Daniel's Top 10 Movies of 2020
2020 was a long sabbatical away from movie theatres. For me, there was a small interlude in the fall where I was able to see Tenet, Trial of the Chicago 7, and a release of 2018’s Mandy on the big screen. Everything else was limited to the comfort of my own home and the streaming services that stuck by me through it all.
I wasn’t able to see a lot of the releases this year that I normally would have, and as a result, I didn’t get to see the following films that might have otherwise made the cut: Minari, First Cow, The Assistant, Soul, Nomadland, Bad Education, The Way Back, Dick Johnson is Dead, Possessor, Yes, God, Yes, On the Rocks, Small Axe, Boys State.
10. Da 5 Bloods
Near the end of Da 5 Bloods, Delroy Lindo’s Paul delivers a striking monologue directly to the camera as he walks through the jungle. “You will not kill Paul”. It’s a powerful conclusion to one of Spike Lee’s better films. It’s a shame this didn’t get a proper theatrical release.
9. Birds Of Prey
Was Birds of Prey necessary at all? Absolutely not. But Margot Robie and Ewan McGregor give solid performances that make this film better than it has any right to be. The lighthearted approach to some dark material makes for one of the better DC titles in the last few years.
8. Mank
Netflix’s latest attempt at Oscar bait falls short of that goal, but Mank is still a great look at old Hollywood. The scenes Gary Oldman shares with Amanda Seyfried or Charles Dance are simply incredible and showcase some of the best dialogue Fincher has directed. The Orson Welles bits can be a bit distracting, but Mank is a triumph.
7. The Vast Of Night
A small, indie film set in a small New Mexico town in the 1950s, The Vast of Night shows what a great story and solid performances can lead to. The film is a whole mood and immerses you in its world, which is no small feat. It’s a tight, fun hour and a half that is sure to please.
6. The Gentlemen
The Gentlemen is a Guy Ritchie film through and through. Charlie Hunnam turns in a great performance, and Hugh Grant goes above and beyond. If you are a fan of Ritchie, this one is for you.
5. Vivarium
One of the strangest thrillers I have seen in a while, Vivarium is eerie and creepy, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Challenging the perception of home, and not being able to leave, is even more impactful when we are all trapped as well. Like a lot of high concept pieces, it falls apart a bit in the third act, but overall is a great ride.
4. Sound of Metal
Sound of Metal has a simple setup - a drummer losing his hearing. The way the story unfolds and the development (or lack thereof) for Riz Ahmed’s character Ruben was incredibly moving. One of the best moments of the film comes early when Ruben is visiting a doctor who tells him he needs to rest for a while with a smash cut to Ruben going all out at a show that night. That moment underscores the true nature of Ruben and the difficult emotional journey that lies ahead.
3. Tenet
Christopher Nolan’s bombastic homage to James Bond is a technical marvel. Kenneth Branaugh gets to ham it up as one of Nolan’s more engaging villains. The set pieces are over the top in the best way possible. It’s peak Nolan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2. My Brother Jordan
After nearly a decade and thousands of hours of work, Justin Robinson’s touching tribute to his brother was one of the best things I watched in 2020. An uplifting look at the relationship between brothers, My Brother Jordan shows what an incredible result can come from so much hard work.
1. Palm Springs
Context certainly affects this pick, but Palm Springs was a bright and beautiful highlight in the middle of a dark and awful year. The premise is superb, and the execution even better. There is no dwelling on the complexities and science of what’s going on, just the emotional journey. Andy Samberg and Christin Milioti have amazing chemistry that jumps off the screen. Palm Spring was certainly the bright spot of 2020.
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