The Best Things I've Watched From My Couch This Year
Well, it’s not looking great for theatrical releases this year as studios continue to push or postpone new releases all together, film festivals are cancelled, and movie theaters stay closed down in the midst of the U.S.’s battle with the pandemic. But, as far as having plenty to watch, it’s not so bad. As you might imagine, I’ve used this time during the quarantine to catch up on a few cinema blind spots. In fact, I JUST wrapped up the AFI Top 100 List (blog post to follow!) and I’m catching up on what I missed in the 2010s. I also joined the guys at Filmspotting for their Nolan oueuvre-view and tried to keep up with 2020 releases while catching up on old favorites.
I’ve found a few hidden gems and was able to breathe a sigh of relief when old favorites held up. Here are the best things I’ve watched from my couch (or let’s be real, sometimes my bed) this year.
First Cow
I need to catch up on more of Kelly Reichardt’s filmography. I’ve only seen her Oregon Trail drama, Meek’s Cutoff, but her latest film that had a limited release just before the pandemic is surely one of the best of the year. The film follows two men who form a bond as they try to find their place in a brave new world. The film is measured but punctuated by delightful dialogue, a strong friendship at the center, and probably my favorite part of all: a love for baked goods. It seems like all of those components wouldn’t work together, but Reichardt has a beautiful way of weaving them together. It’s a shame this film won’t see a wider release in theaters, but you can rent it on VOD.
The Dark Knight
It seems like an obvious statement to say that The Dark Knight is a good watch. It is, after all, often cited as one of best superhero movies of all time. But, it had been a while since I had revisited this film and watching it in the context of the rest of Nolan’s filmography, it was really impressive to track his development as a filmmaker. I think The Dark Knight is one of the most groundbreaking films ever made with an unforgettable performance from Heath Ledger and a move towards redefining the superhero genre. You can stream The Dark Knight on Hulu.
The Way Back
It seems like a movie that was bursting with Ben Affleck’s pathos in the wake of the last few decades was bound to happen. I was surprised that it came in the form of a sports movie, but I’m on board. It plays as an honest wrestling from Affleck and the predictability of the genre somehow works in the context of this honest effort on his part (which he has mentioned in interviews about the film) to reconcile the mistakes he’s made in his life. Beyond that, it’s always a good time cheering for an underdog sports team on their way to glory. You can rent The Way Back.
The Invisible Man
The Invisible Man was one of the first (and possibly last) blockbusters that made it to theaters this year, but while early releases can indicate poor quality, this film is anything but that. It’s a story that’s been told and re-told but Elisabeth Moss brings a fresh take and fantastic performance as a woman haunted by an abuser. It’s a genre film that knows what it is and expresses it in a unique, yet familiar way. You can rent The Invisible Man on VOD.
Love & Mercy
I was completely captivated by Brian Wilson’s biopic story in the 2014 film that showcased his life, struggles, and rise to fame. It’s an honest portrayal of mental health struggles and abusive relationships and it’s a fascinating look at a true musical genius. You can read a bit more about it in my What To Watch post from the early days of quarantine. You can watch Love & Mercy on Hulu.
Rear Window
Rear Window is the ultimate quarantine movie. It’s not only an expertly crafted Hitchcock classic, it also encapsulates all of the feelings that come with being cooped up - frustration, anxiety, irritation. Take your pick. Jimmy Stewart embodies them all as he plays a travel journalist tethered to his apartment while recovering from a broken leg. It’s taken me way too long to catch up with this film, but it came at the perfect time. You can rent Rear Window on VOD.
Jim & Andy
Jim Carrey is a perpetually fascinating figure. His meteoric rise to fame, comedic genius, and recent controversial activity make him a cultural touchstone whether you’re a fan of his work or not. In one of his most divisive projects to date, Jim and Andy is a documentary that explores his extreme method acting techniques for his role playing Andy Kauffman in the film Man on the Moon. The documentary doesn’t pull any punches and neither does Carrey as interviews with the actor are intercut with behind the scenes footage of the making of the film. It’s a raw and engaging doc and it’s currently streaming on Netflix.
The Prestige
In my top three Nolan films, my first watch of The Prestige, was one of my most memorable theater-going experiences to date. The story about two warring magicians hit at a sweet spot in Nolan’s career where he was just coming off of the success of Memento and was reaping the rewards of bigger budget films and bigger stars. He would go on to collaborate with Christian Bale in The Batman films, but this movie really did set the stage for his great projects to come. The Prestige is available to rent on VOD
Arrival
Arrival is hands down one of my favorite films of all time. I saw it several times when it came out in theaters in 2016 and it’s staying power has carried through even for an at-home viewing several years later. It’s not your typical sci-fi genre film, but it’s clever and creative and says something enduringly important about how to be a decent human being. I love the performances, the cinematography, the direction. To me, it’s a perfect film.
Jo Jo Rabbit
Jo Jo Rabbit was controversial when it was released last year. The sardonic humor in the context of Nazi-Germany during World War II was a risky move on the part of emerging director Taika Waititi. But the payoff in this film is one of the best I’ve experienced in recent memory. He answers the objections to his handling of touchy topics with themes and performances that are saturated with empathy and love. It’s a wonderful film and you can see for yourself by renting it on VOD.
Fruitvale Station
In light of recent, heartbreaking events in our country that reinforce our violent history, I decided to reckon with some of those things by watching Fruitvale Station. It was an Indie project that flew under my radar when it was released a few years ago and I’m so glad I caught up with it. It’s a stunning feature debut from Ryan Coogler based on the actual story of Oscar Grant who was murdered by a police officer in 2008. Coogler has since solidified his status as a crucial storyteller for our time with projects like Black Panther and a retelling of the Rocky universe in Creed. It’s poignant and important. You can rent it on VOD.
The Matrix
A major blind spot for me, I didn’t have very high expectations when I sat down to watch The Matrix. The film has become such an integral part of our movie and movie making culture, I felt like I had already seen it. The stunts and storyline have been hijacked and parodied to the point that it felt like a chore to watch the source material. But…it turns out, it’s actually a great movie and it totally holds up. Keanu Reeve’s stoic performance fits and the action is thrilling. It’s a fun watch that’s totally worth your time whether you’re revisiting it for the hundredth time or watching it for the first time like me. You can rent The Matrix on VOD.
The Painter & The Thief
Released earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, this documentary that follows a Czech painter who decides to befriend and paint the portrait of the the man who stole her paintings from a gallery is a beautiful story about compassion and the importance of doing the hard work to see the humanity in everyone. The documentary is streaming on Hulu.
Jaws
Jaws is the quintessential summer movie, and it turns out, the perfect allegory for these strange times. The tension between the politicians and the scientists in this film is a little too familiar, but regardless, the movie holds up as the OG summer blockbuster and ultimate monster movie film. There’s never a bad time to watch it, but right now it’s especially resonant. You can stream Jaws on Hulu or HBO Max.
Emma
I’ve spent a lot of time gushing about Emma this year and it’s still sitting in the number one spot for my favorite film of the year, but I recently got to enjoy it again with my husband and we both agree it’s a timeless romantic comedy and a wonderful retelling of a Jane Austen story that has no shortage of remakes. You can catch Emma on VOD.