The movies were back in full force in 2021. After a year of unpredictability and the inability to go to the movie theatre, it was oh so glorious to return to our favourite place and watch amazing movies on the big screen. And the quality of 2021 films were top notch. The movies went big this year, with flashy, entertaining blockbusters, crowd-pleasers, and many award-worthy performances. We’re recapping all the best parts of 2021, which for many reasons is a year to remember.
M. Night Shyamalan gave us a completely unique and horrific story about a beach where you turn old, and the big twist did not disappoint. A film that was equally meme worthy and profound, we are always down for a horror story rooted in real life, political fears, and Shyamalan is a master at that. It also featured some stellar performances from Gael Garcia Bernal and Vicky Krieps.
Canadian actor and our man Simu Liu became an action star with Marvel’s first Asian superhero movie, and it was almost the biggest movie of the year. Shang-Chi wasn’t just notable for its diversity (with an all-star cast including Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung and Ben Kingsley), but it was a riveting, unique story, and a breath of fresh air into the Marvel universe.
One of the most talked about films of the year, Malignant was truly a crazy ride. Horror director James Wan’s story about a woman with a malignant twin is wild from the very opening scene, but the places it goes are unlike anything we’ve seen before. You will laugh, cry and scream at the absolute mayhem of this movie, and we just hope that we will start seeing more like it.
Worlds collide in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and it’s a nostalgia fest for one of our favourite superheroes. No spoilers, but it’s well known by now that all Spidey franchises come together for this movie, and rumour has it – they’ve nailed the landing. Whether you’re a Spider-Man fan or not (and really, who doesn’t love that friendly neighbourhood kid), No Way Home is simply one of the best superhero movies … dare we say…. ever made.
Quebecois royalty Denis Villeneuve truly created a whole new world with his adaptation of Dune. Seeing this film on the big screen, especially in IMAX, transported us to Arrakis and taught us the value of sand… and it was nothing short of magical. The A list cast all killed it in their roles, and we just can’t wait to see Timmy and the gang return for Part 2.
It’s hard to believe after seeing West Side Story that this is Steven Spielberg’s first ever musical, because it feels as though he was born to make them. Or at least, he was born to make this one. His reimagining of the classic stage play is a jaw-dropping spectacle that will charm you from the opening shot, and the film is the definition of movie magic. With outstanding performances from the entire cast, but specifically his Maria, newcomer Rachel Zegler, and his Anita, Ariana DeBose, Spielberg’s version blows the 1961 original out of the water, which is no easy feat.
This medieval-set adult drama may not be for everyone, but those who saw it knew that it was completely overlooked. A compelling story written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon (their first screenplay together since Good Will Hunting), and directed by Ridley Scott, The Last Duel is the kind of movie they don’t really make anymore, so we need to savour it when it comes along.
Director Mike Mills is known for very personal stories reflecting his own life. Beginners was about his father, 20th Century Women was about his mother, and C’mon C’mon is about his child – and it’s an extremely raw depiction of children and how they relate to adults. With a star-making performance from newcomer Woody Norman and a lived-in, gentle take from star Joaquin Phoenix, this philosophical and profound film is one that will stay with you, whether you have a child of your own or not.
The man behind films like Tangerine and The Florida Project is back with another provocative indie film, and this time it’s about (and stars) an ex-porn star. The film has been critically praised, but it’s especially Rex’s performance that people are talking about. Baker’s signature style of documenting very real stories and underrepresented characters continues to charm audiences, and Red Rocket is another winner.
Who knew that a Twitter thread could inspire such a thrilling movie, but we are in the year 2021 so anything feels possible? Based on a true story that garnered a lot of buzz on the social media platform, Zola follows two strippers who go on a trip to Florida for a promising gig, but things go haywire and get messy fast. With a star-making turn from newcomer Taylour Paige, and a stunning supporting cast including Riley Keough, Colman Domingo and Nicholas Braun, Zola will have you on the edge of your seat.
Tammy Faye Bakker is an infamous televangelist who had a tumultuous rise to fame and was the centre of a scandal or two – but she was also such a sweetheart. Jessica Chastain transforms into this controversial woman and is barely recognizable – but the actor has such a distinct charm that makes you fall in love with Tammy Faye, and no one could have channeled that better.
Kristen Stewart’s performance as Princess Diana is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed. We’ve been a long-time fan of Stewart, who has really come into her own since the Twilight franchise, but her turn as Diana truly knocked us off our feet. She captures every little look and mannerism and crafts this tragic character – putting any perception you may have had of the royal figure into a new light. It is a brave and bold performance that proves Kristen Stewart truly is one of the best actors of this generation, just in case anyone may have doubted her.
In King Richard, we get to meet the eccentric, demanding and headstrong father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, and Will Smith disappears into this role. In what we think may be his best performance ever, Smith makes this complicated and off-putting man someone you’ll find yourself rooting for. A flawed but fascinating character, Richard is someone who will annoy you and pull at your heartstrings at the same time, and his story is nothing short of incredible.
Fresh off playing (and winning an Oscar) for his performance as the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix gives us one of his most gentle performances, and it’s a side of the actor that we can’t help but fall in love with. As Johnny, the uncle to a rambunctious 9-year-old who he must look after for a couple of weeks, here we get a man being challenged by a child and learning new things about himself and the world through his nephew’s eyes. It’s a beautiful turn that we believe deserves all the accolades.
Our favourite movies of the year
Old
M. Night Shyamalan gave us a completely unique and horrific story about a beach where you turn old, and the big twist did not disappoint. A film that was equally meme worthy and profound, we are always down for a horror story rooted in real life, political fears, and Shyamalan is a master at that. It also featured some stellar performances from Gael Garcia Bernal and Vicky Krieps.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Canadian actor and our man Simu Liu became an action star with Marvel’s first Asian superhero movie, and it was almost the biggest movie of the year. Shang-Chi wasn’t just notable for its diversity (with an all-star cast including Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung and Ben Kingsley), but it was a riveting, unique story, and a breath of fresh air into the Marvel universe.
Malignant
One of the most talked about films of the year, Malignant was truly a crazy ride. Horror director James Wan’s story about a woman with a malignant twin is wild from the very opening scene, but the places it goes are unlike anything we’ve seen before. You will laugh, cry and scream at the absolute mayhem of this movie, and we just hope that we will start seeing more like it.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Worlds collide in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and it’s a nostalgia fest for one of our favourite superheroes. No spoilers, but it’s well known by now that all Spidey franchises come together for this movie, and rumour has it – they’ve nailed the landing. Whether you’re a Spider-Man fan or not (and really, who doesn’t love that friendly neighbourhood kid), No Way Home is simply one of the best superhero movies … dare we say…. ever made.
Dune
Quebecois royalty Denis Villeneuve truly created a whole new world with his adaptation of Dune. Seeing this film on the big screen, especially in IMAX, transported us to Arrakis and taught us the value of sand… and it was nothing short of magical. The A list cast all killed it in their roles, and we just can’t wait to see Timmy and the gang return for Part 2.
West Side Story
It’s hard to believe after seeing West Side Story that this is Steven Spielberg’s first ever musical, because it feels as though he was born to make them. Or at least, he was born to make this one. His reimagining of the classic stage play is a jaw-dropping spectacle that will charm you from the opening shot, and the film is the definition of movie magic. With outstanding performances from the entire cast, but specifically his Maria, newcomer Rachel Zegler, and his Anita, Ariana DeBose, Spielberg’s version blows the 1961 original out of the water, which is no easy feat.Underrated gems you may have missed
The Last Duel
This medieval-set adult drama may not be for everyone, but those who saw it knew that it was completely overlooked. A compelling story written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon (their first screenplay together since Good Will Hunting), and directed by Ridley Scott, The Last Duel is the kind of movie they don’t really make anymore, so we need to savour it when it comes along. 
C'mon C'mon
Director Mike Mills is known for very personal stories reflecting his own life. Beginners was about his father, 20th Century Women was about his mother, and C’mon C’mon is about his child – and it’s an extremely raw depiction of children and how they relate to adults. With a star-making performance from newcomer Woody Norman and a lived-in, gentle take from star Joaquin Phoenix, this philosophical and profound film is one that will stay with you, whether you have a child of your own or not. 
Red Rocket
The man behind films like Tangerine and The Florida Project is back with another provocative indie film, and this time it’s about (and stars) an ex-porn star. The film has been critically praised, but it’s especially Rex’s performance that people are talking about. Baker’s signature style of documenting very real stories and underrepresented characters continues to charm audiences, and Red Rocket is another winner.
Zola
Who knew that a Twitter thread could inspire such a thrilling movie, but we are in the year 2021 so anything feels possible? Based on a true story that garnered a lot of buzz on the social media platform, Zola follows two strippers who go on a trip to Florida for a promising gig, but things go haywire and get messy fast. With a star-making turn from newcomer Taylour Paige, and a stunning supporting cast including Riley Keough, Colman Domingo and Nicholas Braun, Zola will have you on the edge of your seat. Our favourite performances
Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Tammy Faye Bakker is an infamous televangelist who had a tumultuous rise to fame and was the centre of a scandal or two – but she was also such a sweetheart. Jessica Chastain transforms into this controversial woman and is barely recognizable – but the actor has such a distinct charm that makes you fall in love with Tammy Faye, and no one could have channeled that better. 
Kristen Stewart, Spencer
Kristen Stewart’s performance as Princess Diana is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed. We’ve been a long-time fan of Stewart, who has really come into her own since the Twilight franchise, but her turn as Diana truly knocked us off our feet. She captures every little look and mannerism and crafts this tragic character – putting any perception you may have had of the royal figure into a new light. It is a brave and bold performance that proves Kristen Stewart truly is one of the best actors of this generation, just in case anyone may have doubted her.
Will Smith, King Richard
In King Richard, we get to meet the eccentric, demanding and headstrong father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, and Will Smith disappears into this role. In what we think may be his best performance ever, Smith makes this complicated and off-putting man someone you’ll find yourself rooting for. A flawed but fascinating character, Richard is someone who will annoy you and pull at your heartstrings at the same time, and his story is nothing short of incredible.
Rachel Zegler, West Side Story
Finding Rachel Zegler is the result of a year-long search for the perfect Maria, and a commitment to diversity, by casting an actual Latina actress for the role. Steven Spielberg’s discovery of this young actress is a marvelous feat, for his film, and for the industry, because Zegler is a huge talent and West Side Story is just the beginning for her. Maria is an iconic role, a star-crossed lover who falls for a white boy in 1950s New York, and what Zegler brings to the character is so raw and beautiful.
Joaquin Phoenix, C'mon C'mon
Fresh off playing (and winning an Oscar) for his performance as the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix gives us one of his most gentle performances, and it’s a side of the actor that we can’t help but fall in love with. As Johnny, the uncle to a rambunctious 9-year-old who he must look after for a couple of weeks, here we get a man being challenged by a child and learning new things about himself and the world through his nephew’s eyes. It’s a beautiful turn that we believe deserves all the accolades.Cineclub is for movie lovers.
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