Minari (2020)

Never digs that deep into its themes or characters but from the first touches of its gorgeous score and cinematography, it’s clear that its soil is rich with life. Comedy and drama (see David and Grandma’s volatile relationship), spirit and mind and body (see the various farming tasks), giving and taking (see the offering plate), hope and despair (see the city visit), destruction and reconciliation (see the fire)–it all intermingles in the poignantly simple story about a family building a home.

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Nomadland (2020)

Exquisite slice-of-life cinema: thoughtful camerawork, editing, and music, along with natural performances (the excellent McDormand blends in seamlessly with the non-actors) showcase the subtle beauty of weathered landscapes and faces, of aching reflections on the past and tender moments of small joys in the present, of both the practical and spiritual aspects to settling in and moving on. Either the hints of more pointed character work or those of corporate critique could’ve been expanded upon.

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