Drama Movies of 2021

2021 Drama Genre Films
A list and a quick overview of 2021’s Oscar-nominated Drama movies.

Another Round
(4 Stars) A film that walks a fine line between drama and messaging. And a terrific Mikkelson performance.

Better Days
(3.5 Stars) An interesting film with some very good dramatic elements. But seems to have some heavy-handed government overlays.

Da 5 Bloods
(4 Stars) A War-time Adventure that challenges White America at the same time that it doesn’t go far enough!

Emma.
(4 Stars) Engaging and sumptuous. A superb production from millennials.


Greyhound
(4 Stars) For those of us who like our heroes simple, with tense, sustained, action.

Hillbilly Elegy
(2 Stars) A lot of missed opportunity and we end up being tourists!

Judas and the Black Messiah
A powerful drama with terrific acting from Kaluuya, but needs some work on the story. (4 Stars)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
(3 Stars) Powerful Performances from Boseman and Davis, but it is still a play.

Man Who Sold His Skin
(3.5 Stars). Actually a fairly good movie, but, again, with maybe a bit too much politics.



Mulan
(2.5 Stars) A disappointing remake when it could and should have been much better.

News of the World
(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.


One Night in Miami
(4 Stars) A captivating evening with four icons of history.


Pieces of a Woman
(3.5 Stars) Outstanding performance from Vanessa Kirby, but the movie lets her down after the first half-hour.


Promising Young Woman
(4.5 Stars) A terrific thriller that is also a romantic comedy and a social commentary. Fun in many ways, but with an important message.

Quo Vadis, Aida?
(4.5 Stars). This is not a feel good movie, but one that people should see. It paints an ugly side of humanity.

Sound of Metal
(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.


The Midnight Sky
(4 Stars) Much better than the critics say. Beautiful imagery and sounds and a story with a twist.

The One and Only Ivan
(1.5 Stars) Might work for families with small children.

The White Tiger
(3.5 Stars) An Indian tale of ambition and an indictment of Western capitalism.

Trial of the Chicago 7
(4 Stars) A good telling of an important moment in history that is relevant today.

United States vs Billie Holiday
(4 Stars) A mixed movie, but a stunning performance from Andra Day, both musically and as sensitive actress.