The 30 Best Films of 2020

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10. Da 5 Bloods dir. Spike Lee

Our review: “While not a perfect film, Da 5 Bloods is an epic and ambitious project that manages to delve deep into America’s legacy in Vietnam and the nature of greed and grief, offering a thorough examination of the effects this war had on those involved on both sides.” Read more

9. Tenet dir. Christopher Nolan

Our review: ” Nolan has proved time and time again that he has complete control over the blockbuster medium and Tenet is no different. Every aspect, from the story to the characters to the superb technical prowess on display, clicks into place and leads to a wholly thrilling, explosive climax.” Read more

8. Saint Maud dir. Rose Glass

Our review: “With its razor-sharp script, excellent performances and unending sense of dread, Saint Maud stands before us as a true testament to the sheer power of the horror genre.” Read more

7. Mangrove dir. Steve McQueen

Our review: “Through outstanding performances, technical prowess and a tear-inducing crescendo, you can’t help but feel a wave of emotion created by the film’s overwhelming messages.” Read more

6. The Invisible Man dir. Leigh Whannell

5. 1917 dir. Sam Mendes

Our review: “1917’s showy filmmaking doesn’t detract from the evil of war or a pursuit of naturalism – it matches the elevated tension of what our protagonist has at stake. Mendes proves that there’s a way to celebrate the bravery exhibited in the war without a bitter shadow of jingoism.” Read more

4. Uncut Gems dir. Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie

Our review: “The script juggles the ever-present tension beautifully alongside douses of humour with sharp, witty and often cynical dialogue as well as sprinkling moments of genuine heartfelt emotion that further connect the audience to Howard and his various pitfalls.” Read more

3. Portrait of A Lady on Fire dir. Céline Sciamma

Our review: “A world away from any stuffy stereotypes, the dialogue is daring and often fun, detailing the experience of intimacy in a manner grounded in realism. As often happens, there is no sudden fall into bliss for the pair, instead it is a slow burn into love – and what a rapturous love it is.” Read more

2. The Lighthouse dir. Robert Eggers

Our review: ” The story relies heavily on old sailor folktales told by Dafoe’s character that plague Pattinson, which leads to some truly grotesque, batshit hallucinations that will send shivers down your spine and leave you utterly dumbfounded at what you’ve just witnessed.” Read more

1. Parasite dir. Bong Joon-ho

Our review: “Every camera angle, every line and every character is significant and immaculately thought out to illustrate Bong’s complex and nuanced critique of the class system under capitalism.” Read more

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