2020 was a weird year for just about everything, with movie makers and movie-goers experiencing what seems like an alternate universe.
Blockbusters debuts were postponed and many movies slated to open in 2020 had a difficult time just getting made. All the major awards organizations, the Oscars, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, SAG, etc. extended their deadlines into 2021 to give filmmakers a break, and the hopefully have more quality content to consider.
On the positive side, smaller, indie films that wouldn’t have had much of a chance against the major big studio films have the opportunity to be considered this year. Also, viewers have the opportunity to see more awards nominees than ever, as many are already streaming.
Really Rather has a number of RottenTomatoes film critics contributing, including Lisa Johnson Mandell, Staci Layne Wilson and Leah Sydney, who see more fabulous films than most people can bare, and actually converse with many of the nominees.
Really Rather took the liberty of curating their lists of the best movies of the year to come up with the five we think our readers will love most. You’ll notice a lighter feeling to this list than those of many other organizations, because, frankly, we haven’t got time for the pain. So in no particular order here is:
The Really Rather List of 5 Best Movies of the Year
Nomadland
The transcendent Frances McDormand stars in Nomadland, a riveting film based on a true story about a woman who lives the vagabond life in her van, and the choices that brought her there. Director Chloé Zhao’s work is remarkable.
One Night in Miami
Director Regina King takes a fascinating and moving look at what might have happened if Cassius Clay, Malcolm X, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke got together after a soon-to-be renamed Mohamed Ali victory. Full of award worthy performances and thought-provoking insights.
News of the World
Everyone knows Tom Hanks‘ performance will be sublime, but young Helena Zengel, who plays his unlikely companion as he travels the wild west reading the headlines to news starved locals, is a revelation.
Emma
With so many dark and “important” films out this year, Emma, based on the Jane Austen novel and starring The Queen’s Gambit’s Anya Taylor Joy, is a welcome breath of fresh air. Look for it to clean up in all the costume, hair and make-up categories.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
How can a film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin and starring Sacha Baron Cohen plus a cast of able luminaries fail to be entertaining and thought provoking? The Trial of the Chicago 7 is the most enjoyable and well- crafted history lesson you’ll ever see.
Although it’s a strange time for film, Really Rather has chosen 5 best movies of the year — the ones we think you’ll love the most.
