Favourite Films 2021
I’m so incredibly relieved to be able to make a list of the best things I saw at the cinema this year. 2021 began in Lockdown and I’m not ashamed to admit I actually cried when the QFT reopened and I got to be in the audience for their first screening, (that “welcome back home” screen saver has made me more emotional than anything else in the last two years). I managed to see 101 movies this year. Some were truly dreadful, (a shout out here to Rose Plays Julie - honestly one of the worst things I’ve ever sat through), and some were astounding and left me still thinking about them days later. In the end I couldn’t narrow my list down to any less than 20 films plus one stand out movie of the year. It’s quite an eclectic selection and is probably heavily influenced by the strange times we’re currently navigating. I’ve found myself drawn to films which speak about humanity, resilience and possibly also, hope. Big thanks to all at the QFT who keep us in Belfast so very well storied and to my monthly QFT club, (Hannah, Andrew and Mícheál), looking forward to another year of debating whose turn it is to get the tickets this time.
Jan’s Film of 2021
C’Mon C’Mon
Which I reviewed as follows “Through a veil of tears, I declare this the best film about modern uncling/aunting ever made.”
Top Twenty Movies 2021 (in the order I saw them)
Apples
Sound of Metal
Minari
After Love
The Father
Summer of Soul
Deerskin
The Sparks Brothers
Limbo
Pig
Herself
Gagarine
Deadly Cuts
Mothering Sunday
The Power of the Dog
Petite Maman
Drive My Car
Sweet Thing
The Lost Daughter
Boiling Point