The best films of 2021

Feature films, Irish language, documentary, and YouTube films - most streaming, some still in cinemas

10. Censor: Terrific horror movie about a film censor who must sit through endless violent films for her job. One day she thinks she sees her missing sister in a film and sets out to find her. Electric performance from Irish actress Niamh Algar. Not available to stream yet.

9. The Nest: Dark and fascinating movie set in the UK in the 1980s. Career best Jude Law as a grifting businessman with his long suffering American wife. Not what you think. Available to Stream January 24.

8. Shiva Baby: Hilarious film that is a tight 70 mins. College student Danielle has a series of awkward encounters at a Shiva, a type of Jewish funeral/wake. Clever, modern, and painfully genuine. Available on Mubi.

7. Palm Springs: The funniest film I saw this year. The best Groundhog Day type movie since Groundhog Day. Available on Prime Video.

6. The Last Duel: It broke my heart so few people went to see this in the cinema. A proper interesting adult film with great performances all around and we get to see Matt Damon with a SuperValu bag. Available on Disney+.

5. Dune: This is the best big budget blockbuster made in the last 20 years. Available online now but really should be seen on the big screen. Spectacular. Still in some cinemas.

4. Arracht: Absolutely spectacular Irish language, Famine based, revenge thriller (what a mouthful ). Not available to stream yet. I’m sure it’ll be available on Volta in the New Year.

3. Drive My Car: Brilliant Japanese film. Do not let the three hour length put you off. Sad and poignant, something about Japanese cinema resonates with Irish people. Everyone I know who has seen this loved it (the only film on the list with a 100 per cent approval from my social circles ). Still in some cinemas.
2. Beatles - Get Back: I really never have seen anything like this. It is not just the content (which is incredible ), it looks spectacular, Peter Jackson spent years getting the sound and picture perfect and I think it is the best looking film on this list - and it was filmed in the 1960s. Go figure. Available on Disney+.
1. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head: A new documentary series from the master of the genre - Adam Curtis. This series of six films is one of the most incredible things I have ever sat through, and have re-watched many times. Available on Youtube.
 

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