As we recover from a year marred by the intermittent closure of cinemas, 2021 came with a flourish; exhibiting some truly scintillating cinema to reinforce just what we had been missing during this time. The most commercially noteworthy of titles included Denis Villeneuve's much-anticipated adaption of Frank Herbert's Sci-Fi novel 'Dune'; the long-awaited return of Daniel Craig as James Bond in 'No Time to Die', and Marvel's 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'.
But, underneath all this spectacle and glamour, 2021 also contained some wonderful hidden gems. While fans eagerly awaited the blockbuster franchises, more nuanced, thought-provoking films took to the screen. Distinguished, character-driven narratives that offered much in the way of scrutiny, but, perhaps, flew under the general radar.
The Green Knight
Visionary director David Lowery’s ‘The Green Knight’ is an epic fantasy based on the Arthurian tale of ‘Sir Gawain and The Green Knight’. Sir Gawain, played by the ever-impressive Dev Patel, is better known as King Arthur's nephew. Brash and headstrong, he embarks on a meaningful journey to confront the famed Green Knight, a foe of quite gigantic proportions.
Production company A24 brings a wonderful mix of visual effects and attention to detail to 'The Green Knight', which gives the film a dreamlike quality that flows like an elaborate medieval painting. Lowery is known for his fable-style storylines, and he achieves this through the natural setting of the film and the moral integrity of the characters. While often flawed, they are admirably driven in their righteous purpose.
C'mon C'mon
Director Mike Mills' poignant black and white drama is documentary in style, as it examines the generational perspectives of our ever-changing and increasingly problematic society. Joaquin Phoenix plays Johnny, a radio journalist traveling cross-country in order to interview the younger demographic on their worldly views. At the behest of his sister, he agrees to look after his energetic nephew Jesse, before deciding to take him along for the ride. As a result, Jesse is able to experience life outside his hometown.
The films use of radio context and a monochromatic style shifts the audience's attention to a deeper connection with the characters. The delicate relationship between Johnny and Woody relies on honesty, subtle facial expressions and body language, as well as Mills' keen inclination for very naturally induced dialogue. Mills' perspective on parenthood provides a resonant learning experience for the characters, each sincerely influencing the other over the course of the film.
Supernova
One of 2021's biggest hidden gems, ‘Supernova’ follows the story of Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), a couple traveling across the UK’s Lake District in their old RV, revisiting people and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with dementia, their time together is now the most crucial thing they have.
In many ways, the film is a love letter to the British countryside. With the aid of cinematographer Dick Pope, relative newcomer Harry Macqueen confidently asserts himself as writer/director with some gorgeous shots of serene landscapes and a color palette of deeply natural shades that couple well with the film's poetic score. Thematically speaking, this is a deeply human film that retains that rather uncanny ability to draw you in and hold you, placing you centrally within the struggles of its characters. The honest interactions between Sam and Tusker highly contrast the overdramatized tendencies of more clichéd romance films. Indeed, it’s only in the films tragic climax that we see melodrama, however, it raises genuine notions of morality and the destructive capabilities of dementia, both to the individual and to those that love them.
Nobody
This John Wick-style action flick stars Bob Odenkirk of 'Better Call Saul' as Hutch Mansell, a mild-mannered, suburban father of two. After his house is burgled by two rookie criminals, he'll do anything to protect them and get his ordinary life back on track.
Partly inspired by a personal burglary experience of Odenkirk's, Nobody is more character-driven than its like-minded cousin John Wick. The clever use of quick cuts and enforced sound in the film's opening sequences helps to establish a sense of realism in Hutch's vacant presence in his tediously habitual life. It provides a contrast to the rest of the films quick pace, as Hutch transitions from an ordinary family man back into the skin of his dangerous past life as an FBI agent. All in all, it's deliriously entertaining.
Luca
Set in a small, seaside town on the Italian Riviera, 'Luca' is the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Luca, and his newly found best friend, Alberto, as they enjoy first time experiences during a summer they will never forget. Underneath it all, however, is a secret. Luca and Alberto are sea monsters from an underwater world just beyond the sea's surface. Their species is harmless but nonetheless feared by the town's population.
Pixar's follow up to the creatively inspired 'Soul' handles all the widespread qualities one associates with the renowned studio, such as a brightly appealing visual style and themes of identity, friendship and self-discovery. This is a film with a real European flavor; synonymous with Pixar's rising representation of cultural diversity.