Some random things I watched (and enjoyed) in 2021
2021 was honestly not a huge culture year for me. I missed a lot of films and also feel like I watched a good amount of *meh.* Not due to any lack of good content, but more because of my own lack of energy. So, instead of writing a list of “the best” films of 2021, I thought I would just call out a few things that I watched this year and really liked.
Films
CODA (dir. Sian heder)
Unfortunately, due to Hollywood’s tendency to make films involving people with disabilities mostly trauma porn, a lot of people seem to have overlooked this lovely film due to a perception that it might be “depressing.” CODA is a coming-of-age story that follows Ruby, the only hearing member of her family. The film deals with lots of what one might call “issues” but in a way that feels completely true to everyday life that referring to them as “issues” feels reductive. So, instead, all I’ll say is that this is a funny, joyful, and sweet film about a family you’ll wish you could be a part of.
Judas and the Black Messiah (dir. Shaka King)
I probably don’t have much to say about this film that hasn’t already been said. The film tells the true story of William O’Neal, an FBI informant that infultrated the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party as run by Chairman Fred Hampton. While this history in itself is captivating and heartbreaking with or without a film adaptation, the performances— most notably that of Daniel Kaluuya— makes this more than worth a watch. All I have to say is this— the man has PRESENCE.
Passing (Dir. Rebecca Hall)
Passing is a film that I watched early in the year at Sundance and have kind of been rolling around on my tongue ever since. The book (by Nella Larson) is a work of genius and a hard one to adapt, but Rebecca Hall’s clear dedication and connection to this story of identity, race, and friendship, comes through in a way that grounds the film. As in Judas and the Black Messiah, the performances in this film could stand alone even without its other good qualities. Ruth Negga as Claire has to be the best casting decision of the year. Also, the film’s use of Ethiopian former-nun-turned-pianist Tsegue Maryam Muebrou’s music has to be my favorite film/music pairing in a while.
Encanto (dir. Byron howard and Jared Bush)
This one came out of nowhere for me. Historically, I’m pretty good at keeping animated films on my radar but somehow this one’s release slipped through the cracks. Luckily, I was able to see it thanks to a random movie outing with some cousins. Encanto is, at it’s core, a story about overcoming generational trauma and expresses that all-too-relatable experience through some beautiful animation and fun music from Lin Manuel Miranda.
Shiva Baby (Dir. Emma Seligman)
I saw someone describe this as having the feminine equivalent of the energy/stress of Uncut Gems and I would have to agree. However, the film is nothing like Uncut Gems and absolutely stands alone as a singular and unique film. If you like My Year of Rest and Relaxation or other books/media of the same messy, slightly unlikeable white girl variety this is definitely a good bet.
Summer of Soul (dir. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson)
This is one I could watch for hours. I’m not really one for concert films, but it’s not at all surprising to me that the one I end up loving was directed by Questlove. Part of why Summer of Soul is such a great watch lies in the fact that you can feel the excitement of those involved in making it. Knowing the process of making the film made it that much more enjoyable. The footage from the the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival had been sitting in a basement for 50 years until someone decided it was about time to do something with it. The footage was then handed to Questlove— a musician as well as a great connoisseur of music— and the rest was black history.
Another Round (Dir. Thomas Vinterberg)
Another Round is a movie that doesn’t really let you in on what it’s thinking. In the film, a group of four teachers decide to maintain a constant blood alcohol level of .5 in order to deduce whether or not alcohol can benefit your life if consumed with a certain level of discipline. Coming from a country where most films related to alcohol ultimately conclude with “thing bad,” it was intriguing to be presented with a much more nuanced view of drinking and drinking culture.
Other, non-film things I watched and enjoyed
TV Shows
Maid (Netflix)
Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix)
Feel Good Season 2 (Channel 4/Netflix)
WandaVision (Disney+)
The Chair (Netflix)
Sex Education Season 3 (Netflix)
Stath Lets Flats Season 3 (Channel 4/HBO Max)
Video Essays
Heterofatalism: WHY straight women aren’t okay by Tara Mooknee
Envy by ContraPoints
Bo Burnham’s Inside and “White Liberal Performative Art” by FD Signifier
Critical Race Theory (a beginner’s beginner guide) by Khadija Mbowe
Here’s to more enjoyable content in 2022— that’s probably all we can ask for.
See you soon,
Sofia
