Thanks to OTT platforms, amazing content from around the world is now literally available at our fingertips. These streaming services offer us with a global viewing experience that is otherwise not always possible. Though theatres release some English films in India, they often miss out on many. But we don’t have to worry about it now that the OTT platforms are saving us the trouble. The pandemic might have brought everything to a halt but it was these OTT platforms that made it easier to survive the lockdown with a sea of content to dive into.
Here’s the list of the 10 must watch non-Indian original movies of 2020
Greyhound
Streaming on: Apple TV+
Greyhound is set during the World War II and features the ravaging Battle Of The Atlantic. The film’s magnificence is such that it surely deserved the big screen to justify its epical proportions. The performances are more so splendid. Overall the film is not just a story but an experience that has largely remained neglected in the entertainment industry.
Starring : Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Elisabeth Shute
Directed by : Aaron Schneider
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The Trial Of Chicago 7
Streaming on: Netflix
Hands down this film is one of the finest that came out this year. It follows the story of Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters who protested at the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. They get caught and booked under the charges of conspiring and inciting riots. The way the trial proceeds are shown in the film is absolute brilliance and definitely a must watch.
Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Danny Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella.
Written and Directed by: Aaron Sorkin.
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Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Sacha Baron Cohen once again plays the role of Borat Sagdiyev after a gap of 14 years and he nails it yet again. This time he has returned to US during the pandemic to bribe the American regime for the benefit of Kazakhstan. Though this time Borat and film’s focus was tilted more towards the cultural aspect, the political side was still there, taking continuous digs at the Trump administration among other things.
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova, Tom Hanks, Jason Woliner, Rita Wilson
Directed by: Jason Woliner
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Hamilton
Streaming on: Disney+Hotstar
Hamilton was one of the most talked about films of 2020. It comprises of live stage recording of the eponymous Broadway musical and is inspired by the 2004 biography ‘Alexander Hamilton’ by Ron Chernow. The story chronicles the life of Alexander Hamilton in an excellent manner and was widely praised for the performances, visuals and direction.
Starring: Lin Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr., Reneé Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson.
Directed by: Thomas Kail
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Enola Holmes
Streaming on: Netflix
We all know who Sherlock Holmes is, but thanks to Netflix we now also know his little smart sister Enola Holmes. 16-year old Enola sets out on a journey to find her missing mother who had suddenly disappeared and in the process discovers her true self. While his brothers try sending her to a finishing school, she is determined to find her mother using the clues she has left. The film brings out a refreshing and relevant side of the Holmes family that is usually male dominated.
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Fiona Shaw
Directed by: Harry Bradbeer
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I’m Thinking Of Ending Things
Streaming on: Netflix
I’m Thinking Of Ending Things is a psychological horror film based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Iain Reid. The narrative style used in the film, that has a strange surreal feel, may seem a bit complex but has been executed brilliantly. The lead actors, Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons, received a lot of acclaim for their stunning performances in the film.
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, Jesse Plemons, David Thewlis
Directed & written by: Charlie Kaufman
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The Devil All The Time
Streaming on: Netflix
Adapted from Donald Ray Pollock’s eponymous 2011 novel, ‘The Devil All The Time’ is a Gothic noir set in the time period between World War II and the Vietnam War. The film is full of sins and gory and shows how religion impacts the life of different people in different ways. The unique style in which the film has been shot, captures its essence spectacularly. The film completely justifies its name by maintaining that eerie, evil feel throughout. Moreover, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson’s performance in the film will leave you flabbergasted for sure.
Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård, Haley Bennett, Michael Banks Repeto, Sebastian Stan, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke
Directed by: Antonio Campos
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Uncut Gems
Streaming on: Netflix
Uncut Gems is a crime-thriller that revolves around New York based Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), who is jewellery store owner and addicted to gambling. The film has two major high points, one is its unpredictability and the second is Adam Sandler’s formidable performance. The way the makers have given attention to details in the world of high stake gambling and the technical team’s efforts in creating a visual marvel that compliments the story in the most perfect way, are both truly commendable.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian
Directed by: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
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Da 5 Bloods
Streaming on: Netflix
Four aging Vietnam War veterans, who are all African-Americans, return to the country decades later to retrieve the gold they had buried during the war. Da 5 Bloods follows this journey of theirs, with an engaging narrative that takes us back and forth, not only between the past and the present, but also giving glimpses of the historical context. This might sound complex but Spike Lee’s incredible execution is just stunning.
Starring: Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Johnny Trí Nguyễn, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper Pääkkönen, Jean Reno, Chadwick Boseman
Directed, produced and co-written by: Spike Lee.
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The Old Guard
Streaming on: Netflix
This superhero fantasy action-thriller is based on the eponymous comic book by Greg Rucka and follows a group of centuries old immortal mercenaries as they fight to protect their secret and save the humanity. The story is a perfect blend of action and emotions that reflects on the screen through impactful performances specially by Charlize Theron. The film, that might have sequel/sequels, sets a firm base for the following parts. It’s end is the most interesting thing about ‘The Old Guard’ and the major factor that makes one like the film.
Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Harry Melling, Van Veronica Ngo, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
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