STACK #207 Jan 2022

FILM FEATURE

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THE 10 BEST MOVIES OF 2021 In the absence of a barrage of big blockbusters, many independent films had an opportunity to shine last year. Here then are STACK ’s picks for the ten best movies to hit home entertainment formats in 2021 – in no particular order.

shines in the lead role. A homegrown murder- mystery that’s rich in intrigue and a palpable sense of rural life.” SOUL

What we said: ""Pixar’s 23rd feature carries a timely message of rebirth – its title both an homage to soul

and jazz and also the soul we trust is within us all. It also helps parents to explain the more gnarly questions about the meaning of life.” POSSESSOR What we said: “Writer-director Brandon

Cronenberg’s primal scream from a techno- void is a disturbing and hallucinatory sci- fi shocker with a loaded narrative guaranteed to

spark much discussion.” IN THE HEIGHTS

NOBODY What we said: “Bob Odenkirk has no need to further convince us that he’s amongst the

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN What we said: “This gripping and unpredictable thriller masterfully reinvents the revenge thriller for

What we said: “This glorious, multi-cultural Latinx musical confection delivers a huge dose of Lin- Manuel Miranda magic. A vibrant and ebullient big screen musical that’s just what the world needs right now.”

the #MeToo generation. The kind of movie that

greatest actors of his generation. Nobody plays with expectations for its entire running time, and viewers will be delighted at how often it catches them off guard.” A QUIET PLACE PART II What we said: “Takes what we know from the first film and spins it in a different direction, resulting

stays with you long after the

end credits have rolled.” NOMADLAND

What we said: “Writer-director Chloé Zhao’s docu-drama is a deep dive into the transient lifestyles of America’s

ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE

What we said: “Much more satisfying than the cursory theatrical version, the longer running time allows more breathing room for character development and interaction, and consequently, a knockout ensemble superhero epic.”

grey nomads. Frances McDormand delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a widow who hits the road to find serenity in the vast American West.” THE FATHER What we said: “Knockout performances from Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman are a

in a quality sequel packing all the scares and suspense that made the original something to shout about.” THE DRY What we said: “Director Robert Connolly brings

highlight of this powerful drama that explores the impact of dementia on an elderly patriarch and his daughter.”

Jane Harper’s best- selling novel to vivid life, and Eric Bana

16 JANUARY 2022

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