Well, that was a year! With everything that went on in 2020, movies proved both a comfort and a hope for better times. The big story of the year was the rise of streaming as a genuine alternative to (and in some cases, a replacement for) traditional cinemas. Those changes played out elsewhere, and we in Australia had little option but to ride the wave. That said, our country’s relative success in dealing with the year’s many traumas has seen the industry here return to something approaching normality.
With cinemas so disrupted, it was no surprise that some of the biggest names in the movies appeared on the small screen, either bypassing theatres altogether, or for only a limited run. They included “name” directors like David Fincher (Mank) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods); and big stars like Charlize Theron (The Old Guard), Tom Hanks (Greyhound) and Mark Wahlberg (Spenser Confidential). Pixar’s new movie Soul went straight to streaming; as did early Oscar darling Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. But slowly films have begun creeping back into cinemas. Things aren’t anywhere near back to where they were, but signs of life are emerging.
As a result, our top tens of the year aren’t restricted to movies in theatres, but include films that premiered on streaming platforms in 2020. Perhaps due to the slowdown in Hollywood releases, foreign language films have found a more prominent place this year.
So without further ado, here are our critics’ lists of the top 10 films of 2020
David Edwards
Corpus Christi
“Corpus Christi is one of the most powerful, thoughtful and poignant films of the year so far. This intelligent parable delivers a message worth pondering for anyone who cares to listen.”
Shirley
“Shirley is out-there cinema for the dedicated cinephile.”
Kajillionaire
“Miranda July comes roaring back with Kajillionaire, a film that will almost certainly please her fans.”
The Lighthouse
“The Lighthouse is a mind-bending journey into the heart of darkness.”
Seberg
“Seberg is an engaging and relentless psychological drama.”
La Belle Epoque
“This thoughtful and thought-provoking film offers a treat for cinema lovers.”
The Translators
“The Translators is tailor-made for mystery buffs. This intelligent but engrossing film gives fresh impetus to the drawing-room genre.”
Soul
“Soul is one of those rare movies that has something for pretty much everyone.”
1917
“This 2-hour visual and emotional extravaganza cements Mendes’ reputation, and provides a stunning new perspective on the war movie.”
Da 5 Bloods
“Da 5 Bloods is a big movie, filled with big ideas. Like all Spike Lee movies, it’s designed to provoke a response.”
Alex First
The Swallows of Kabul
“Regardless of whether or not animation is usually your thing, The Swallows of Kabul needs to be seen. It truly is an extraordinary piece of work.”
Queen & Slim
“Melina Matsoukas delivers a vivid portrait of the black experience.”
La Belle Epoque
“This brilliantly conceived drama of love and loss is inventive, poignant and compelling.”
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
“The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart takes a detailed and profound look at the legacy of the Bee Gees.”
The Invisible Man
“The Invisible Man is a taut psychological thriller that effectively combines elements of sci-fi and horror.”
Calm with Horses
“The Irish drama-thriller Calm with Horses features a brutal but poignant script, skilful feature directorial debut and a bravura lead acting performance.”
For Sama
“Graphic and confronting, this love letter from a young mother to her baby depicts the horrors of the bloodshed in Syria.”
Monos
“Monos is quite a revelation.”
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
“A sad and angry man is rescued by a most unlikely source in the moving A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.”
Let Him Go
“A haunting tale of desperation and regret.”
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.