Films of 2020

This was a productive year for me in regards to my movie watching. Not that I got out to see more films in a theater, the opposite actually. You know, cause we were (sadly, still are) in a F%$&ing pandemic. This past year deprived many of us of our release of going to the theater, but in the same breath allowed us to enjoy more entertainment in the comfort of our homes. Case in point, my 100 Films of 2020 was actually 120 films and shows.

I’m sure that if I counted seasons of shows like I usually do, I would have way more than 120 (like counting LOST IN SPACE twice, or NARCOS three times). My highlights were having the opportunity to mark films and shows off of my recommendation list (The List), and in a typical binge fashion, the shows were consumed all at once. Being able to escape into these fantasy worlds truly helped escape the constant state of fear that was present most of the year.

This year was hard. I am lucky though, and entirely grateful, that I did not experience the worst that 2020 had to offer, and hold those in my life who are close to my heart. Like many, though, I battled my anxiety at its peak since March. These moments saw me submerge into the darkness, nights of crying myself to sleep, and constant thoughts of dread, but what helped me through was entertainment. 

These moments of entertainment within this stressful year helped me relax and think about something else for a while. It allowed space for other things besides panic to fill my brain, to help me move forward, stronger through the trudge. It wasn’t just movies and TV, though, it also were books. 

My dear friend and I started a book club, where we read classics and talked about them weekly. It was refreshing being able to connect with someone again over shared entertainment, even if we are 100s of miles apart. It also allowed me to read books I have been meaning to for years, EMMA, and GREAT EXPECTATIONS. (And yes, we also watched movie adaptations.)

I think that’s what one of the biggest lessons of 2020 was, the desire, and frankly the need, for connection from those we love. It could be connecting through platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to see each other and chat, or it could be text chatting about the hot new obsession that just dropped. However we find it, the connection is important to healing.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2020

1. 1917

2. Uncle Frank

3. The Gentlemen

4. Onward

5. Mortal

6. Old Guard

7. Lovebirds

8. Mulan

9. Project Power

10. Over the Moon