Although it was a COVID-wracked year, 2020 saw an eclectic, brilliant slate of movies. Sure,…

Sound of Metal is a great film, replete with sly humor and aching sadness. It’s less about Ruben’s deafness than what he does next: Even in profound loss, there is the potential for spiritual gain. Ahmed could very well win the Oscar for Best Actor–he’s that good. (Raci is a dark horse, as well.) If you’re looking for compelling drama, this one is well worth the stream.

This film puts me in a bit of a bind. I was good and ready to call the Oscars for Nomadland. Now, I’m not so sure.

Midway through Free Solo, rock climber Alex Honnold goes in for a brain scan.  Honnold is…