I watched 548 movies last year according to my Letterboxd. Here is my top ten list of movies from that list that were released in 2021.
10)
Do Not Hesitate
Runtime: 1hr 31min
Director: Shariff Korver
Countries of Origin: Netherlands and Greece
IMDB synopsis: After the sudden disappearance of their superior, three young soldiers are left to guard a military vehicle by themselves. As their situation and the scorching desert heat renders them increasingly disconnected from reality, an encounter with a local boy escalates into a fight that will mark their lives forever.
My brief thoughts: A tense character study that shows the impact of war on our youth. You are kept on the edge of your seat the entire time while being forced to face tough questions.
9)
Boiling Point
Runtime: 1hr 32min
Director: Philip Barantini
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
IMDB synopsis: Enter the relentless pressure of a restaurant kitchen as a head chef wrangles his team on the busiest day of the year.
My brief thoughts: A 92min rollercoaster ride of adrenaline in a restaurant kitchen. Such a simple concept but it is beautifully shot and keeps hold of you by your collar the entire time.
8)
House of Gucci
Runtime: 2hr 38min
Director: Ridley Scott
Countries of Origin: United States and Canada
IMDB synopsis: When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.
My brief thoughts: The story, costume design, and cinematography made for a captivating two and a half hours. But make no mistake, Lady Gaga carries this film on her back and cements herself as a front runner for the Oscars.
7)
C’mon C’mon
Runtime: 1hr 49min
Director: Mike Mills
Country of Origin: United States
IMDB synopsis: When his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles.
My brief thoughts: Joaquin and Woody have terrific chemistry that keeps you engaged throughout and the film as a whole hits all the right notes and tugs at the right heartstrings.
6)
CODA
Runtime: 1hr 51min
Director: Sian Heder
Countries of Origin: United States, France, Canada
IMDB synopsis: As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music by wanting to go to Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
My brief thoughts: You know pretty early on where the story is heading but what you’re not prepared for is the emotional rollercoaster you’re about to embark on along the way. The entire cast, led by Emilia Jones, deliver stellar performances and have you fully invested in every character relationship and interaction from beginning to end.
5)
The Mitchells vs The Machines
Runtime: 1hr 53min
Directors: Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe
Countries of Origin: United States and Hong Kong
IMDB synopsis: A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope.
My brief thoughts: This is the answer to the question, “What’s the next movie that will ever best Pixar at the Oscars?”. A heartwarming, funny, and visually stunning experience from beginning to end that will speak to everyone’s inner quirky self.
4)
The Last Duel
Runtime: 2hr 32min
Director: Ridley Scott
Countries of Origin: United States and United Kingdom
IMDB synopsis: King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire by challenging him to a duel.
My brief thoughts: The dark shadowed way in which the film was shot plays perfectly into the story behind the three viewpoints we are shown. Captivating and sometimes hard to watch, not once feeling a minute of the runtime.
3)
Pig
Runtime: 1hr 32min
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Countries of Origin: United States and United Kingdom
IMDB synopsis: A truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregonian wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.
My brief thoughts: Absolutely amazing. The best Cage performance in years. I don’t want to give anything away as this is best to go into knowing as little as possible.
2)
Dune
Runtime: 2hr 35min
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Countries of Origin: United States and Canada
IMDB synopsis: Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
My brief thoughts: Hans Zimmer had fun with this one. The amount of layered storytelling that took place is an impressive feat and unfortunate rarity in today’s Hollywood. Glad to see part 2 greenlit so we can continue on this journey.
1)
Mass
Runtime: 1hr 51min
Director: Fran Kranz
Country of Origin: United States
IMDB synopsis: Aftermath of a violent tragedy that affects the lives of two couples in different ways.
My brief thoughts: A heavy hitting character study delivered by absolutely outstanding performances from Plimpton, Isaacs, and Dowd.