Movies to Look Forward to in 2021
With the shock of the pandemic gradually coming to a close, there are still some reminders that we lead indelibly different lives than before - movies being chief among these. The way we watch them has shifted more in the past year than it has in the last 15 combined, with the advent of home premieres and the temporary shutdown of our cherished theaters. Still, art persists, and studios are coming up with innovative ways to produce and distribute. In light of this, here are the movies I am most looking forward to being released this year - whether I end up watching them in a theater or on my couch!
The French Dispatch
Beloved director Wes Anderson returns with another highly stylized and deliciously pretentious film! The French Dispatch presents a stream of stories as an ode to 20th century journalism, boasting a star studded cast (including Timothée Chalamet) and gorgeous set design. Depicted in the trailer as witty and enthralling, this is Anderson’s first live-action movie since The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014 and the movie I am personally most excited for this year!
(Release Date: TBD)
Dune
2021 is the year for Timmy fans; in Dune, Chalamet stars alongside Zendaya in a Messiah-like role fighting for interstellar salvation. Director Denis Villeneuve (of Arrival and Blade Runner 2049) reimagines the landmark sci-fi novel with stunning visuals and set design - I am not a sci-fi fan, yet found myself swooning after watching the trailer. Critics who attended pre-release viewings have been whispering that this is going to be one of the great films of the decade!
(Release Date: October 1, 2021)
Nomadland
Home, is it just a word? Or is it something you carry within you?
I watched Nomadland at the pinnacle of the only week in my life where I woke up each day not knowing where I would be sleeping that night - the week of the great Texas ice storm of 2021 - and it felt spiritual! Chloe Zhao depicts Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman who has lost everything in the wake of the 2008 recession and turns to the road. McDormand is wonderful at emphasizing the importance of small moments; I smile when she smiles, I frown when she frowns, and when she stands in front of the crashing waves, I start weeping even before I understand the symbolism. Nomadland dwells on this enduring beauty of the mundane, and Zhao lulls you into limerence with the quotidian. An absolutely crucial watch (now streaming on Hulu).
Black Widow
Arriving after a 2 year gap of Marvel films (Wandavision excluded), Black Widow offers relief and excitement to expectant fans of the MCU. The film finally shines the spotlight on fan-favorite Avenger Natasha Romanoff, telling her origin story and connection to the group. (It also features Florence Pugh, which may or may not be my largest incentive to watch this). Projected to be one of the largest grossing blockbusters of the year, this is an action movie to look forward to even if you are like me and not typically an action enthusiast.
(Release Date: May 7, 2021)
Minari
With Minari, A24 brings us a tender story of immigration and familial bond; it portrays a South Korean family’s resilience in pursuit of the American Dream, set in rural Arkansas in the 1980s. Starring the ever-lovable Steven Yeun, this movie is filled with lazy sweetness and charm. Let Minari soothe and inspire you after a long day, and maybe watch it with your family or closest friends.
(Available to stream now through home premiere)
Written by: Dawson Cole
Edited by: Josie Gruber