So as discussed in my previous rundown here, I will just present these 10 films in no particular order having done away with the traditional ‘countdown’ format. Not just because such a thing is largely inconsequential and divisive, but I also sometimes find myself looking back and wishing I had rejigged the order of things.
Needless to say there will still be some people who will still ask me ‘why did you include this film and not that film instead…’ but be reminded these are just my favourites and not an objective ‘best of’.
Anyway, without further ado – here are my 10 favourite movies of 2020.
1917
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth
Though there was much buzz about this film at the tail end of last year – the film wasn’t actually officially released until January of 2020, and as far as cinema experiences go this film is amazing - therefore I had to include it.
Watching 1917 on the big screen (and even more so if you managed to watch it in IMAX) is a breathtaking experience, the much talked about ‘presented as a single continuous shot’ not only being a mind-boggling technical achievement in its own right but also really helped to immerse you in the narrative as you follow the protagonist’s journey from beginning to end every step of the way.
As a result you get a good sense of geography and progression that other similar ‘journey’ films sometimes lack and although the edifice does tend to crumble somewhat at times (for example the several instances when a famous face pops up for a brief cameo) overall it is a very effective way to experience someone’s story on an intimate level.
It’s neither a masterpiece nor even a particularly good war film for that matter, but the sheer planning and technical wizardry on display here alone needs to be praised.
Favourite bit: The sequence with the German plane, culminating in a shocking turn of events.
Jojo Rabbit
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson
Another very early release of 2020 and another film with a wartime backdrop – this time set in World War 2 Nazi Germany.
I have been a huge fan of anything Taika Waititi – Hunt for the Wilderpeople remains one of my all time favourite films – and Jojo Rabbit is no exception. Playing off the Nazis and even Hitler himself as cartoony villains is not exactly breaking a new taboo but making some Nazi characters a little sympathetic may be a grey area for some. However that is kind of the point of the whole film – showing how some people were so easily and utterly brainwashed into such destructive beliefs – embodied here in the wide-eyed innocence of JoJo, played with wonderful adeptness by newcomer Roman Griffin Davis.
The accents are occasionally all over the place (that one kid Yorki doesn’t even try!) and there is some padding (Rebel Wilson’s character and her accompanying jokes largely fall flat and don’t particularly add anything to the story) but this is one of those films that is successful in making you laugh before delivering an emotional gut-punch that will have you wiping away the tears. A feel good film about a young Nazi boy! Whowouldathunkit…
Shout outs also go to Thomasin McKenzie - who was also excellent in 2018’s Leave No Trace - delivering a similarly nuanced performance here; as well as Scarlett Johansson riding a career high with this and last year’s Marriage Story.
Favourite bit: Stephen Merchant’s menacing Gestapo agent visiting Jojo and the absurdity of everyone having to individually great everyone else with ‘Heil Hitler’ - the accompanying cuts amping up the comic effect.
The Invisible Man
Directed by: Leigh Whannell
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
A surprisingly pared down but effective thriller that puts a fresh spin on the classic property. Whilst the mechanics of the actual science may be a bit wobbly under close scrutiny, when interwoven with themes of gaslighting and paranoia following one woman’s escape from an abusive relationship, The Invisible Man is made so much richer both on a conceptual and thematic level.
It’s economic, with plenty of taut set pieces and the odd shocking surprise moment thrown in to keep you on your toes. Lead Elisabeth Moss always gives 110% to whatever role she is in and this film is no exception. Director Leigh Whannell has always thrived in these smaller budget affairs where he can maintain creative control (see 2018’s Upgrade as another example) and it’s always interesting to see what he does next.
Favourite bit: The restaurant scene.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Directed by: David Dobkin
Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens
Will Ferrell vehicles are often hit or miss. And I don’t even like the actual real life Eurovision Song Contest. And yet somehow this light-hearted comedy strikes a great balance by being inoffensive and heartwarming when it could so easily just have been either a crass and mean-spirited affair or instead just a far-too-safe self-promotional affair for the actual event. But instead it actually finds the perfect balance in between - not so much a parody of the competition as it is a celebration of music and performance in general - even though there are few playful digs at Eurovision scattered throughout.
With genuinely great musical numbers, purposefully cheesy or otherwise (of which I have previously written about here) and a wholly endearing performance from Rachel McAdams - who simultaneously manages to match Will Ferrell’s comedy chops as well as serve to reign him in as his foil – elevates this above the usual disposable comedy fodder.
Dan Stevens also steals the show in any scene he is in.
Favourite bit: A little door slamming shut never had so much comedic impact, however it has to be the final musical number of Sigrit singing ‘Husavik’. Goosebumps!
The Platform
Directed by: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Starring: Ivan Massague, Zorion Eguileor
A dystopian sci-fi horror from Spain that keeps you intrigued with the mystery of its premise but also serves shocks with gory violence and its depiction of man’s inhumanity towards others. It’s a none too subtle allegory of social hierarchies and the ending may not be satisfying enough for those who require a bit more of a resolution, however this is unique and intriguing. Recommended for those who are into their dark fables.
The production design is minimalistic but also top notch. Never has food looked so delicious or disgusting depending on what level you are currently inhabiting.
Favourite bit: The montage as two characters ride the platform. There is a glimmer of hope yet the atmosphere is also filled with intense trepidation. Obviously.
The Hunt
Directed by: Craig Zobel
Starring: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Ike Barinholtz
Another film swimming in social satire of class, political divides and social media, though here it is much more blunt and served with a hefty dose of jet-black humour. The Hunt was a surprise sleeper hit of this year.
It’s fun how the film loves to mess with your expectations, both in terms of the overall twists and turns of the plot but also often within the framing of the narrative itself. For example there are several fake-outs at the beginning of the film with the character who you think is going to be the protagonist being unceremoniously offed and replaced with someone else, who is also then exited just as quickly moments later. You just don’t see this kind of thing in most (mainstream) films as it willfully bucks against narrative convention, yet works so well within this film’s mischievous tone.
The Hunt has plenty more surprises up its sleeve with numerous unexpected moments fired at you with gleeful abandon. Betty Gilpin (star of TV Series GLOW) is excellent in the lead role, with her wry delivery and exasperated eye rolling – she plays it so differently from any other lead character (especially female) of any film that comes to mind.
Favourite bit: The gnarly fight in the house at the end. Will have you both laughing and wincing in equal measure.
Freaky
Directed by: Christopher Landon
Starring: Vince Vaughan, Kathryn Newton, Celeste O’Connor
A follow up horror-comedy from writer/director of the Happy Death Day series - with the same mischievous streak here that made those films a hit. This film is a deliberate mashup of Freaky Friday and Friday the 13th as Vince Vaughn’s serial killer gets body swapped with a teenage girl. Much hilarity ensues as the preposterous premise is gamely played out by both actors involved – and it is a ton of fun. Vince Vaughan gets to flex his acting chops again, in a silly way sure, but the humour comes from the huge incongruity and for the most part it works.
Freaky surprisingly doesn’t skimp on the gore either with some of the kills being brutal and satisfyingly schlocky.
Favourite bit: Chance encounter in a changing room shows this film can have heart as well.
Possessor
Directed by: Brandon Cronenberg
Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Another body swap film, but this time about assassins who hijack other people’s minds and bodies in order to complete their mission. Compared to Freaky though this one is a lot more dark and dour. Following in his father David’s footsteps, Brandon Cronenberg’s film is bleak, violent and disturbing. Andrea Riseborough has found her niche in playing these haunted looking characters and it’s good to see Christopher Abbott in larger roles. There’s also a small but effective part for Sean Bean as a character you love to hate and also Jennifer Jason Leigh appears seemingly coming full circle having starred in David Cronenberg’s similarly themed eXistenZ way back in 1999.
Like I said, this film is very bleak and sometimes the nudity and violence seems a tad too gratuitous - this film is certainly not for mainstream tastes. However if you can handle the dark, disturbing and nihilistic and want to go for something cerebral this one is recommended.
Favourite bit: The nightmarish ‘skin shedding’ sequences.
Wolfwalkers
Directed by: Tomm Moore & Ross Stewart
Starring: Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean
Sean Bean has a role again, but this time providing a voice for a character in this wonderful animated tale. Featuring an amazing hand-drawn style – that’s occasionally abstract and impressionistic but altogether thoroughly expressive and unique – the story drawing inspiration from Irish folklore. The two main characters are voiced by child actors who deliver really great performances and it’s a rare delight to have an abundance of northern accents and Irish accents take centre stage.
Wolfwalkers evokes the feeling of a western Gibhli film, a heartwarming fairytale that is also not afraid to broach darker topics such as death, mob mentality and puritanical oppression.
Enjoyable for all ages and much better for kids than the generic CG cartoons that are being churned out so often these days.
Favourite bit: Robyn and Mebh running free in the woods.
Tenet
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki
Lets be honest - in terms of Nolan’s complete filmography it is hard to recommend Tenet as up there with his very best, but still this film’s cerebral gymnastics, attention to detail and almost clockwork precision with which it is constructed is hard to ignore. Yes, it is sprawling and convoluted and at times feels like Nolan is just doing things just to mess with you (stop concentrating on any of the dialogue for a second and you’ll feel like you’ve missed out on some very important exposition) – everything zips along at an incredible pace. It’s been said many times elsewhere that this is Nolan’s take on a Bond movie but of course with all the added wibbly-wobbly time reversing stuff thrown in for extra measure and it certainly feels that way.
But the devil is in the details and it is guaranteed to have you pondering the mechanics and joining up the dots way after the credits roll. Some twists you may see coming – others you most definitely will not. It’s a film that melts your brain, but in a fun way. The cast is uniformly good and Ludwig Goransson’s score zings. Not my favourite Nolan film by a long shot but certainly features his hallmark flair.
Favourite bit: The impressive intro sequence at the Opera that sets off the film with a bang. It throws you right in there with literally no explanation or exposition.
Honourable mentions
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm – the sequel arriving 14 years later that feels just as relevant if not more so. Newcomer Maria Bakalova is tremendous.
Class Action Park – Eye-opening documentary about the legendary Action Park water park in the 80’s. Health and safety did not exist in any shape or form.
Color Out of Space – Great combination of weird Lovecraft cosmic horror and a weird Nicholas Cage performance – what’s not to like?
The Old Guard – Charlize Theron is perfectly suited to this comic book adaptation about immortal mercenaries. Strong for the most part but feels like much of the potential was held back for the sequel bait at the end.
The Trip to Greece – Film version of the fourth series of the semi-fictional, semi-real antics of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. These two are always great together and a joy to watch.
And that is it for my favourite movies of 2020! Coming next – My 10 Favourite TV Series watched in 2020 and My 10 Favourite Video Games played in 2020…
27th Dec 2020
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