The Best Films of 2020: FACETS Virtual Cinema Stand Outs
Watch newly released independent and international films at FACETS Virtual Cinema here.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to watch the year’s best films before it’s over and award season sneaks up, you might ask yourself, “how in the world did I miss this many great films?” When every critic releases a Best of the Year list and deems a handful of new films essential, it’s no wonder the recommendations can pile up.
Even in 2020, where we spent a majority of the year inside planted in front of a screen, the amount of great films available could tend to feel overwhelming for even the most seasoned cinephile. If only there were a way to determine earlier in the year what films would truly stand out from the rest and come to find success with critics later on.
Don’t think this exists? Think again. When COVID-19 lockdowns were put into effect in March, Virtual Cinemas swept the nation and FACETS quickly adapted to the new industry standard. Charles Coleman, FACETS Film Program Director, observed the shifting landscape of the film industry and embraced this adventurous new presentation format.
From FACETS exclusive first runs like Yes, God Yes (2019) that shot to the top of the Netflix charts months later, to 4K restorations of lost classics like Nationtime (1972), Charles’s keen programmatic eye is the arbiter of taste we’ve all been looking for in these trying times. We’ve compiled a list of FACETS Virtual Cinema films that have appeared on the “Best Films of 2020” roundups from notable critics. We’ve even included where you can watch them right now.
Shirley (2020)
Directed by Josephine Decker
Filmmaker Josephine Decker (Madeline’s Madeline) made a compelling thriller out of renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson (best known for her novel, The Lottery) who was on the precipice of writing her masterpiece when the arrival of a young couple upends her meticulous routine and heightens tensions in her already tempestuous relationship with her philandering husband.
In an era of truly great unhinged Elisabeth Moss performances, this fresh take on the psychological period drama is no exception. Shirley played at FACETS Virtual Cinema in June and has landed a spot on Best of the Year lists from The New Yorker’s Richard Brody, Slant Magazine, and Vulture.
Shirley is now available to watch on Hulu.
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples
Miss Juneteenth is a poignant journey of a determined woman who takes on the burden of representing history, and generations of black women, while standing tall despite her own shortcomings as she marches toward self-realization. This remarkable film features undeniable performance by Nicole Beharie as Turquoise, a woman radiating elegance as she strives to survive while finding ways to succeed.
2020 was a year where far too many people learned what Juneteenth was for the first time. This beautifully heartfelt debut feature from director Channing Godfrey Peoples takes place at the Miss Juneteenth beauty pageant where a mother and daughter work out their expectation related disagreements and come out stronger.
Miss Juneteenth played at FACETS Virtual Cinema in June and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick. It received an end of the year shoutout from Vulture, and was included on Time Magazine’s 10 Best Movies of 2020 list.
Miss Juneteenth is now available to watch on Kanopy.
To the Ends of the Earth (2020)
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Building to a series of bold emotional flourishes in its third act, To the Ends of the Earth earns both its tension and humor in surprising yet profoundly relatable ways. A brilliant mix of black comedy and travelogue, this outstanding film becomes a chronicle of young woman’s journey from displacement to a place of self-discovery.
This new film from Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the prolific Japanese auteur behind modern masterpieces like Cure and Tokyo Sonata is currently screening at FACETS Virtual Cinema and found its way into the hearts (and lists!) of many critics. To the Ends of the Earth earned the distinction of the 6th Best Film of 2020 from Slant Magazine and is a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
To the Ends of the Earth is available to watch through FACETS Virtual Cinema until December 31 here.
Ham on Rye (2019)
Directed by Tyler Taormina
Ham on Rye begins with the crowd-pleasing spirit of a John Hughes movie and gradually fades into an off-kilter dystopia with the energy of the film Dazed and Confused, before segueing into something far stranger, while capturing the awkwardness of being a teen and the discouragement of becoming an adult.
This coming-of-age comedy from Tyler Taormina currently holds the record for the film that was extended due to popular demand the most out of any at FACETS Virtual Cinema. Critics and audiences alike have been enamored with this genre-bender, landing it a well-earned spot on Best of the Year lists from Slant Magazine and The New Yorker.
Ham on Rye is available to watch on Amazon here.
Mayor (2020)
Directed by David Osit
Mayor documents the real-life political saga of Musa Hadid, the mayor of Ramallah, during his second term in office. The film offers a portrait of dignity amidst the madness and absurdity of endless occupation, providing a remarkable example for the tenacity of Palestinians in the face of asymmetrical violence and systematic obstacles.
David Osit’s film is currently playing at FACETS, and made it onto IndieWire’s Best Documentaries of 2020. Similarly, Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri gave the film a coveted spot in his top 10 of the year.
Watch Mayor, the revelatory documentary at FACETS Virtual Cinema until January 7 here.
Relic (2020)
Directed by Natalie Erika James
When the elderly and widowed matriarch of the family inexplicably vanishes and quickly returns, her daughter Kay (Emily Mortimer) and granddaughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) begin to sense that a sinister presence in the house might be taking control of her in this psychological horror film.
Relic screened at the FACETS Pop-Up Drive-In in September, and has since found its way into the hearts of critics and audiences alike. The gripping 2020 horror standout sits proudly on Best of the Year lists from Alison Willmore at Vulture, Time’s Stephanie Zacharek, and IndieWire’s Chief Film Critic, Eric Kohn.
Relic is available to watch on Vudu here.
The Wolf House (2018)
Directed by Joaquin Cociña and Cristóbal León
Inspired by the actual case of Colonia Dignidad, The Wolf House masquerades as an animated fairy tale produced by the leader of the sect in order to indoctrinate its followers. Combing stop-motion techniques, painting and photography, this exquisitely handcrafted animation feature tells the story of a girl who escapes a cult colony of religious fanatics during Chile’s darkest years under Pinochet.
This New York Times Critic’s Pick was labeled “the darkest animated movie ever made” by IndieWire. It is one of the most underrated films of the year and showed at the FACETS Virtual Cinema back in May.
The Wolf House is available to watch on Amazon here.
FACETS Virtual Cinema shows no signs of slowing down, as our 2021 slate of films is already filling up. Next time you’re overwhelmed with too many streaming choices, look to FACETS for on the pulse programming you cannot find anywhere else.