 2021 was one of the strongest and most exciting years in film. So many different stories have been etched in my memory, and plenty reflecting the times we are living in on fascinating levels. From Natalie Morales’ depiction of virtual platonic love in Language Lessons, and moral dilemma in Pedro Almodovar’s Parallel Mothers, to what makes humans so intricately human in Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World. This year saw a variety of subject matter tackled by some of the greatest living directors, including Jane Campion’s long-awaited return with The Power of the Dog. As well, many first-timers brought exciting feature debuts to the screen; Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby, Shatara Michelle Ford’s Test Pattern, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter to name a few standouts. Here are 25 of the best films of 2021, counting down to a top-five writeup. The * symbol indicates a feature debut.
25. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (dir. Will Sharpe) Streaming on Prime Video Canada Gorgeous cinematography, a near-career best performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, a delightful Claire Foy, and a lot of cats. Will Sharpe’s portrait of a grieving artist has an enjoyable whimsical melody, endearing characters, and a strong sense of humour. 24. Bergman Island (dir. Mia Hansen-Løve) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Mia Wasikowska dances to ABBA’s The Winner Takes It All. But wait, there’s more! This story of a filmmaking couple who spend time on the island of Fårö (where Ingmar Bergman spent his final days) is an intriguing reflection on creativity and boundaries. Bergman Island has a quiet build and a lot to say. 23. Cyrano (dir. Joe Wright) Now playing in select cinemas Joe Wright’s latest film, a baroque love story and musical retelling of famed poet Cyrano de Bergerac, is his best in years. There are quite a few reasons, but perhaps none as persuading as Peter Dinklage’s beautiful performance at the center. With charisma and an open heart, his moving performance exudes such powerful yearning. 22. Luca (dir. Enrico Casarosa) Streaming on Disney+ Anchored by a sweet friendship, Luca is an adorable fish-out-of-water story with a big heart. The film holds its own in a sea of highly regarded top tier Pixar films and wholeheartedly succeeds as a charming underdog story. A sunny delight that, underneath its simple surface, makes a big splash with an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Okay, no more water-related word play. 21. Zola* (dir. Janicza Bravo) Available to rent or buy on iTunes What. A. Story. Based on a Twitter thread posted by @_zolarmoon in 2015, Janicza Bravo brings a hypnotizing cinematic quality to a wild series of events. Taking the story to a whole new level are the talented ensemble of actors gathered, from Taylour Paige and Riley Keough to MVP Colman Domingo. With a fun score and stunning cinematography, Zola is unforgettable.
20. Dune (dir. Denis Villeneuve) Streaming on HBO Max Oh yes, Villeneuve did that. Dune is dreamy and majestic. The entire production of it all is overwhelming, an impressive spectacle in storytelling. The breadcrumbs of character shifts are wonderfully placed, and the ensemble of actors make their marks, featuring a haunting performance by Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica. 19. Test Pattern* (dir. Shatara Michelle Ford) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Shatara Michelle Ford's Test Pattern is a stirring depiction of their vision. The story follows an interracial couple whose relationship is put to the test after a Black woman is sexually assaulted. The coldness with which Ford’s character is dismissed is telling of an even bigger story that women’s lives, particularly women of colour, are disregarded by the healthcare system. Led by Ford’s remarkable performance, Test Pattern confronts a harrowing subject with clarity. 18. The Green Knight (dir. David Lowery) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Epic is the first word that comes to mind on first watch of The Green Knight. It’s an immersive experience that swirls in thought-provoking ideas and leaves plenty behind to digest. It’s a complex tale of knighthood that questions how far one would go to uphold such a title and claim its responsibilities (and consequences). With a mighty performance by Dev Patel, the protagonist Gawain is brought to life so vividly. His curiosity and sheer ambition for honor are such a treat to watch. 17. The Tragedy of Macbeth (dir. Joel Coen) Streaming on Apple TV+ Coen finds cinematic weight in the Scottish play, using minimalist sound stages as the canvas for a wrathful tale of ambition. Emotions take center stage through the vessels of mighty performances; from the instantly charismatic and compelling Denzel Washington, to the sparkling wit and screen presence of Frances McDormand. Then there’s Kathryn Hunter in a league of her own, a phenomenal display of physicality as a trio of witches. The film may feel out of reach with heavy dialogue, but grows into an absorbing experience. 16. Pig* (dir. Michael Sarnoski) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Featuring Nicolas Cage’s finest performance in years, Pig resonates as a compelling character study of a truffle hunter’s love for his pig. The screenplay by Vanessa Block and Michael Sarnoski is a gem to uncover. What resonates most about Pig is its depiction of isolation as an extension of grief, and just how meaningful something can be when it’s all a person believes they have left.
15. Spencer (dir. Pablo Larraín) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Standing out as a fable, Larraín brings a distinct perspective to Spencer that is so defiantly a unique story of character. Set apart from various portrayals of Princess Diana over the years, the film has an interesting ghostly element, as though being haunted by a previous life. Working wonders with Kristen Stewart as the beloved icon, Spencer is a stunning achievement. 14. The Novice* (dir. Lauren Hadaway) Available to rent or buy on iTunes The Novice is a remarkable ride on an obsessive, psychological journey. Written and directed by Lauren Hadaway, it’s an intense character study and takes the plunge into experimental filmmaking. Isabelle Fuhrmann is a powerhouse. She commands the screen, takes the audience down a rabbit hole of tears, tension, and unwavering drive. Hold onto your paddles, this film moves at lighting speed and never lets up. 13. Language Lessons* (dir. Natalie Morales) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Natalie Morales’ endearing Language Lessons is a heartfelt platonic love story. One that works through grief, healing, and the unwavering power of human connection no matter the distance. Shot entirely through computer and phone screens, the film chronicles a friendship that develops between Spanish teacher Cariño (Natalie Morales) and her student Adam (Mark Duplass). Morales and Duplass are so brilliant to watch, their magical chemistry soars. 12. C’mon C’mon (dir. Mike Mills) Available to rent or buy on iTunes There is something both so personal and universal about the films of Mike Mills, as if he is writing a letter only to you, and that letter carries secrets of the world inside. Mills reaches new heights with his best yet C’mon C’mon, a film full of wonder and empathy for life. The characters are so well written and, much like reality, are everything all at once. Joaquin Phoenix and Gabby Hoffman are great, but it is newcomer Woody Norman who steals the show with a moving performance. 11. Passing* (dir. Rebecca Hall) Streaming on Netflix Canada That this is a debut feature film is itself a ravishing accomplishment. Passing feels like the magnum opus of someone who’s had multiple films under their belt. From the art direction and cinematography, to the music and the costume design, these achievements show so much care for detail. Then there are the performances, the extraordinary Ruth Negga who beams in every scene, the brilliant Tessa Thompson showing even more of her range. Together they are just magnetic to watch, from beginning to one of the most intriguing endings of the year.
10. The Mitchells vs. The Machines* (dir. Mike Rianda) Streaming on Netflix Canada From the creators of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse comes another must-see adventure. The Mitchells vs. The Machines is an imaginative delight and a loving embrace of individuality. Whether it be watching or making or starring in movies, the celebration of this medium truly shines on screen, as do many resonating themes. Now more than ever, loved ones are having to find new ways of connecting with each other during a time when technology rules all. The Mitchells are here as an entertaining, poignant reminder to protect and nourish human connection. 9. Flee (dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen) Available to rent or buy on iTunes This is powerful storytelling. A remarkably artful documentary by filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen, based on true events. Different styles of animation visualize the experiences of Rasmussen's long-time friend, Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym), who fled Afghanistan as a boy and confronts his past in telling his story. The shift between places and timelines is masterfully done. Amin's words in Flee (full of courage, hope, pain, and love) carry the story with a gently powerful urgency. 8. Petite Maman (dir. Céline Sciamma) Packing a punch with a fleeting runtime, Petite Maman is a bittersweet experience in which every minute is precious for its characters. As magical as it is melancholy, the enchanting story of a friendship between two girls speaks to the delicate threads embedded on the path from childhood to adulthood. This gentle tale of women’s connections, told through the motions of time, is another absolute winner from Céline Sciamma. 7. The Lost Daughter* (dir. Maggie Gyllenhaal) Streaming on Netflix Canada It's rare to see portrayals of women on film that are not cookie-cutter versions of themselves. So, it’s a treat to watch performances of female characters in The Lost Daughter without the inhibitions of shallow, aesthetic direction. Gyllenhaal’s direction and adapted screenplay work wonders with rich material. Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and Dakota Johnson are all marvelous in their unique ways. The Lost Daughter is haunting, every bit nightmarish as it is dreamy. 6. Titane (dir. Julia Ducournau) Going in without knowing anything about Titane is the way to go. What a fascinating, thrilling ride this film is. Julia Ducournau instantly pulls you into this world and gives one hundred percent attention to every detail. Agathe Rousselle’s performance is absolutely extraordinary; funny, haunting, unpredictable, riveting. It’s a real shame this performance went mostly unnoticed during award season, though at least comforting that the film found a passionate audience. Titane is all-absorbing and on fire.
5. Shiva Baby* (dir. Emma Seligman) Available to rent or buy on iTunes Emma Seligman’s stunning debut feature Shiva Baby is a funny, invigorating, fully realized pressure cooker. Expanding on her short film of the same name, Seligman creates an anxiety-inducing experience in the most compelling of ways. She explores a young woman coming of age while facing family dynamics, traditions, sexuality, post-college pressure, and power shifts in relationships. The story is a day in the life of Danielle (Rachel Sennott), who attends a shiva (a mourning tradition in the Jewish community), where she runs into her sugar daddy Max (Danny Deferrari) and her ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon). Seligman tells an incredibly grounded and authentic story rooted in universal themes that resonate down to the tiniest details. Shiva Baby is a remarkable blend of comedy and drama, with hints of horror that add a layer of tension to the story. The drama and tension are conveyed to perfection by Rachel Sennott. In a brilliant performance so completely in tune with her character, Sennott gives a masterclass on how to embrace complexities, vulnerability, and lean into truthfulness. 4. Parallel Mothers (dir. Pedro Almodóvar) Now playing in select cinemas Parallel Mothers marks the eighth collaboration between Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz, showing a remarkable synergy between two artists in search of pieces to a creative puzzle. Two expectant mothers (played by Cruz and newcomer Milena Smit) who meet at a hospital give birth on the same day, unexpectedly altering the course of their lives. The film explores the emotional intensity of relationships, the internal challenges mothers face, and how guilt gnaws at one's core. Cruz is remarkable in this film and gives one of her best performances to date. Also impressive is Milena Smit, in her first major film role, going toe-to-toe with a legend. The story of Parallel Mothers is an urgent letter to healing from old wounds. Almodóvar links contemporary motherhood to a real reckoning across Spain: mass graves, holding those killed during the Spanish Civil War, that after decades are being opened. The years families lost from not being able to find and bury their loved ones, to show their respects with dignity and human rights, is touched upon in the film. Parallel Mothers is a passionate confessional of moving material, building patiently towards painful but necessary confrontations. It's a mystery, melodrama, film noir, and thriller wrapped in one exceptional love letter to families.
3. Drive My Car (dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi) It can feel daunting to approach lengthy films, but the art of the slow burn is mastered so beautifully in writer-director Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car. Adapted from a short story by Haruki Murakami, Drive My Car has layers upon layers of storytelling. Mysteries are awakened. But with any good mystery comes a sense of clarity afterward, that somehow what you've been searching for presents itself through unexpected ways. In the best possible way, Drive My Car feels like a very long car drive. At a certain point, it feels like you're no longer in a car, but someplace else where anything is possible. All that lies ahead are open roads. Drive My Car casts a remarkable spell and commands attention in quiet details. The film has a sprawling story within a story, inviting many interpretations. Hamaguchi takes such time exploring and developing the characters. With great patience and restraint, the story stirs gently to create a resonating emotional impact by its conclusion. 2. The Worst Person in the World (dir. Joachim Trier) Now playing in select cinemas The title of Joachim Trier's latest film is a perfect one. It's a sentiment felt by so many people, who really aren't the worst in the grand scheme of things, but feel this way for their lives looking different than what societal pressures have carved as "standard". The Worst Person In The World is a relatable overstatement for its protagonist Julie (Renate Reinsve), a young woman whose aimless outlook on life sees her make short-lived plans and roads less traveled. The film takes a look at four years in her life, flowing from one circumstance to the next. The story is told from her perspective, but the film feels every bit universal as it does specific to Julie's experiences. Renate Reinsve's remarkable performance, playing such a multi-faceted human being, really conveys what beats at the core of human existence: the need to be understood, to be loved. This film is a gem, a breath of fresh air.  Benedict Cumberbatch in The Power of the Dog 1. The Power of the Dog (dir. Jane Campion)
Streaming on Netflix Canada Packed in each and every frame of the film is a desire to revisit them, to bask in the clues Jane Campion so richly shares. A moment between two characters sharing a cigarette, made exciting and unpredictable by the power of Campion’s eye. The richness of her storytelling is a feast with lingering leftovers. From the memorable Jonny Greenwood score to the startling accomplishments of brilliant casting, The Power of the Dog has the kind of staying power that warrants several revisits. Benedict Cumberbatch has never been better, Kodi Smit-McPhee commands his scenes, and Kirsten Dunst reminds why she’s one of the most compelling in the game. Jane Campion’s tackling of toxic masculinity and lost souls is an unsettling piece of storytelling. A slow-building queer Western thriller, simmering in personal aggression and defeat.
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 Zoë Kravitz in Kimi (2022) It comes at no surprise that the new film from one of the most consistently great directors in the industry is excellent. Given Steven Soderbergh’s track record and the sense of expectation when approaching his work, he still manages to bring an element of surprise to his films. His latest, a techno thriller called Kimi, is no exception. The experience of watching Kimi is like being caught in a nightmarish haze. Cliff Martinez’s gorgeous, dreamy score harkens back to Hitchcockian sounds, and heightens suspense. Zoë Kravitz stars as protagonist Angela Childs, an agoraphobic voice stream interpreter for a big tech company. Angela becomes unwittingly entangled in a series of unfortunate events. The real-life pandemic lingers in the background, just enough to recognize but works its way into David Koepp’s screenplay on such an organic level. Particularly relatable to the way many people are experiencing the COVID pandemic today, whether it be working remotely, or finding it difficult to rejoin the outside world. Beyond that, the increased feelings of isolation, frustration, and paranoia living in a forever-changed world. Kimi tackles so many subjects in delicately drawn ways, amplified through actions instead of overtly explained monologues. The plot sounds bare bones on paper; while listening to a stream picked up by a Kimi device (think Amazon Alexa), Angela (played by Kravitz) discovers evidence of a crime. She reports to the powers in charge and finds herself tangled in a much bigger spiderweb than initially thought. Taking justice into her own hands, she must leave her apartment to piece a dangerous puzzle. Kimi is an intriguing paranoia thriller for the digital ages, featuring a wonderful performance by Zoë Kravitz. Leave it to Soderbergh to take a story that’s been done plenty before - expertly in the case of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation, for instance - and still make the film flow with a fresh signature voice. The same can be said for Cliff Martinez’s score, which has hints of influence from composers such as Bernard Herrmann, but exists as its own unique and varied accomplishment. The film radiates this energy all around, with a compelling performance by Zoë Kravitz leading the way. From the writing, to the screen presence and precision Kravitz brings to this character, Angela Childs is a multi-layered role, perfect for a showcase of range. It’s always a treat to watch how the smallest of details can say so much about a character, and Kravitz relishes in such moments. From the scenes of Angela bracing herself to open her apartment door, to the impromptu conversations she shares with her mother. To see her agoraphobia portrayed in a thoughtful way, not as a big plot point but as something she has grown to live with, is a refreshing direction Soderbergh takes. Angela is an interesting protagonist and makes the story all the more intriguing to watch. Soderbergh first keeps the film at home base. A slow-build introduces Angela in her element, complete with an extensive WFH tech setup allowing her to stream and fix communication errors between Kimi and its users. Her day-to-day routine is suddenly turned upside down, when she overhears a violent crime on one of the recordings. A fight for justice brings Angela outside her home in the middle of a pandemic, to the office of tech boss Natalie Chowdhury (Rita Wilson). Chowdhury’s blatant dismissal of Angela’s concerns sparks a bigger conversation, and it’s clear Angela isn’t the only one listening.  In addition to being an engaging starring vehicle for Kravitz, Kimi is a great showcase of Soderbergh’s knack for being ahead of the curve when it comes to exploring certain subject material. The research he conducted when preparing for his 2011 film Contagion, a box office hit at the time which then became one of the most watched films of 2020, suggested an outbreak was imminent. On a whole other thread, the increase in remote employment and education during the pandemic has made it scarily easy for companies and schools to not only monitor work, but also control access. The virtual assistant device in Kimi shows the dangers surveillance technology poses on the privacy and safety of its users. Plus, the potential horrors if this information gets into the wrong hands. Having this possibility at the back of Angela’s mind brings a lot of tensity to the situation she’s in, especially in the second half when she takes justice into her own hands to find the pieces of a conspiracy puzzle. Soderbergh excels at making Kimi feel fresh and exciting even with frequent nods to other films that have a clear influence. One of which is a fun throwback to the 90s classic Home Alone, given the casting of Devin Ratray (a.k.a. “Buzz”) in a supporting role named Kevin. The film plays on the subject of surveillance with the physicality of this character. He lives in the building across from Angela’s and appears to be watching her alone through his window from time to time, the intentions of which are revealed later. Home is supposed to be a place of protection and safety, but can also be one of fear when violated. Then there’s the added layer of COVID, the paranoia that has emerged with lockdowns, and the devastating effects on mental health. Rather than making this COVID-set film directly about the pandemic, Soderbergh zeroes in on the narratives happening in spite of it, because of it, along with it. The way Angela has grown to adapt at home, for instance, is an intriguing thread to follow. As is the potentiality of a relationship between her and Terry (Byron Bowers), a neighbor across the street with whom she tries to follow through with an outdoor date on more than one occasion. Kimi is a taut techno thriller and Soderbergh’s best film in years, not exactly a knock against him given the decades-long consistency of his work. With a compact runtime, a brilliant score, and clever camera angles, Kimi makes smart moves in grabbing the viewer’s attention and maintaining it. Having a skilled performer at the center, Zoë Kravitz in a career-high performance as Angela Childs, keeps the journey of Kimi an engaging one. She carries the story on her shoulders and draws you in with an instant charisma, while precisely peeling back the layers of her character, each one more revealing than the last. A variety of interesting subjects are at play here, all of which are very much rooted in reality and the ever-present dangers of living in an increasingly advanced digital age. If you're not already side-eyeing your Amazon Alexa... Kimi is now streaming on Crave Canada and HBO Max.  A still from Charli XCX: Alone Together (2022) Social media is full of countless pitfalls; from the perpetuation of unrealistic expectations, to a manufactured online presence that cherry-picks the greatest aesthetic hits. The silver lining in this sensory overload is the space given for people to find a sense of community and belonging. There will always be a yearning for human connection, made even more apparent over the past few years of collective isolation during a pandemic. Music can be that strengthening tool to bring people together from around the world. Whether one is a fan of a particular artist or not, the influence many of them have on people is crystal clear. In Bradley Bell and Pablo Jones-Soler's documentary Charli XCX: Alone Together, fans of the successful pop artist are in for an intimate vignette of her day-to-day process, where she creates her brand new album 'how i'm feeling now' in 5 weeks during the start of the pandemic. While this is a documentary about Charli XCX, her fans (known as Angels) are given just as much screen time, and the reciprocation of support makes this an endearing watch. The meshing of these perspectives sheds light on the artist’s impact on her fans, as well as her own insecurity in finding her voice and how best to share it with the rest of the world. Clocking in at 67 minutes, Charli XCX: Alone Together is a fairly enjoyable whirlwind of what goes into making an album during lockdown.
The most endearing part of this documentary is indeed the influence Charli XCX has on fans from around the globe. The journey of making a new album is for them; she invites Angels to be part of the creative process in real time, and opens herself up to constant feedback (and criticism). From curbing their enthusiasm and getting creative with a home studio, to the effects of isolation on mental health, the documentary touches upon plenty of subjects to maintain an interest all the way through. At the core, unwavering focus is brought to the connection between Charli XCX and her fans, as depicted in a wave of personal social media videos, messages of enthusiastic support and live interactions. The use of social media graphics throughout is a nice touch that reinforces the power of social media. Juxtaposed with words of encouragement from loved ones and fans, the documentary makes a point of stressing it is possible to find acceptance and form connections in the digital age we are all living in. Beyond all the fanfare, Charli XCX: Alone Together addresses the question, what comes after success? When Charli XCX kicked off her first online tour in 2019 for her album Charli, she felt very much in control of her whole career in the pop music industry. Her beginnings were not carefully crafted; without having a particular goal or career plan, she just wanted to share her music with the world. It’s thoughtful to see how this sentiment repeats itself at a time when people are collectively isolated; that the artist’s response to isolation is to be creative and make things. The documentary briefly shows how Charli XCX comes to the decision to create a new album live in 5 weeks time, and getting fans involved along the way. At times Charli XCX: Alone Together feels more like a fan-made collection of videos than an in-depth look at its title subject. Sprinkled in between the fan videos is behind-the-scenes footage of her inner journey. The insecurity, the lack of creativity and fulfillment, the stress of not delivering her next album and trying to combat expectations. It would have been interesting to see a more candid approach at her evolvement as an artist in phases, and how she’s bene able to navigate industry experiences. There is a lot of sensory overload, from home footage and backstage glimpses to Instagram videos and news headlines. But once the noise settles, it becomes clear that the core of this documentary is being alone together. It’s about experiencing self-isolation as a collective through music, and the healing power music can have on mental health. Beneath all the vignettes is the unity of listening to an artist you love with a community of people who share in your interests. There is an added layer of the world going through a pandemic. Of course, everyone is experiencing this crisis in drastically different ways, and many are in a privileged position not to be so severely impacted. The documentary makes smart moves focusing intently on the bonding power of music in a time when a lot of people are searching for a connection. This is an endearing documentary for Charli XCX fans, who get to see themselves reflected on screen through an intimate portrait of the artist’s music-making journey. Charli XCX: Alone Together releases February 24 on Amazon Prime Video. |
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