Yes, we should be entirely way done with 2021, but permit us to close the books on this difficult year with one last belated feature whose title is not meant to be a backhanded compliment to the films, nor scolding and yes, generally relative as many people did see them, but not most (and yes, there will be some overlap with our Best of 2021 coverage, though it’s minor)

READ MORE: The 25 Best Films Of 2021

While most of us remain inside with far too many streaming options dangled in front of our eyes,  it doesn’t appear general audiences will be returning to theaters for movies that contain anything less than three Peter Parkers uniting on screen anytime soon.

Continue reading The 25 Best Films Of 2021 You Didn’t See at The Playlist.

In a year that was completely batshit crazy and unpredictable, we still had quite a few solid films find their way to film festivals (often digital) even when the film industry seemed to completely shut down. And one of our favorite festival films from last year, the under-the-radar gem, “Sophie Jones,” is finally making its way to theaters and VOD, giving film fans the opportunity to discover one of the best indie coming-of-age films in recent memory.

Continue reading ‘Sophie Jones’ Trailer: A Teen Girl Deals With The Loss Of Her Mom In This Coming-Of-Age Indie Standout at The Playlist.

“Sophie Jones” opens on its titular protagonist, played by Jessica Barr, as she fiddles with a bag of cremated remains. She rubs the ashes between her fingers, revealing a piece of fragmented bone which she raises experimentally to her mouth to taste. Bad idea. She spits it out and puts it back in the bag.

Such is the dark, charming nature of this coming-of-age film, directed by first-timer Jessie Barr (Jessica’s cousin), co-written by the star and director, and executive produced by Nicole Holofcener.

Continue reading ‘Sophie Jones’ Is Indie Coming-Of-Age At Its Best [Review] at The Playlist.