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In 2020, the corona virus was the main protagonist in our lives. However, many TV shows and movies from streaming services have “saved” most of the population by providing entertainment in the midst of social isolation.
Several of them stood out for their theme, good plot or great performances. Here I leave you with a summary of those who shined their own light in this year ending:
Series
The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
Turned into an unexpected global phenomenon, it’s one of the most watched series on Netflix this year. A seven-chapter story inspired by the novel of the same name Walter Trevis, published in 1983, about Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young orphan who is a world chess champion.
According to Trevis, to create the character he was inspired by players such as Robert Fischer, Boris Spassky and Antoly Karpovalthough mostly in himself, as he has extensive experience in professional chess as well as substance abuse.
“Unorthodox” (Netflix)
Based on the real experiences of Deborah Feldman, who wrote his story in a book published in 2012, “Unorthodox” tells of the flight of a 19-year-old girl from a Hasidic community in Brooklyn to Berlin in search of her own identity.
The series was one of the most watched and discussed during the incarceration of the first wave of the pandemic and widely publicized the customs and way of life of the ultra-Orthodox Jews of New York.
“The Mandalorian” (Disney +)
After discovering Baby Yoda in the first season of “The Mandalorian”, the second has delved into the spell that this little green character elicits in viewers who have become addicted to a series that draws ever closer to the original “Star Wars” universe.
With the only problem of the short duration of the chapters, who always know little, ‘The Mandalorian’ has become the big attraction of Disney +, with perfectly measured, spectacular stories that have given gifts to fans, such as the appearance of Boba Fett or seeing Pedro Pascal’s face for the first time as I send.
“The Crown” (Netflix)
Now in its fourth season, the British Royal Family series manages to remain among the most highly regarded by critics and audiences every year. The fact that the UK government recently asked Netflix to include a warning that the series is ‘fiction’ may give some idea of its influence.
The story has already reached the 80’s and with it introduced new characters such as Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) and a young princess Diana (Emma Corrin), which bring about a good dose of intrigue and change at Buckingham Palace.
Mrs America (FX)
Cate Blanchet surprised many with her portrayal of Phyllis Schafly, a conservative and anti-feminist activist in this FX series who told the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in America and the resistance led by this woman known as “the bride of the silent majority.”
As the chapters progress, the main figures of the feminist movement come out Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne) a Jill Ruckelshaus (Elizabeth Banks), their personal struggles and their contradictions. The series also allows us to analyze the origins of “Trumpism” rhetoric.
“Homeland” (HBO)
The series created by Aitor Gabilondo for HBO, based on the novel by Fernando Aramburu about ETA terrorism and its impact on the lives of two families, has crossed borders and New York Timeshas included it in its own list of the best of the year, for example.
In this portrait of the worst years of terrorism in the Basque Country especially the actresses shine Elena Irureta and Ane Gabarain in their respective roles as confrontational matriarchs. Eight episodes to understand from a complex and violent era that characterized the history of Spain.
Movies
“Tenet”
After successive procrastination and in the midst of great uncertainty, This movie, directed by Christopher Nolan, was released in August. “Tenet” was destined to save the movie industry, seeking the return of people to theaters around the world. This has never been completed. However, the artwork that remained was phenomenal. As the critic Juanma Fernández París noted, “as an amalgamation of the action and science fiction genre, ‘Tenet’ is a complete cinematographic event. The film creates an epic scale, carefully designed to be consumed on the largest screen possible, serving as a platform for a deluge of ambitious and ingenious images that will feed the viewer’s pupil and significantly increase their adrenaline levels. “
Wonder Woman 1984
This highly anticipated action movie premiered on December 25 in various cinemas on the island and on the digital platform HBO MAX. According to Fernández Paris, “director and screenwriter Patty Jenkins (” Wonder Woman “and” Monster “) in this sequel is letting go of her artistic ambitions, something that actively defies many of the conventions of modern superhero films without completely ignoring the expectations of the audience that enjoy this genre. ”This film stars Gal Gadot.
Ma Reiney’s Black Bottom
The movie “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” isn’t just one of the best bets out there Netflix for the award season in Hollywood, but was also the last and wonderful role of Chadwick Boseman, along with that of his co-star Viola Davis. Directed by George C. Wolfe (“Nights in Rodanthe,” 2008) and with Denzel Washington as one of the producers, this film focuses on an explosive and glowing 1920s recording session by Ma Rainey (Davis), a pioneering singer who known as “the mother of the blues”.
“Lack”
According to Fernández París, “It is important to note that ‘Mank’ has the same emotional warmth as ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, along with the narrative ingenuity of films like ‘The Game’ and ‘Seven’ and the anarchic humor that distinguished ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Gone Girl’. ”This black and white film, masterfully in the lead Gary Oldman, tells the story of screenwriter and alcoholic Herman J. Mankiewicz as he tries to finish the film Citizen Kane, Orson Welles.