Drew Swenson’s Top Films of 2021
BY DREW SWENSON
Goodbye 2021, hello 2022. Omicron is surging, the supreme court blocks the vaccine mandate and I can’t get a replacement part for my 2009 Toyota Camry. Damn supply chain. All the while, I sit here reflecting on the ten movies that touched, moved, and inspired me this year. I can't help but think I'm being a bit laissez-faire while our democracy seems to waver and people continue to lose their lives daily. Yet, movies have felt like the one thing that's kept me sane during these unprecedented times. In 2021, I consumed more movies than ever before. This being my first year in NDFS, I was given the opportunity to see some pretty astounding titles. You may ask yourself, “Why should I care about Drew Swenson’s Top Ten?” “Who is this Drew Swenson guy anyway?” And I'm here to tell you, you shouldn’t. Get your own opinions. These ones are mine and you can't have them. Shoo! Opinions are like armpits or something like that.
Licorice Pizza (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 9th feature blew me away. I don’t think a single movie this year brought me more joy to watch than this one. In what appears to be a return to his roots, PTA dazzles us with an unconventional, Hollywood love story. With debut performances from Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (The late Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Son) and cameos from Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, and Benny Safdie, you’re sure to be smiling ear-to-ear. The title so brilliantly captures the essence of the story as well. Two foods that really don’t go together, and yet, somehow it tastes really, really good. Haters gonna hate, but I LOVED this movie. The cast of characters, the setting, and overall sense of nostalgia did it for me.
2. Flee (Dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen)
In part, an animated feature, part documentary, Flee seems to defy genre. The true story of a man named, for the purposes of anonymity, Amin. Amin, for the first time ever, recounts his story of fleeing Afghanistan in the late ’80s and his journey as a refugee. All the while, Amin, struggles to share his truth with his partner, Kaspar. An emotional rollercoaster of a movie, I found myself on both spectrums of hysterical laughter and ugly crying. When you are able, see this incredible, important, and moving movie.
3. Tick, Tick…Boom (Dir. Lin-Manuel Miranda)
From the brilliant mind of Jonathan Larson, comes a semi-autobiographical tale of a composer struggling to balance his personal life with his art. Lin-Manuel Miranda transposed this story brilliantly for the screen, while still maintaining its strong roots on the stage. I have to admit, I have loved this musical for a very long time. To me, it always seemed a bit closer to home or rooted in reality than Jonathan’s other lesser-known musical. You might have heard of it? A little show called RENT. Incredible performances from Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, and a host of Broadway cameos. A genius lost too soon, Jonathan Larson’s lyrics ring as true today as they did 30 years ago.
4. Dune (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)
Denis Villeneuve continues on his trail of sci-fi features in this retelling of Frank Herbert’s classic novel. If you’re expecting something similar to the David Lynch version of the 80s, which is iconic in its own right, prepare for something completely different. Denis brings the sands of Arrakis to life in epic proportion, with an even more epic cast. Notable performances from Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgård, and of course Zendaya, who I’m sure we will see much more of in the next installment. A masterclass in sound alone, Hans Zimmer’s score feels as much a part of the landscape as any of the other production elements. Dune is definitely a movie made for the BIG screen, catch it in theaters if you can.
5. Titane (Dir. Julia Ducournau)
If I had to describe this movie in one word, it would be painful. Never have I watched a movie that gave me a more visceral and physical reaction. If I had to equate that feeling to another movie I may bring up Steve McQueen’s Hunger or maybe even Brad Anderson’s The Machinist, but neither compares to this Palme d'Or winner. With an astounding breakthrough performance from Agathe Rouselle in the role of Alexia and incredible vulnerability from Vincent Lindon as, funny enough, Vincent. Julia Docournau has most certainly earned a seat in the hall of cinema greats or perhaps redefined what makes an amazing movie. Needless to say, I look forward to seeing what story she tells next.
6. The Green Knight (Dir. David Lowery)
A movie I had been heavily anticipating since the “before times,” it clearly did not disappoint. David Lowry brings this coveted and legendary tale to life on an epic scale. An Oscar-worthy performance from Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, as well as notable performances from Alicia Vikander, Sean Harris, Joel Edgerton, and Ralph Ineson. This movie takes you on a perilous, sometimes psychedelic, quest as Sir Gawain seeks to return with a story worthy of a seat at the round table. I have to say this film sat with me for quite a while and reflecting on it now, it feels like the morning after having a lucid dream. Questioning what was fiction and what was reality.
7. Mass (Dir. Fran Kranz)
A heartbreaking study on grief, anger, and time lost with the ones you love most, Franz Kranz’s Mass deserves more than one viewing. A movie that feels more like a stage play, we are catapulted into the world of two grief-stricken couples. Jay and Gail, played by Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, whose son was murdered in a school shooting. As well as Linda and Richard, played by Ann Dowd and Reed Birney, whose son was the school shooter and ultimately ended up taking his own life. The two couples meet at a church for a talk and hope to come to some semblance of closure on the matter, one can only imagine what ensues. A standout performance from Martha Plimpton whose powerful countenance drives the story. An incredibly important movie.
8. Shiva Baby (Dir. Emma Seligman)
Emma Seligman’s debut feature, based on her short film of the same name, is an hour and twenty minutes of pure, unadulterated anxiety. Never have I seen a film that captures the Jewish-American experience quite like this incredible movie has. Growing up Jewish, media that was representative of my identity was hard to find, and it’s exciting to see content like this in the limelight. Having attended a few shivas myself, I can attest to the chaos that can ensue. Throw in a sugar daddy and an ex-girlfriend and things can get interesting. Similar comedic energy to that of Death at a Funeral or Three Weddings and a Funeral, Emma Seligman has captured lightning in a bottle. Incredible breakthrough performance from Rachel Sennott, who played the role in the original short as well.
9. The Worst Person in the World (Dir. Joachim Trier)
From the mind of Joachim Trier, this Norwegian film follows the story of Julie, a young woman who struggles with being content in life. Don’t we all? A film in 12 chapters ranging from “Oral Sex in the Age of #MeToo” to “Julies Narcissistic Circus,” we follow Julie as she struggles to find her place in the world. An anti-hero of sorts, at times you find yourself loathing Julie and at other times wanting only the best for her. An incredible performance from Renate Reinsve as Julie. Other notable performances include Anders Danielsen Lie as Aksel and Herbert Nordrum as Eivind.
10. The White Tiger (Dir. Ramin Bahrani)
The White Tiger is a heart-wrenching representation of the ever-growing divide between the upper and lower class. Specifically, the still present caste system in India. The majority of the movie’s action takes place in the city of Dehli. The movie follows the story of Balram, a young man born into the Indian Underclass, who has found employment as a chauffeur to the wealthy Stork Family. Balram devotes his life to the Storks, and in return is treated as sub-human. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, who also adapted the screenplay from the book of the same name; Ramin’s vision is unlike any other director I’ve ever seen. His ability to bring humor to the story is exquisite. An incredible performance from Adarsh Gourav as Balram, who also narrates the film.
