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Judas and the Black Messiah is excellent and an early favorite here in 2021. Its cultural significance certainly resonates today and the approach taken by Shaka King and his team is much welcome when compared to filmmakers like Spike Lee and Jordan Peele. The story itself does all the work without the propaganda or ham-fisted approaches from others.
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Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland is another sterling example of the power of film here in early 2021. With its unconventional filmmaking style, powerhouse lead performance, and wonderful technical achievements, it’s no wonder the film was nominated for six Oscars in the acting, directing, screenplay, and cinematography categories along with the big one for Best Picture.
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Friend of the World certainly warrants a watch for sci-fi and horror fans alike. Its nightmarish and claustrophobic setting will have viewers on edge while the performances, especially from Nick Young, keep you invested. Though we knocked it a bit for maybe being too short and not developing a deeper story, this is a film and world that we want to see more of. How did things get to this point? What…
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Gabrielle Rosson’s Salvation is definitely a triumph for a budding filmmaker. With some great performances, a clear vision, and natural filmmaking prowess, Rosson has worlds of potential going forward. With only two films currently under her belt, it’ll be exciting to see what she does next.
