REVIEW COLLECTION: Standout Films of 2021, Definitive Edition

WRITER'S NOTE: The following was originally posted on my Facebook page, "B.E. Kerian," on March 29, 2022. Not all films mentioned are recommended, but have been selected based on their strong artistic and thematic undertones. 

Belfast

Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical drama set in 1969 Ireland, reflecting on his youth and hometown amidst a turbulent period of political and social upheaval. Shot in beautiful black-and-white (with clever images of color sprinkled in), resulting in a captivating coming-of-age tale. 

CODA

I was late in seeing this now-Oscar-winning drama (which first premiered at Sundance last year). It's easy to understand its widespread appeal, given its authentic (even groundbreaking) portrayal of deaf individuals in a universal story about the struggles between family and responsibility, and pursuing one's dreams and ambitions. The central Rossi family can be crass at times (with numerous discussions revolving around sexual activity), but the dramatic arcs and destinations are ultimately worthwhile and loving. 

C'mon, C'mon

Writer-director Mike Mills' engrossing story features Joaquin Phoenix as a photojournalist who looks after his young nephew (Woody Norman) while the boy's mother (Gaby Hoffman) is away during a family crisis. A raw and introspective look at the generational relationships between adults and children, as well as mental illness and grief. 

Drive My Car

I'd speak more highly of this three-hour film, were it not for its problematic 40-minute prologue (which features silhouetted and partial nudity). That's disappointing, because the rest of the film is otherwise a masterclass in immersive character study and emotional storytelling, not to mention a profound multilingual approach. 

Encanto

Disney Animation has come a long way in the last decade alone. The Mouse House has done an incredible job of presenting stories of marginalized communities and rich cultures (look at Moana), and even righting some past wrongs by way of more realistic representation (Zootopia, anybody?). But their latest worldwide phenomenon ranks among their very best, not just for its colorful and lively animation and songs--the whole soundtrack is great, honestly. Its central characters (including the bespectacled Mirabel) are incredibly layered and relatable. More importantly, Encanto is a beautiful story of family and community that deserves to be talked about and seen over and over. (And yes, that includes Bruno.) My favorite film of the year. (Read my full review.) 

Passing

A daring and provocative study of race and identity, set during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s. Actress Rebecca Hall makes a remarkable debut as writer-director, while lead actresses Tessa Thompson and, especially, an unrecognizable Ruth Negga give transcendent performances. One of the most challenging films in recent years.

Pig

Nicolas Cage gives easily his best performance in years as a hermit chef, whose companion truffle pig is stolen, leading him on a dark odyssey back into civilization to find it. A bleak but intriguing story that looks for meaning in the most unlikely of places. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home

If ever there was a movie that motivated audiences to go back to the theaters in droves, Marvel's latest Spidey flick was ultimately the one to do it. Fan-service, perhaps. But it's the best kind. Not only does this rank as arguably the best cinemagoing experience since Avengers: Endgame. It also stands as the best of Tom Holland's trilogy of solo outings as an ever-growing Peter Parker, as well as something of a proper franchise closure (in more ways than one). Spidey-fans, you're in for a real roller-coaster. 

West Side Story

Steven Spielberg hasn't lost his unique cinematic touch with his first big screen musical: an adaptation of the beloved stage production of the same name, first made for the screen in 1961. This new version exceeds it in more ways than one, primarily in its authentic cultural representation. Kudos to newcomer Rachel Zegler (as Maria) and especially Ariana DeBose (knocking it out of the park as Anita), just two of the many shining performances in this stunning-though-tragic tale, essentially a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, but never more relevant than ever. 

Zack Snyder's Justice League

This one's a bit of a cheat, but those of us who've been following the DC Film Universe from the beginning will agree that the "theatrical version" of Zack Snyder's anticipated superhero team-up wasn't the true version. You could say this four-hour cut (released on HBO Max last year) was a long time coming. That being said, many DC and Snyder fans couldn't have been more thrilled to see the director's intended vision finally come to fruition. And it is a WHOLE lot better! Our favorite moment: when our heroes first fight, set to Junkie XL's electrifying score. (Read my full review.) 

Others I liked: 

The Mitchells vs the Machines 

A hilarious and visually-inventive comedy. 

A Quiet Place, Part II 

An edge-of-your-seat follow-up, full of genuine suspense and immersion. 

Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 

A big surprise of a Marvel movie. 

tick, tick . . . Boom! 

Andrew Garfield's best performance to date, as the late composer-lyricist Jonathan Larson, in Lin-Manuel Miranda's impressive, lively, and heartbreaking directorial debut.