This week in Thursday Movie Picks – run by Wandering through the Shelves – we’ve been asked to list three to five films that were released in 2020. As a pandemic often demands, I spent much of 2020 at home so the majority of films I saw last year were released and watched via streaming services.
Underwater
I’m a sucker for a water-based film (see my Letterboxd list) and Underwater has happily skipped to being among my favourites. It’s a tense thriller that is so much more than a run-of-the-mill ‘creature feature’.
Da 5 Bloods
Raw and powerful, Da 5 Bloods hurtles you straight into the action as Vietnam veterans return to the country to retrieve the body of their fallen leader, combining strong performances, clever camera shots and moments that cause a visceral reaction.
Soul
People have waxed lyrical about Soul since its released: I’m in more of the ‘upper average’ rating gang. It’s a lovely film with some very smart, aesthetically pleasing visual and plot elements, but I don’t think it will be one I will rewatch regularly in the future – if at all.
Enola Holmes
Millie Bobby Brown is the star of the show, ably supported by Helena Bonham Carter, Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin. In fact, as is so often the case with MBB, her star is so bright that she outshines everyone else. Enola Holmes is entertaining though, and has some very witty and funny moments.
Cinematic Delights 
Nice picks! The only one I’ve seen was Enola Holmes. I totally agree Millie really led the charge on that one. It was nice to see her outside of Stranger Things. Soul and Da 5 Bloods are on my to-watch list. I’d love to watch Underwater for Kristen Stewart, but I have a horrible fear of the ocean. I’m not sure I would last long watching it.
Thanks, Katy! It will be interesting to see how MBB develops as an actress as she gets older, and the type of films she goes for too.
Da 5 Bloods is brilliant; I highly recommend it.
Underwater mostly takes place on the sea bed so it’s not bobbing around on the top of the ocean on waves, if you know what I mean?
Great list! I’ve seen Enola Holmes and I really enjoyed that movie! I still need to watch the other movies though.
Thank you! Enola Holmes was a lot of fun.
I completely forgot about Da 5 Bloods!
I only watched it recently but it is excellent. So well made!
Yay, we match with Enola! I haven’t seen Da 5 Bloods yet but it’s one I’m super curious to watch.
Enola Holmes has a lot of fans!
Da 5 Bloods is great – you shouldn’t be disappointed 🙂
I have heard of Da 5Bloods and Enola Holmes and would like to see them. I suck this week since I have not seen any films.
I recommended seeing those two if you can, Birgit – they’re very entertaining!
Love Enola Holmes.
Of your first three that I haven’t seen, Underwater is the one I want to see the most.
Underwater is a great film, especially if you enjoy films in that genre!