Television & Film 2021
Television & Film 2021
My annual rundown of film and television continues with this 2021 edition. Weirdly I have watched so few films, even fewer of note, that I’ve decided to merely tack on my film list to the end of the television one. This is partially due to logistics, but also fear of going to the cinema in Covid times. Streamers have offered a wonderful alternative, but little motivation. I suppose my new year’s resolution is to watch more films, less crappy ones, and maybe some less crappy TV as well.
Television 2021
I devoured television this year. From reboots to remakes to cultural phenomenons, I was highly immersed in tv worlds (likely as I was still too afraid and vulnerable to venture out into our own world). What I expected to fail excelled (see Dexter reboot), and what I expected to excel failed (see And Just Like That). As there was just too much content on my plate this year, I will only describe my top 10 in detail, as well as the odd series on the list that feels worth noting. My rankings are based on my personal enjoyment, cultural impact, and some randomness.
(Some series may have actually been released very late last year with my viewing carrying over into early 2021)
Bo Burnham: Inside – Not only is this a phenomenal piece of work, but it encapsulates the past 2 years better than anything else. Months later I am still singing the songs, laughing at the humour and in awe of the talent and dedication that went into making this special. Mind blown.
Succession – My current favourite TV series just finished another stellar season. This year felt even more special, not just because of the quality, but because during its run it became a weekly cultural talking point. Between the penultimate episode of season 3 and the New Yorker profile of Jeremy Strong, I don’t think I’ve thought about anything pop culture more than this!
It’s a Sin – This mini series really got me. A celebration and mourning of life lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 80’s. So beautiful, luscious and sad all in one.
Squid Game – I was a little let down by the finale, but there is no denying the cultural impact of Squid Game. An exhilarating watch, a cultural moment, and a game changer for International series.
Call My Agent! – This either released late last year or early this one depending on your Netflix territory… but early this year was when all of my friends and I discovered it, binged the entire 4 seasons and became totally obsessed!
Only Murders in the Building – I don’t think anyone expected this to be so good…. Obviously Steve Martin and Martin Short are legends who were going to bring it, but they REALLY brought it!
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 – This may seem a little twee amongst the likes of the other series in the top 10, but Drag Race UK Season 2 was a moment! Bing Bang Bong I would argue that this is hands down the best series the franchise has on offer!
Ted Lasso – Season 2 was a little less even than season 1, but it found its groove and I am now very much a Ted Lasso stan (like everyone else on the internet).
Dexter: New Blood – When I heard Dexter was being rebooted I debated if I should watch it or not. I loved the original series’ first 4 seasons, but I stuck with it until the very bitter end… As you know, that didn’t turn out well for anyone, real or fictional. But I have to say, I am very pleasantly surprised. Not only does New Blood justify its existence and bringing back Dexter to our screens, but it’s SO GOOD! Nostalgia aside, it’s still one of my series of the year!
Maid – A subtle masterpiece.
Emily in Paris – I know it’s not “good” but I can’t get enough of it!
How To With John Wilson
You (S3)
The White Lotus
Mare of Easttown
RuPaul’s Drag Race AllStars 6 – I am STILL thinking about Trinity K. Bonet!
The Beatles: Get Back – This would feature much higher on my list, but I’ve only just started this epic 8 hour journey. Beatles fans everywhere should rejoice that this footage was not only found, but put together by a master filmmaker like Peter Jackson. I wish there was a 2 hour companion piece movie to watch the highlights, but I will get through the 8 hours soon enough and will appreciate every single minute of it.
Bridgerton
Loki
Cobra Kai
The Boys
And Just Like That… – I’m not sure if this will get better as the series finds its footing. Currently it is an abomination and pissing all over the memory of the original Sex and the City. But I can’t stop watching – my loyalty to the original series runs deep. Please do better!!!
Hacks
I Think You Should Leave
Insecure
Starstruck
Search Party
Selling Sunset
The Flight Attendant
The Shrink Next Door – To be honest, the best thing about the show (besides Paul Rudd) was that it introduced me to the podcast it’s based on.
WandaVision
Waffles + Mochi
Friends: The Reunion
Hawkeye
Halston
Shrill
Wellington Paranormal
Special
The Oscars – I can’t believe I actually watched the whole ceremony! The ending was quite the twist!
Oprah with Meghan & Harry
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
This Is Us
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Derek Delgaudio’s In & Of Itself
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3 – How does it go from one of the franchise’s strongest seasons to one of its weakest in the same year? Over-producing feels like the culprit, and the wrong queens being eliminated. Season 2 felt way more organic which was beautiful.
Scenes from a Marriage
Grace & Frankie
Good Girls
Dogs
The Good Doctor
Euphoria: Fuck Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 – It was a bad enough season in spite of having a few excellent queens in competition… but when they did that Covid documentary I felt sick. So tasteless.
Physical
Feel Good
Sex Education
Workin’ Moms
Cinema Toast
Master of None
Phi Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang
Love Life
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under
Film 2021
There are SO many films on my wishlist that I’ve wanted to watch, but I spent the bulk of my viewing hours watching television. You’re likely wondering why the below have made the list when I still haven’t seen Another Round or Power of the Dog!!! Me too… Send help.
The Worst Person in the World
Promising Young Woman
Luca
The Kid Detective
Palm Springs
Tick, Tick… Boom!
Shiva Baby
The Mitchells vs The Machines
Soul
Bill and Ted Face the Music
Studio Ghibli Collection on Netflix (Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo, Castle in the Sky, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, Arrietty) – Yes, I started rewatching all the Studio Ghibli films! Howl’s Moving Castle is my reigning favourite.
Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Shang Chi
Framing Britney Spears
But I’m a Cheerleader
Zola
The Human Voice
The Normal Heart
To All the Boys Always and Forever – I’m a completist, but I should have stopped after the first film.
Zombieland: Double Tap
Thunder Force – Did not get through much of this movie at all, but still noting it down so I remember not to go back and try again)
