Another film year has come and gone with 2021 proving that cinema is still as vibrant as ever. I was truly delighted by the year's many works of art which subverted and exceeded my expectations with their entertaining storytelling, unforgettable characters and impeccable craft. Without further ado, here are my 10 favorite films of 2021, including links to reviews for my fulsome thoughts on these precious gifts.
Honorable Mentions: President, Summer of Soul, Passing, Citizen Ashe
10. The Lost Daughter(directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal)
"The rich performances and honest screenplay generate remarkable empathy for an abrasive character."
9. The Green Knight(directed by David Lowery)"As this beguiling fantasia builds to its stunning conclusion, Lowery's heady (pun intended) screenplay asks pertinent questions of its protagonist and audience alike."
8. Flee(directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen)"A heartrending odyssey of epic proportions, this innovative film is truly one of the highlights of 2021."
7. In the Heights(directed by Jon M. Chu)"In the Heights" is truly a festive experience, with Anthony Ramos leading the way with his innate star power."
6. The Worst Person in the World(directed by Joachim Trier)"The Worst Person in the World" feels like an instant touchstone of cinematic stories about my generation."
5. The Tragedy of Macbeth(directed by Joel Coen)"There's no denying the artistic excellence on display in Joel Coen's delicious cinematic take on The Tragedy of Macbeth."
4. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry(directed by R. J. Cutler)"There's a beautifully humanizing quality to this biographical documentary."
3. Pig(directed by Michael Sarnoski)
"Pig truly subverts expectations at every turn, with its bleak visual aesthetic and premise masking a deeply humane film."
2. The Rescue(directed by Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi)"The Rescue will likely make you cry, cheer and teeter on the edge of your seat to very end."
1. The French Dispatch(directed by Wes Anderson)"The dialog comes at you fast and the plotting even faster, as Anderson gleefully revisits some of his favorite tropes and character archetypes."
