2020 has undoubtedly been the dumpster fire to end all dumpster fires, but its cinema was as strong as ever. With almost everyone stuck inside, we consumed more media, content, and streaming entertainment than ever before. But even with theaters on the brink, it didn’t mean that we suffered from a lack of new movies; in fact, with a dearth big-budget blockbusters, 2020 was the year for arthouse films and indies to shine. This year was also a milestone for Strange Harbors, as I was able to (virtually) attend three film festivals as accredited press - an immense opportunity that allowed me to see a large number of the films listed below. We’re all eager to move on to 2021, but before we do, let’s take one last look at the best movies that shaped the last 365 days. Minor spoilers ahead…

Profoundly letting go of all subtleties, Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods acts as an urgent and vital exploration of the legacy of war and its impact on Black soldiers. Utilizing its ensemble cast and an arsenal of directorial bravura, Lee creates a powerful parallel to our dystopian times and raises an incisive commentary on racism through the lens of the Vietnam War. Minor spoilers ahead…