What a totally bonkers mess of a year 2020 was. Even though not as many movies came out as usual, there were still a ton of them worldwide that kept me at the edge of my seat streaming at home—as movie theaters have not yet reopened in L.A. since the shutdown in March. These feature film gems made 2020 worth my time!

1. MY OCTOPUS TEACHER

This is by far my favorite film of the year. It completely took me by surprise. This documentary follows Craig Foster, a filmmaker who spent an entire year developing a friendship with an octopus in a South African kelp forest in the Atlantic Ocean. It is absolutely stunning, amazing, and incredible. The depth of personality and insight the filmmakers capture from this octopus moved me beyond expectation.

2. COLLECTIVE

This Romanian documentary centers around the shocking fire at a nightclub in Bucharest, Romania in 2015. Hundreds were injured and dozens died. But to the shock of all, dozens of survivors died in subsequent weeks out of healthcare fraud, corruption and maladministration. Journalists uncover the truth behind the terrible tragedy that pushed Romanians to force the government at the time to step down and resign.

3. ANOTHER ROUND

This Danish film has a fantastic screenplay. Four friends who are teachers at a school in Copenhagen feel that life is an absolute bore. When someone brings up the theory from psychiatrist Finn Skårderud that suggested that a blood alcohol content of 0.050 bursts creativity, the teachers decide to embark on an experiment. They lead life keeping themselves precisely at the 0.050 blood alcohol level. All is wonderful until the drinking pushes them over the edge with unwavering consequences.

4. EMMA

Jane Austen has never been this good—well, at least not for a long while. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, the sensational actress in the hit limited Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit. Life couldn’t be more straight-forward for this upperclass British young woman, whose matchmaking skills have become the very reason for her being. When love strikes her own heart, she has no clue how to manage it and a total mess ensues in the best way Jane Austen can munster. Filled with hilariously sharp performances from the entire cast.

5. BAD EDUCATION

Based on the true story of the most appalling school district embezzlement in American history, this powerful film stars Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. The crimes are unearthed by a student journalist, played by Geraldine Viswanathan, when she publishes the story in the school’s own newspaper. The on-point performances stayed in my mind for days after watching this film.

6. CHARLATAN

This intriguing movie from the Czech Republic pulls you in from the first moment. Based on the true story of the world renowned healer Jan Mikolášek, who treated people with plant-based remedies. The story has more than meets the eye as the healing gets the attention of the Communist party. Before he can see it coming, Mikolášek finds himself accused of crimes he swears he didn’t commit.

7. THE TRiAL OF THE CHICAGO 7

With an all-star cast that includes Michael Keaton, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniel Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eddie Redmayne, and many others, this drama tells the story of a group of anti–Vietnam War protesters. Planning to attend the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago to protest, the group finds themselves charged to conspire to incite a riot.

8. WOLFWALKERS

Dazzlingly animation hits the mark on this fantasy film from Ireland. The story has at its center a girl named Robyn, who is tasked alongside her father to kill the last pack of evil, magic-bound wolves in Ireland. But when Robyn develops a friendship with a girl named Mebh, they discover the underworld of the Wolfwalkers. Fate comes into play turning Robyn herself into a wolf.

9. MANK

Bound to receive Oscar nominations across the board, this delightfully stylized drama, tells the biographical story of award-winning screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, as he develops the screenplay for the classic 1941 film, Citizen Kane. The film was directed by David Fincher and stars Gary Oldman & Amanda Seyfried.

10. RISING PHOENIX

This documentary shines light into the lives of nine Paralympic athletes. It follows their journey as they prepare to compete. Their unwavering dedication and talent is inspiring to say the least. The movie reminds us that obstacles can be overcome when we set our minds to it.

TEN WORTHY HONORABLE MENTIONS!
THESE NEXT FILMS ALSO DESERVE YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION!

11. MINARI

12. PALM SPRINGS

13. FIREBALL: VISITORS FROM DARKER WORLDS

14. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

15. BOYS STATE

16. THE PROM

17. SOUND OF METAL

18. THE FATHER

19. DICK JOHSON IS DEAD

20. SOUL