Well, technically, Minari is here as well, but it’s very hard to watch, so it will be on here at a later date. And the greatest film of 2021, Godzilla vs. Kong, is not here until the end of March, so you’re stuck with a different awards heavyweight anchoring the top of the list.
New and noteworthy…
Nomadland
Writer/director Chloe Zhao’s film has been generating a ton of awards buzz (and actual nominations). The solemn story focuses on the American nomad community with actor Frances McDormand embedding herself in it. It’s a treatise on grief and loss and living unburdened. It’s a stunning visual tour of the American Southwest and its blue collar foundation. It’s a powerful piece of filmmaking and you’ll want to have seen it when it starts winning Golden Globes and Oscars. Trailer. 108 mins. Watch on Hulu.
I Care A Lot
Rosamund Pike yet again logs an incredible performance (showing why she is underrated in Hollywood) in the uneven, but mostly entertaining I Care A Lot. As a grifter of the elderly, and state justice system, Pike gets in over her head as she targets a senior citizen with a dark past, leading to an explosive and twist-laden final act. It’s a little long, but the film features an always strong Peter Dinklage, and great small role from Chris Messina, as a hack lawyer. Trailer. 118 mins. Watch on Netflix.
A grab bag of great movies…
Midnight Special
This 2016 hidden gem is sci-fi, but grounded, mysterious and thrilling, rather than relying on CGI and spaceships. Michael Shannon plays a father to a son with special powers, as the duo run from the government and a cult. Heart, soul, and ingenious storytelling make for an impressive cinematic endeavor. A strong supporting cast (Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst, Joel Edgerton) only add to the gravity of the film. Trailer. 111 mins. Watch on Netflix.
Beast
Alert. This is only on Prime for another three days!
Loosely based on the serial killer the Beast of Jersey, this ethereal, borderline hallucinatory film is perfect for those looking for a thriller. This was Jessie Buckley’s breakout performance as a woman who is drawn to Johnny Flynn’s brooding outsider and her repressive family. Twists, turns, frights and what an ending! Trailer. 107 mins. Stream on Shudder or Amazon Prime (for 3 more days).
Dunkirk
With Tenant leaving a sour taste, look back to director Christopher Nolan’s previous WWII film Dunkirk. While the plot is based on the historical rescue of British soldiers from the shores of German-occupied France, Nolan seamlessly blends three timelines and three plotlines together as they converge in a beautifully photographed climax. It’s got big dad-movie energy, but it’s worth it (and it’s short). Trailer. 107 mins. Watch on HBO Max.
TV’s weekly slot
Undone
I recommended this in one of my first newsletters, but I cannot say enough about it. This little-seen show is visual mashup of live action, rotoscoping, and oil painted landscapes, and the result is stunning. Rosa Salazar plays the protagonist who searches for the truth of her father’s death (Bob Odenkirk) 20 years prior. It blurs the line between reality and fantasy, sanity and insanity. It grapples with loss, identity, and trust, all heavy issues you’d expect from co-creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg (Bojack Horseman). Trailer. Eight Episodes. Check out on Amazon Prime.
Shoutout Letterboxd for helping the film community keep track!
For last week’s recommendations, check it out here.