Pop Culture Roundup 2020: A Reluctant “Best of” in the Year of Worsts
Some meaningful highlights, momentary distractions, and audio-visual coping mechanisms, reviewed in 5 sentences or less.
5 Categories, 5 Favorites, 5 Sentences or Less
So how do you greet someone this year? How do you start an email, a conversation, a Zoom call? A “hello, how are you?” A “hope you’re doing well?” Maybe just a simple nod and a resigned sigh?
Everything seems like it falls short. Everything seems too contrived.
All this to say, I’m not sure what the right way to start this article is, so I will just say I hope you slept 6–8 hours today, were able to drink at least 5 glasses of water (4 is acceptable), and are someplace warm at the moment.
So right then. What is this article? And why?
This, simply put, is a small celebration.
A celebration of what kept me, and many others, going this year.
A celebration of stories, art, and their creators.
And, with that, these are mine: my 5 favorites. In 5 categories. Reviewed in 5 sentences or less.
Let’s go.
1) FILM
5. Palm Springs (Hulu)
Guy falls in love with girl, girl has serious issues, guy convinces girl there is more to life than guilt, and happily ever after blah blah, right? Not quite; here there be mysterious caves, freakin’ time vortexes, and a bow-and-arrow-wielding J.K. Simmons. In Max Barbakow’s endearing directorial debut, co-stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti give such sweet, heartfelt performances that I only paused to get more snacks. You will also laugh REALLY hard at many, many scenes — there’s a fantastic sequence with the character of the bride-to-be and a pool that had me in stitches. A solid addition to the rom-com genre.
4. Kajillionaire (Focus Features)
This one was so strange and I absolutely LOVED it. Director Miranda July focuses on a family of petty criminals who hold great disdain for anyone who, well, y’know… pays for stuff. As a mysterious stranger gets caught up in the family’s whacky schemes, we’re swept along for a ride as the daughter — played by Dolores Abernathy — searches for a sense of belonging. You will be confused, you will question why you are still watching, and you will feel many feelz. Oh and if you weren’t a Gina Rodriguez fan before, you will be after this.
3. The Vast of Night (Amazon Studios)
Seriously, why is this one not talked about more!? Fast-talking radio jockeys, delectable switchboard-operating sequences, and old ladies muttering Sumerian in a creepy house? Sign me up. At one point in his debut, director Andrew Patterson takes us through a random camera sweep of the small New Mexico town, via quiet neighborhoods and a buzzing school gym, as the music builds and we are left dizzy and excited for the falling action and resolution of the film. So good, this one.
2. First Cow (A24, VOD Platforms)
“The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship.” — William Blake
I expected The Revenant, but what I got was so much more satisfying. Our story is about a cow (stay with me here), a humble baking operation started by a fur-trapping chef alongside a Chinese immigrant on the lam for murder, and a budding friendship in the harsh terrain of1820s Oregon. Director Kelly Reichardt’s slow, lingering shots are stunning. Watch this one with your friends on groupwatch, it’s so worth it.
1. His House (Netflix)
I was not expecting to cry during a horror movie, but here we are. Remi Weekes’ masterful feature debut (another first-timer!) tells the story of a family of refugees from South Sudan as they struggle to adjust to their new life on the outskirts of London. As the house they’re assigned to live in displays signs of being possessed by an evil entity, the couple’s past is revealed to us in breathtaking, painful detail. Is the evil they’re facing “real”… or is it borne of trauma, grief, and guilt the refugee and immigrant experience is often defined by? An essential story for 2020, an exercise in empathy, and a quiet plea for more kindness.
2) TV
5. I May Destroy You (HBO)
I don’t know quite how to describe this show: it’s about consent, it’s about friendship, it’s about the daily life of a ‘fed-up millennial.” The show examines some difficult subjects with so much nuance, clarity, and bravery, that it almost seems unbelievable it manages to do so much with such aplomb. Riveting, uncomfortable, subversive, and triggering… Creator and lead Michaela Coel is a one-woman force. Highly recommend.
4. The Crown, S4 (Netflix)
Now listen. I’m late to this one due to my mixed feelings about watching anything that gives precious airtime to glorify the British monarchy in any way (see PODCASTS section). But Emma Corin’s Princess Diana and Gillian Anderson’s Margaret Thatcher are two of the best performances on TV all year. I was absolutely mesmerized. (FYI, I have no interest in watching any other season, so there’s that).
3. Lucifer (Netflix)
Detective! Come on, you heard it, I heard it ;) Tom Ellis continues to bring such warmth and sincerity to the eponymous character that you almost forgive the shaky overarching narrative this season (what was up with the noir episode?!). Released in August, the show proved to be such an unexpected joy and reprieve in an endless summer, mainly due to the chemistry between the actors. And it’s always such a pleasure to watch some Deckerstar antics.
2. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Okay so, the plot itself is laughable: an American football coach who knows nothing about soccer (or, y’know, football as they say everywhere else) is appointed head coach of Richmond, F.C. But what he lacks in knowledge (which is a lot), he makes up for in sheer enthusiasm, kindness, and vulnerability. As the Brits in the show warm-up to this lovable Kansas-bred Yankee, so do the audience. Sudeikis is an absolute superstar and the supporting cast — with Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein — holds their own as well. Folks, do not miss this one!
1. What We Do in The Shadows (Hulu)
Based on the 2014 movie of the same name, the show is crafted with love, care, and absolute nonsense by genius madcaps Taika Waititi and Jemaine Celement. A documentary crew follows vampires around as they live their… uhh normal lives in modern-day Staten Island with their familiar, Guillermo de la Cruz. Highlights include one of our main vamps applying for U.S. citizenship, some good ol’ vampire-werewolf rivalry, and an unfortunate run-in with semen-stealing witches of Brooklyn. Now, pour one human alcohol beer for my man Jim the Vampire, please. It’s right there on his business card!
Side Note:
If you know me, you know this list is actually a lie :) My top spot in this category is actually a tie between a familiar origin story and a saga about single parenthood. Due to my great love (an understatement, tbh) for the universe which both these stories share, I’m unable to talk about either coherently. So I’ve decided to spare you. You’re welcome.
(But! if anyone wants to talk about jar’kai at any time, hit me up!)
3) PODCASTS
5. The Watch (The Ringer)
Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan are just two besties who’re just chattin’ pop culture, y’all. I’ve learned so much about how Hollywood pivoted to adjust to the pandemic and enjoyed many delightful conversations with their guests (shoutout to this one with the indomitable host of the MAGNIFICENT Taste the Nation). The breadth of this pod is honestly astonishing. Don’t miss this if you want to learn more about ‘the biz.’
4. Fresh Air (NPR)
As I grew tired of The Daily’s relentless attack on our collective sanity in February (I love you, Michael Barbaro, but we are on a break), I switched back to an old-favorite on weekday mornings: Fresh Air. Thoroughly captivating and engaging, Terry Gross’s empathy and thoughtfulness bring out the best in her guests. Case in point: Ben Mendelsohn’s interview to promote The Outsider (HBO). Absolutely lovely.
3. We Need to Talk About the British Empire (Audible)
As if it wasn’t already extra enough, 2020 also brought forth another impressive show of horrors for all of us to collectively confront: colonialism. As The Crown’s new season continues to top critics’ lists, it is essential we also learn about structural racism, inter-generational trauma, and economic exploitation. Here, our host Afua Hirsch and her guests uncover the insidious consequences of colonialism across the globe. (Also, Hirsch repeatedly saying “the Empire” to refer to British Raj definitely conjured up certain images).
2. 1619 (The New York Times)
A must-listen for everyone seeking to educate themselves on American history and the BLM movement. Host Nikole Hannah-Jones’ personal narrative examines the incredibly painful history of slavery in America and how it has shaped the country’s identity today. Episode 3 “The Birth of American Music” was especially enlightening for me: covering in detail the origins of American music and how it directly relates to music the slaves — facing constant indignity, despair, and drudgery — created as a communal salve. Also, the production quality is DOPE, and even the background music will trigger emotions. You’ve been warned.
1. Binge Mode (The Ringer)
I’m not even exaggerating when I say that hosts Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin literally held together my sanity all year. The pod has deep-dives on Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and MCU. Even if you’re not a fan of these “wide canons” (pop culturists, time to rep!), Jay and Mal are such charming, funny, and comforting voices, that you honestly can’t help but be intrigued. Did I mention there is also VERY FREQUENT adult content? Suffice it to say, I will never read the paragraphs about our wizard gang hanging out by the Hogwarts lake without giggling like a preteen.
4) MUSIC
5. The Strokes, The New Abnormal
This record — dare I say it? — took me back to the early 2000s version of the band, when Room on Fire reigned the alt-rock scene. “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” is 10/10 and the guitar riff in “The Adults are Talking” is a sublime illustration of the skill Casablancas and co deploy with tremendous ease. A highly enjoyable record from the original LES kids of cool. (Before you yell at me, Romones are technically from Queens).
4. Megan Thee Stallion, Good News
There will be a glorious day when people will stop using “female rapper” to describe an artist. Until then, let’s celebrate the command and talent of this true icon and her catchy, empowering ballads like “Body” and “Savage.” The latter’s performance on SNL with the words “Protect Black Women” displayed on the stage remains one of the most moving moments in pop culture. I would also like to congratulate the internet for the videos of VP-Elect Kamala Harris being a boss as “Girls in the Hood” plays in the background. #blessed.
3. Harry Styles, Fine Line
I’m not ashamed to admit that “Sunflower, Vol.6” the song I’ve played the most this year, especially during summer jogs in the neighborhood park (in a mask, obviously, because apocalypse). Styles continues to captivate with his unique, engaging creative choices, and we’re lucky to be along for the ride. In “Treat People with Kindness,” our guy croons about his motto:
Maybe we can
Find a place to feel good
And we can treat people with kindness
Find a place to feel good
If there’s anything 2020 has made absolutely clear, it’s that we need to this reminder. Now more than ever.
2. Bad Bunny, Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana (YHLQMDLG)
This record is a true delight. “La Difícil” is on repeat, “Si Veo a Tu Mamá” is fabulous, and “Vete” makes me want to cry with its sheer perfection. All the trappings of a party record in this reflective, tumultuous, bleak year. Conjures up celebratory images of (safely) being with your family and friends, a luxury during these trying times. Keep doing what pleases you, Bad Bunny, 🎶 Espero que seaaas feliiiiz 🎶
1. Tame Impala, The Slow Rush/ Ludwig Göransson, Tenet Soundtrack
It’s a tie, y’all! Kevin Parker flexes his psychedelic prowess yet again with near-perfect bangers “Is it True” and “Lost in Yesterday.” As for Tenet (the most Nolan-esque of all Nolan movies), all I have to say is that if Ludwig doesn’t get his EGOT soon, I will undoubtedly riot. (And Travis Scott sneaking in a “skrrt skrrt” in a Christopher Nolan soundtrack? Kings only).
5) REUNION SPECIAL + “FEELGOODS”
5. Some Good News
Feel-good stories!? In 2020!? What sorcery is this!? John Krasinski, you’re a saint for recreating The Office’s famous wedding scene on Zoom. Squeals abound.
4. Parks and Rec
Nothing has changed for our gang of adorable misfits from Pawnee. Ben Wyatt is still tweaking The Cones of Dunshire. Ron and Leslie’s friendship still makes the world go round. And Bobby Newport is still confused. Super super heartwarming, I got teary-eyed.
3. Lord of the Rings
“How does social distancing work for Sméagol and Gollum?” Peter Jackson bringing us the hard-hitting questions, folks. In “One Zoom to Rule Them All,” the cast and crew of the LotR trilogy recited stories, dialogues, anecdotes… and generally seemed like they love and value each others’ friendship even after all this time. The highlight for me: Boromir (Sean Bean) delivering the classic “One does not simply walk into Mordor” line with unmatched intensity. I straight up screamed.
2. Community
Nostalgia, sweet nostalgia. The 88 performed the theme “At Least it Was Here” on Zoom, Troy and Abed did the famous handshake, and Mr. Stone could not say “sperm” without collapsing in breathless giggles. It was a riot. Thank you for this gem, Dan Harmon.
- Harry Potter at Home
All chapters of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone are read by many familiar celebrities, including Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, and Eddie Redmayne (who wore his Hufflepuff scarf throughout, what an icon). And is there anything better than hearing Daniel Radcliffe himself read this famous sentence?:
“He couldn’t know that at this very moment, people meeting up in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: ‘To Harry Potter — the boy who lived!”
Chills.
Now you tell me: what moved YOU this year? Did you fall in love with a story?
Or al contrario, did you absolutely hate-watch something you would not have during a more normal time?
I would love to hear your thoughts!
In the meantime, continue listening, watching, reading! Very soon, we will hug and share stories IRL. And it will be a glorious world once again.
Until then, stay safe and be well.
SUPPORT ART
This year has made us all realize the kind of world we want to live in, the kind of world we want to heal and rebuild.
And, now more than ever, that world requires art.
If you’re able to help out, I would encourage you to take a look at the organizations below.
Motion Picture & Television Fund:
Artist Relief:
SAG-AFTRA Foundation:
MusiCares:
Broadway:
