2020 was a year full of new challenges, many of which most of us probably never expected to be facing. COVID-19 has changed the way our day to day society functions, from masks to online schooling. The climate of the workforce has also changed alongside society, most industries have been forced to adapt to this new normal. With the film industry as no exception. Most movie and television productions were forced to shut down until it was safe to reopen. And while it may seem like the pandemic paused the film industry, it also provided many filmmakers with inspiration, fueling new narratives. So, here are a few films that we would not have gotten if it weren’t for COVID-19.
Malcom & Marie
This film, written and directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levenson, stars Zendaya and John David Washington. The story follows a Hollywood couple as they work through the complexities and challenges of their relationship following an award show.
This film is unique to COVID because of the nature in which it was created. The movie was not only filmed during quarantine, during the time that most other film productions were still shut down; but also has only two characters, Malcolm & Marie. The condensed cast and crew for this film adhered to COVID guidelines and were able to create what is likely to be a unique story of humanity within the confines of quarantine.
This film will be released February 5th 2021 on Netflix.
SongBird
This film, directed by Adam Mason, starring KJ Apa and Sofia Carson is a narrative that is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. SongBird takes the experiences and challenges we have faced due to the pandemic, and heightens them to an unimaginable extreme. This film explores what power the virus really has on humanity and the extreme worst case scenario. The story follows a young man who is immune to “COVID-23” as he attempts to save the women he loves from being condemned to the extremes of quarantine.
This film was released December 11th 2020.
Locked Down
Directed by Doug Liman, starring Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor this film follows a couple who, on the verge of breaking up, get locked down together when the virus hits. Locked Down is yet another movie that is a direct result of the pandemic, this movie in particular reflects many of the real life day-to-day challenges those of us who got forced into lockdown faced. From lining up outside grocery stores for toilet paper, too having to spend every day at home with the same people.
This film will be released March 5th, 2021.
Death to 2020
This film, a comedy mockumentary directed by Al Campbell and Alice Mathias, stars many famous actors from Morgan Freeman to Lisa Kudrow. In Death to 2020, many A-list stars recap the events of the memorable, stressful and crazy year. This movie is a creative satirical recount that reflects how many unbelievable things happened in 2020 that many of us are unlikely to forget.
This film was released December 27th, 2020.
With all the stress and anxiety this year brought, it is refreshing to see the events of 2020 turned into something positive and entertaining. I believe many people will find these films an enjoyable and relatable way to reflect on the state of the world since the COVID-19 pandemic.
