2020 Q1: Top Five Films (4/4/2020)
- Jun 27, 2020
- 3 min read
So far, 2020 has been quite the tumultuous year. Only a single quarter has passed and already the way new films are released is changing faster than ever before due to the ongoing pandemic crisis. Countless films are getting delayed and rescheduled, and the future of small, independent theaters is hanging in the balance.
In the midst of all that chaos and uncertainty, though, it can be easy to forget about the actual films that have been released this year. The first quarter is generally the weakest of any given year, but most of the films I saw were decent to good. There were even a couple of great ones thrown in there. Sure, there were a couple of stinkers, and I tended to avoid the ones that TRULY looked like trash (Dolittle, The Grudge, etc.), and a lot of the quality ones were leftovers from 2019 film festivals, but there were still plenty of unique and interesting experiences to be had in theaters this year so far.
As we go into the second quarter of what is shaping up to be an unpredictable and frightening year, it’s a good time to look back on what’s already come as we head into the unknown, and hope that at the very least good film won’t go down without a fight. Today, I'll be posting bottom three and top five films of the first quarter of 2020 lists. I hope you all read and enjoy!
5. Onward
A surprisingly fresh and mature offering, Onward isn’t without its flaws, and sometimes falls into common pitfalls that commonly befoul contemporary Western animated films, but at its core is a wonderful family drama with beautiful character arcs and a surprisingly mature message – not to mention incredible chemistry between the two leads, Chris Pratt and Tom Holland.
4. The Invisible Man
One of the biggest surprises of the year so far came with Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man. I wasn’t expecting much at all from this, but it turned out to be a scary, disturbing and hauntingly nuanced allegory for spousal abuse and gaslighting. The cinematography and acting are top notch and drive home the very real terror beyond the outlandish premise, delivering one of the more unforgettable experiences of the past few months.
3. Uncut Gems
One of a few entries on this list that are technically 2019 releases, but that I didn’t get to experience in theaters until 2020. Uncut Gems is easily one of Adam Sandler’s best films, and though that isn’t exactly a high bar, it took a non-believer like me and turned me into someone who was upset that he didn’t get nominated for an Oscar. Beyond Sandler’s impeccable performance, Uncut Gems is a tight, well directed and anxiety-riddled roller coaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and it’s definitely worth a watch.
2. Color Out of Space
I tried to put The Invisible Man or Uncut Gems above this, as they are arguably more intelligent and smartly written films with clear and interesting themes, but it just didn’t feel right. I had just a blissfully great time with Color Out of Space that I can’t imagine not putting it here. It’s silly and ridiculous but somehow so gripping and scary, and every bit of camp works towards the horror’s advantage. There are so many scenes in this movie that I loved, and only one so far this year has been better.
1. Portrait of a Lady On Fire
Portrait of a Lady on Fire might just be a masterpiece. It excels in almost every way; beautifully shot, directed and acted, it’s like staring into a bonfire and being mesmerized by the hypnotic dance of the flames. The chemistry between the two leads is so powerful and the emotions felt so strong that I’m not sure anybody would be able to resist the stirring power of this film. It’s a resounding ode to the nature of love, loss, experience, art, and human connection, and with any luck it’ll be talked about for years to come.
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