Series and films that marked 2020

In 2020 the coronavirus was the protagonist of our lives. However, many TV series and movie streaming services “save” most of the population by providing entertainment amid social isolation.

Of all of them, there were several that stood out for their theme, good plot or great performances. Here I leave you with a summary of those that shone with their own light in this year just ended:

Series

“The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix)

Turned into an unexpected global phenomenon, it is one of the most-watched series on Netflix this year. A story of seven chapters inspired by the novel of the same name by Walter Trevis, Published in 1983, about Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young orphan who stands out as a world chess champion.

According to Trevis, to create the character was inspired by players like Robert Fischer, Boris Spassky and Antoly Karpov, Although especially in itself, having extensive experience playing professional chess and also with substance abuse.

“Unorthodox” (Netflix)

Based on the real experiences of Deborah Feldman, Who wrote her story in a book published in 2012, “Unorthodox” tells the story of a 19-year-old girl fleeing a Hasidic community from Brooklyn to Berlin in search of her own identity.

the series it was one of the most viewed and commented on during confinement of the first wave of the pandemic and made known on a large scale the customs and way of life of the ultra-Orthodox Jews of New York.

“The Mandalorian” (Disney +)

After discovering a Baby Yoda in the first season of “The Mandalorian”, The second has delved into the spell that this little green character causes in viewers who have become attached to a series that is increasingly closer to the original universe of “Star Wars”.

With the only problem of the short duration of its chapters, which always know little, “The Mandalorian” has emerged as the great attraction of Disney +, with perfectly measured stories, spectacular and have been giving gifts to fans, such as the appearance of Boba Fett or seeing, for the first time, the face of Pere Pascal as command.

“The Crown” (Netflix)

Already in its fourth season, the series about the British royal family manages to remain among the most appreciated by critics and audiences every year. Of its influence may give an idea the fact that the British government recently asked Netflix to include a warning that the series is “fiction”.

The story has already reached the 1980s and with it new characters have been introduced such as Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) and a young Princess Diana (Emma Corrin), Which bring a good dose of intrigue and change to Buckingham Palace.

“Mrs America” ​​(FX)

Cate Blanchett surprised many with her performance of Phyllis Schafly, A conservative and anti-feminist activist in this FX series that told the story of the movement to ratify the equal rights amendment in the United States and the backlash led by this woman, also known as “the bride of the silent majority “.

As the chapters progress, the main figures of the feminist movement, of Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne) a Jill Ruckelshaus (Elizabeth Banks), Their personal struggles and contradictions. The series also allows to analyze the origin of the rhetoric of “trumpismo”.

“Homeland” (HBO)

The series created by Aitor Gabilondo for HBO, based on the novel Fernando Aramburu on ETA terrorism and its consequences on the lives of two families, has crossed borders and New York NewsFor example, he has included it in his own list of the best of the year.

In this portrait of the hardest years of terrorism in the Basque Country actresses shine especially Elena Irureta i Ane Gabarain in their respective roles as opposing matriarchs. Eight episodes with which to understand from within a complex and violent era that marked the history of Spain.

movies

“Principles”

After successive postponements and amid great uncertainty, in August this film directed by Christopher Nolan was released. “Tenet” was meant to rescue the film industry, seeking the return of people to theaters around the world. This did not come to fruition. However, the artistic piece that remained was phenomenal. As critic Juanma Fernández París pointed out, “as a fusion of the action and science fiction genre, ‘Tenet’ is a cinematic event. The film creates an epic scale, carefully designed to be consumed on the screen more great possible, which serves as a platform for an avalanche of ambitious and ingenious images that will feed the viewer’s pupil and raise their adrenaline levels considerably. “

“Wonder Woman 1984”

This highly anticipated action film premiered on December 25 in several theaters on the island and on the HBO MAX digital platform. According to Fernández París “in this sequel, director and screenwriter Patty Jenkins (” Wonder Woman “and” Monster “) pursues her artistic ambitions, which actively challenges many of the conventions of modern superhero movies without ignoring completely the expectations of the public that enjoys this genre “. This film stars Gal Gadot.

“Ma Reiney’s Black Background”

The movie “Ma Rainey ‘s Black Bottom” is not only one of the big bets of Netflix for the awards season in Hollywood but also played the last and splendid role of Chadwick Boseman, Along with that of his co-star Viola Davis. Directed by George C. Wolfe (“Storm Nights”, 2008) and starring Denzel Washington among its producers, this film focuses on an explosive and glowing 1920s recording session by Ma Rainey (Davis ), a pioneering singer known as “the mother of the blues”.

“Missing”

According to Fernández París, “it is important to highlight that‘ Mank ’possesses 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 goes distinguish between ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Gone Girl’ “. This black and white film, masterfully starring Gary Oldman, Tells the story of screenwriter and alcoholic Herman J. Mankiewicz as he tries to complete the film “Citizen Kane,” by Orson Welles.