Best Films of 2021
“The White Tiger” is a thrilling film that follows an Indian driver and his journey from a more-than-humble servant to an unflinching kingpin. The film examines the culture of modern servitude and how it clashes with modern identity. Adarsh Gourav is outstanding as Balram, the timid & grateful chauffeur. Just over two hours, the film is paced so well that by the time it ends, you’re expecting thirty minutes to bet left. Needs a spinoff television series.
“The White Tiger” is now streaming on Netflix.
“Censor” is a tense horror film focused on identity, trauma, & erasure via media. The film follows a horror film censor during britain’s “Video Nasty” era. Enid, our protagonist, is tasked with going through various horror films & deeming what is too graphic for audiences. After coming across a film that seems to be related to the disappearance of her younger sister, Enid is propelled into a world of paranoia and hidden pasts.
“Censor” is now playing on Hulu.
No, it’s not John Wick with a pig. “Pig” is a tender, sobering & at times, meta film about acceptance, forgiveness, & redemption. Cage’s performance is a miracle and exudes the energy of improv jazz.
“Pig” is now playing on Hulu.
An experience. Based on the medieval tale of Sir Garwin & The Green Knight, David Lowery creates a dreary, dreamy, cold & mesmerizing film with a third act to die for. The film swirls around like revolving doors. The score, sound design, set pieces & acting all fall together to create a seamless experience that’s amazing to watch.
“The Green Knight” is available for purchase on youtube.com
A quiet & contemplative film about masculinity, closeted homosexuality & becoming a man, set in the plains of 1925’s Montana. Benedict’s performance as Phil Burbank is one of his best. Calm, menacing & tender; he is a sonofabitch but you understand his abrasiveness as the film lingers along. Jane Campion’s direction is precise, encouraging the viewer to pay attention to every scene to discover what’s truly going on. The ending is very close to perfect.
“The Power of The Dog” is playing on Netflix.
Listen, man. This shit is amazing. Denis Villeneuve is a film wizard. BEFORE THE FILM EVEN STARTS, we’re introduced to ‘The Voice’; a type of telepathic hypotonic language the main characters use. Denis wastes absolutely no time in engaging the audience with this universe. The key to this is showing & not telling. Most of what you learn about the universe isn’t by exposition, it's simply by watching characters act within their world. I know that sounds elementary but it’s really rare for a director to trust that an audience doesn’t need everything explained to them, especially in a world as dense as Dune. There’s so much I can say but I want to keep it short, just watch it if you haven’t yet.
“Dune” is available for purchase on youtube.com
Possibly one of the best films I’ve ever seen. Go in knowing nothing (other than the first 30 minutes can be pretty graphic for those who’re sensitive) & let the film just beat you up & take your lunch money. It doesn’t hold your hand or ask you to enjoy it, it knows you will. Agathe is incredible as the lead & it’s mind-blowing that this is her first film role. Vincent Lindon deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance, my god. I raised my hands in the air in triumph as the film ended.
“Titane” is available for purchase on youtube.com
Incredible, graphic, informative & revolutionary. “Pleasure” is gut-wrenching, eye-opening, unnerving & a must-watch for ANYBODY who watches pornography. The film follows Linnéa, an amateur adult star from Sweden, & her move to Los Angeles to become a more notable adult star. Sofia Kappel’s performance is riveting; another first-time actor, she’s as brave as her on-screen character. The film neither glorifies the adult film industry nor condemns the stars involved in it—it simply shows us different scenarios these people can & most likely, go through daily.
“Pleasure” has yet to be released in America.
I’ve been thinking about this movie since I’ve seen it. If you’re not a fan of Wes Anderson, you’re probably rolling your eyes since this seems to be his “most Wes Anderson” film but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. Perhaps I’m biased because I’m a fan but everything about his style just works perfectly in this story. The film itself is an ode to storytelling & the lives of the writers of these stories. It’s warm, cheeky, & endearing—another Anderson classic.
“The French Dispatch” is currently only available in theaters.
Life is hard, so what? “C’mon C’mon” is a wonderful reflective piece about getting through it, however, you can. Joaquin’s Johnny is tasked with taking care of his rambunctious nephew for a week while his sister deals with personal issues. Johnny is currently going across the county & asking kids about the future. Woody Norman’s Jesse is high energy & very talkative; he also knows more than he leads on. The film understands the difficulty of being commutive, not only with kids but people in general. It ends with you feeling refreshed & lighter, ready to let go.
“C’mon C’mon” is currently only playing in theaters.