone with the disorder. The show has also included actors that are truly autistic which is a great step forward. Hopefully, this could lead to an autistic person playing the main character. The show is very wholesome, shows you the struggles that Sam has to go through on a daily basis and more importantly how he overcomes them.
August
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
"Now you're gonna see what I see!"
I was sceptical when hearing they were making a sequel to Don't Breathe, I was even more dubious when I saw Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang) as the main character. As the first film made you like and then hate him, to my surprise they didn't try and make you sympathise
with his character. Instead, they take you along the young girl's journey, wondering how she ended up with him and what her real story is. It's once again one of those sequels where it gets louder and more flashy.
What If...(2021)
"Journey to face the unknown, and ponder the question: what if?"
This was probably my most anticipated Marvel show, I completely adore the What If comics and was excited to see what they had come up with for this series. At first, it seemed like they are one-off episodes which were enjoyable but felt a bit flat. However, it turned out they all come together and have an interlinking story, and it makes the show that much better.
September
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
"Calm down, mate! I'm not dead, it's just a performance! Now get down here and play along!"
It's good to see a Western/Asian film that blends both styles of cinema well and it was even better for me that it was a superhero film. The dynamic between Shaun and Katy was what held the film together, sometimes they both experienced new things together and sometimes Katy was the audience and was wondering what the hell was going on. It's good to see some true Martial Arts coming into the Marvel universe, especially some that were popularised in films like IP Man and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. At times, it felt like you were watching one of those. I'm very excited to see more Shang-Chi in the future.
Kate (2021)
"You're a bad ass killer motherfucker!"
Isn't Mary Elizabeth Winstead great? She is soon becoming a female action hero icon, in my opinion anyway. Kate starts as you're run of the mill special ops movie until someone shoots someone that she shouldn't have. The film quickly turns into a Crank style movie where Kate struggles to survive long enough to take revenge on the Yakuza that has poisoned her.
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
"And you've killed more than one. That is serial."
Karen Gillan and Lena Headey being absolute badasses, what else could you want? An action-fuelled fight-for-your-right film, much akin to John Wick. Sam is fighting to protect a child against gangs that want her dead. With creative fight scenes and snappy dialogue this is an adventure you want to be on.
Squid Game (2021)
“This Is Hell. What Are The Rules In Hell?"
If you haven't heard of Squid Game by now, I'll have to ask what rock have you been living under? One of the biggest surprises of the year, this show takes you on a journey with Seong Gi-hun as he tries to survive and win a massive money prize. Along with him, you are unknowing of the darker parts of Squid Game, wondering what the next challenge will be, you stumble along trying to keep pace and not get shot.
Midnight Mass (2021)
"This isn't a community anymore, honey. It's a ghost."
From the creator of Haunting of Hill House and Haunting of Bly Manor comes a different horror show. Deep-rooted in a village that is losing its faith until Father Paul reignites the community and on the surface makes the island a better place. He creates miracles that no normal man would be able to do, however, as with every Mike Flanagan show, there is something much darker lurking just beneath the surface.
October
Night Teeth (2021)
"Stupid as shit."
Sexy vampires and guns. This movie is about a guy just trying to make a little extra cash involves uncovering a mass conspiracy that hides vampires from the real world. A fun action-packed vampire flick, that doesn't need much thinking to enjoy.
Last Night in Soho (2021)
"This is London. Someone has died in every room in every building and on every street corner in the city."
The vibe of the neon, eerily upbeat 60s music, and intense cinematography draws you into the film and keeps hold of you even after the film finishes. You journey with Eloise, a girl from Cornwall, through her experience of living in London for the very first time while studying in university. She goes down a rabbit hole of experiencing the seemingly lavish lifestyle of Sandie and becomes obsessed. Until being Sandie becomes less than desirable...
Doctor Who Season Thirteen (2021)
"Fetch your dog."
Knowing this is Jodie Whittaker's last season as The Doctor makes this season feel a lot heavier. In my opinion, the writing never did her justice in the previous seasons. But finally, the thirteenth season, known collectively as Flux, shows the prowess of the thirteenth Doctor. Flux is full of comebacks from classic who-villains, but with an overarching plot that the team has to foil. Will they do it? You'll have to see for yourself.
Maid (2021)
"I need a job to prove that I need daycare in order to get a job?"
If you need a show that will break your heart, this is not the show for you. Because this will absolutely shatter your heart and you may not be able to fix it. Margaret Qualley takes the spotlight as a mother that is trying to get the best for her daughter. Coming from an emotionally abusive relationship she has nothing, and struggles to make ends meet. This mini-series is a drama that you need to watch.
November
Spencer (2021)
"Now leave me. I wish to masturbate. You can tell everyone I said that."
Kristen Stewart holds the screen just as Diana did. The film is pretty much all Stewart, she holds the attention of the audience for the full 1 hour and 55 minutes. She beautifully portrays the effects and struggles of having mental health issues within a family that does not address any illness unless it is physical.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
"Hey remember that summer, when we all died under a table?"
This film was more of the passing of the baton than anything else, the Ghostbusters we know and love have now passed the keys to the younger generation and it was done sublimely.
Even though this was a reskin of the very first Ghostbusters film they did it pretty well and in a better manner than just full-on rebooting the franchise.
I'm excited to see the new Ghostbusters doing what they do best... getting slimed.
Hawkeye (2021)
"No, that’s Katniss Everdeen. Let’s go."
Marvel is finally getting a more marketable Hawkeye. Hailee Steinfeld pretty much runs away with the show, her portrayal as Kate Bishop is superb. She's witty, fun and relatable - pretty much nothing like Clint Burton - which is great. With the Marvel shows ending on a gem like Hawkeye, we're in for a treat with the next lineup of the Avengers.
December
Silent Night (2021)
"Tony and Simon robbed the petrol station."
When you think British Christmas film, you would imagine fun and cheery. Not Silent Night, this wonderfully dark Christmas horror, telling a tale of a family who has a lovely Christmas get together with old friends to talk about tales of the past and not to look any further than the Christmas dinner. If you are tired of the happy Xmas movies and want something darker around the holidays, this is something to watch.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
"You can take the guy out of the chair, but you can't take the chair out of the guy."
I'll keep this one short, and will not go into much detail to avoid spoilers. Wow - that was certainly one hell of a ride.
The Unforgivable (2021)
"And clean yourself up a little. Act like I'm teaching you something."
As I started writing this one, I'm still tearing up after Sandra Bullocks performance. This one hits hard, about a woman that will be forever known as a cop-killer struggling to get her life back on track.
Love Hard (2021)
"You might not always get the ending you want, but you'll get the ending you need."
Love Actually or Die Hard? What is your favourite Christmas movie? Love Hard is a perfect blend of 1990's classic romcoms with a bit of the modern-day mixed in. If you're after a film that will warm you up on the cold winters night, this is one to go for.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
"Unless you assholes are taking me to the Batcave, fuck you for putting this hood on me."
Don't Look Up is humorous, quirky and an indirect political satire wrapped up in a disaster movie. What more could you want? A-listers? You've got them. this film feels like it could've been close to becoming a B-movie but the budget and cast saved them. If you're looking for something fun but also a bit thought-provoking give this a shot.
The King’s Man (2021)
"FUCK THIS GENTLEMAN SHITE! I'm gonna enjoy killing you!"
I had my doubts about this prequel as the quality of Kingsman films seems to dip with every new addition. However this was surprisingly fun, the fight scenes remained creative and the plot was serious while still allowing for some laughs.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
"What did you say about our first meeting? We had all the chemistry of an FBI interrogation"
Not another Matrix movie! Before watching the new one I was made to endure the third Matrix film, as sorry as I am to say but I hated it. I have always been under the belief that there should've only been the first. When sitting down to watch the fourth and hopefully final movie I was very doubtful.
However, coming to the end I find myself happy they made this, it finally gives Neo and Trinity an ending they deserve, they finally pulled all the attention away from the 'One' to it being the both of them. I can say this was a very nice send-off for both the characters and it was even better to see what modern graphics can do for a modern Matrix.
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