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Stephanie Rosas’ Top Ten Films of 2020
2020 was a very unexpected and challenging year for us all. Every industry took a hit, especially the film industry, which caused many films to get delayed in release, production, etc. We didn’t get as many films as we expected throughout the year, especially the highly anticipated ones, but there were a few films that were released during quarantine that stuck out the most to me. The films I have listed below are films that held powerful messages, was entertaining, had convincing acting, and a good script. I don’t have a favorite genre really so the films might seem very farfetched from one another, but they all made the list for a reason!
Stephanie Rosas’ Top Ten Films of 2020
- Clouds
Clouds follows the life of young musician Zach Sobiech who while going through his senior year of high school discovers that he only has a few months left to live due to his rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma. He follows his dream to become a musician and before his death in May 2013, his music unexpectedly went viral and helped spread awareness to the cancerous bone tumor that develops in children. The film pays tribute to Zach’s life and journey. Prior to the film, I wasn’t aware of Zach and his story, but I’m grateful that I am now. The film pulls at your heart strings because you can’t help but get attached to the him as you watch him in his final days and around the people he loves. It’s also an uplifting and inspirational story about loss and how much you can truly impact the world and those around you no matter how long you’re on this earth.
- Holidate
It’s definitely not your usual romantic comedy but it does put an interesting spin on holiday films, mostly because it covers all of the holidays and puts a fun twist on the unnecessary stress of having to have a plus one on said days. I’m not usually one for Emma Roberts films but this one had me entertained throughout the entire thing. The chemistry between the two leads is great and yes, there’s a few cheesy parts but overall, the film was enjoyable and quite relatable.
- The Broken Hearts Gallery
The Broken Hearts Gallery was a fun quirky romantic comedy written and directed by Natalie Krinsky. It was her directorial debut and I found the film really refreshing to watch. The script was sassy and fun. The film was well casted, diverse and the lead character is extremely engaging. The story was a little predictable at times, but the charm, humor, and delivery made by the cast throughout the film made up for it.
- Onward
Due to the pandemic and closures of movie theatres days after its theatrical release, Onward was one of the first films that had to be digitally released shortly after its theatre debut. It was one of the first films I watched in quarantine and being a huge Disney Pixar fan, I was really excited for it, especially because of its two male leads, Tom Holland and Chris Pratt. The film was definitely for an older audience rather than your usual Disney Pixar films, but nonetheless it was adventurous, different, enjoyable and the cast was fantastic. The ups and downs of the relationship between the two brothers are relatable, entertaining, and shows a different and emotional perspective to an unfortunate situation. The film isn’t predictable and truly takes the audience on an adventurous ride to its beautiful emotional ending.
- Tenet
I’m not normally too into action movies, but I love psychological thriller films, especially ones involving time enigmas. This is definitely a film that got robbed of a theatrical experience for its viewers which could have made the film even more enjoyable. However, in the comfort of my own home, it was still a great watch. It reels you in from the very beginning of the film and takes you on one psychological roller coaster. Very intense build up throughout the film and John David Washington’s performance gets you even more involved in what’s going on. It’s a film that you have to stay in your seat and pay close attention to so you don’t miss anything, but the twist at the end pays off well.
- The Boys in the Band
This film was a Broadway play turned into a film which included the original cast to bring the play to the big screen properly. It takes place in New York City in 1968 and it’s an evening gathering of gay men at a birthday dinner party. We’re brought into their past, present and future all in one night. There was never a dull moment, even when there was no dialogue. There was always something happening, even if it was as little as a look or gesture from one of the characters. The cast is phenomenal and the conversations within the script between these group of men help keep the tension going and bring up important issues and topics within the LGBTQ community.
- The Happiest Season
The Happiest Season couldn’t have come at a greater time for me. I related to it a lot and I thought it was a very important story to tell. It’s a romantic comedy about a lesbian couple, Abby and Harper, who have been dating for a while, but Harper has yet to come out to her parents. Harper takes Abby home for the holidays but introduces her as her friend but being hidden and lying starts to weigh in on their relationship and builds tension throughout the holiday. A lot of people don’t understand what the struggle to come out is like, especially to your family, but I feel this film showed different perspectives on the topic and it did it really well. It also came at a time in my life where I barely had come out to my own parents so I related to it extremely. The hidden gem in this film though was Aubrey Plaza, who though wasn’t a main character, was a scene-stealer. The ending wasn’t entirely satisfying, but the concept and build up was good enough for me.
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Tensions continue to rise throughout Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom during a recording session in Chicago 1927. Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman both give compelling performances, both actors being very well known for giving their all into their roles and in this film, they don’t disappoint! The dialogue in this film was powerful and heartbreaking with the conversations, stories, and interactions the characters have throughout the course of the film. Chadwick Boseman’s final performance in this role was definitely my favorite role of his and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got nominated for an Oscar for it.
- Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods was a powerful story about four vets returning to Vietnam to retrieve the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold they hid so many years ago. As their journey moves along, we get flashbacks from their time in Vietnam before their squad leader died and watch Delroy Lindo’s character, Paul, struggle with his PTSD. Lindo gives a great performance and kept me captivated in every scene he was in. It’s a long film, but each moment is necessary in telling the story of these vets and though the ending wasn’t what I expected, that’s what I loved most about it.
- The Devil All the Time
The Devil All the Time was hands down my favorite of the year. This dark psychological thriller keeps you engaged from beginning to end with a variety of characters and multiple generations. It doesn’t play out like your usual timeline, it actually tells several at the same time. It gives and takes with each switch. Giving you a little insight on the character’s history or present, but just when you think you’re about to know everything, it switches to the next and leaves you wanting more. As the story continues, you get those pieces and I promise, it pays off by the end of the film. The directing, cinematography, cast, and script was fantastic! The narrator of the film, Donald Ray Pollock, who was actually the writer of the novel the film is based off, gives you that calming feeling with his tone of voice as your being told the story even though what you’re seeing on screen is dark and ominous. I couldn’t even tell you who did the best acting in it, because everyone did such a great job. Tom Holland’s character definitely makes you forget about Peter Parker. It was very depressing and dark but I couldn’t look away and was very entertained.
Honorable Mentions
Chemical Hearts, Love and Monsters, I Still Believe, and The Wrong Missy.
2020 Films I Have Not Seen
The Photograph, Spy Intervention, Mank, The Call of the Wild, The Lovebirds, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Ava, The Croods: A New Age, and Let Them All Talk
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