Schumacher [2021]★★★
To miss a documentary about 7 time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher would be the equivalent of skipping a Martin Scorsese film. It might not be as compelling as 2011’s “Senna”, but it’s still a phenomenal look at Schumi’s career, from his time with Benetton in the early 90’s, to his unforgettable years at Ferrari. As someone who grew up in the 90’s, I remember very well his rivalry with the likes of Jacques Villeneuve and Mika Hakkinen. But even the most avid McLaren fan at the time knew that Schumacher was special. And this documentary is a testament to that. Fans might be looking for more updates about his current medical condition, but the movie doesn’t really focus much on that. Instead, it shows us what truly made him tick. If you’re a fan of Schumacher or just curious about Formula One in general, you can’t possibly miss this documentary. It’s a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
“Promising Young Woman” offers a juicy role for the talented Carey Mulligan, but the movie itself is well-made and constantly engaging, making it one of the true highlights of 2020. Mulligan plays a young woman who is leading a double life: she works in a coffee shop during the day and extracts revenge on sexual predators by night. Slowly but surely we come to find out why she’s doing all this, but I will not reveal more. Writer-director Emerald Fennell has crafted a film that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s society. But the movie wouldn’t work as much as it does if it weren’t for Mulligan’s committed performance. Moviegoers who usually associate her with completely different type of movies may be pleasantly surprised at her skillful handling of this unusually tough material. And to say that the film messes with your head on multiple occasions would truly be an understatement. But this is why we still go to the movies (or stream in this case). “Promising Young Woman” is a breath of fresh air, and , might I add, completely credible. I cannot recommend it enough.
“Pieces of a Woman” is a movie that is difficult to review, and, at times, difficult to watch. But if anyone will remember it, it would be for its long opening sequence of a woman giving birth. It’s an incredible scene, fiercely acted by Vanessa Kirby, who truly gives a sensational performance here. As you might have guessed, the scene ends with the death of the newborn, which sets the tone for the rest of this drama. And so begins “Pieces of a Woman”, a film about grief that doesn’t always hit all the right notes, but still manages to hit you where it hurts the most. I could swear that there were times where I would simply look away, only to be sucked in once again by Kirby’s terrific acting. Kirby is also surrounded by a first rate cast that includes Shia LaBeaouf, Ellen Burstyn and Molly Parker. Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó builds his film slowly and deliberately, before offering a catharsis that ultimately makes the often harrowing drama worthwhile.
We didn’t need more proof of her talent, but Francis McDormand delivers yet another fierce performance in “Nomadland”, playing a working class woman who embarks on a journey across America in the wake of the great recession of 2008. Like a true nomad, she lives in a van, meets new people, looks for brief opportunities, before moving on to the next town. It’s a poetic journey, fueled by great cinematography and a superior performance by McDormand. Writer-director Chloe Zhao takes a low-key approach to her material, which deepens the film’s intimate power. And it’s only after the credits start rolling that you realize how emotional the whole journey was. Will it be everyone’s cup of tea? Probably not. If you’re expecting twists and turns, you won’t find any here. But just in case you’re seeking a spiritual ride, “Nomadland” more than fits the bill. It’s a film unlike anything I’ve seen in recent memory.
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