A Call for More Meaningful Storytelling
The year 2021 proved to be a promising one for film and television, especially when compared to the disastrous year that was 2020. However, if you struggle to recall any standout films from the early months of 2021, it’s understandable. The industry was still grappling with the fallout from COVID-19, just like the rest of the world. As a result, the entertainment released during the first half of the year mirrored the pandemic’s effects—filled with hope and optimism towards the end but failing to compensate for the struggles that preceded it.
There are practical and financial realities at play as well. A financial year waits for no virus, nor do the commercially-driven holiday seasons allow for a pause in productivity. This is evident in the release of four Marvel movies (not including Sony’s Spider-Man spinoffs) in the final six months of 2021.
A Dormant Industry: Early 2021
The first half of 2021 was marked by the Delta variant’s rise, leading to a surge in COVID-19 cases and Singapore entering a heightened alert phase. Studios hesitated to release films, but some noteworthy titles still emerged, including Raya and the Last Dragon, which showcased Asian representation in an animated fantasy; Godzilla vs. Kong, a thrilling clash of titans; and Fast and Furious 9, featuring increasingly outrageous car stunts, including a literal space race.
Television also saw familiar titles returning, albeit with some delays due to the pandemic. Series such as Superman & Lois, Riverdale Season 5, Teenage Textbook: The Series, and WandaVision captured audiences, each exploring different aspects of their characters and narratives.
The return of Supergirl for its sixth season was surrounded by speculation, and the much-anticipated four-hour Zack Snyder cut of Justice League generated considerable buzz. The animated Star Wars: The Bad Batch followed the adventures of a special squad of Clone Troopers.
Nevertheless, many highlights stemmed from existing franchises, with Raya and the Last Dragon being the sole original offering among early 2021’s releases.
A Revival Begins in June
As vaccinations began rolling out globally mid-year, bringing renewed hope, so too did the film and television industries.
In anime, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the final film in the Evangelion series, premiered, alongside Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal: The Movie and Fate/Grand Order: Camelot. The concluding films in the Rurouni Kenshin series also made their debut, appealing to anime fans everywhere.
Western animation saw the arrival of Masters of the Universe: Revelation, a sequel that rekindled nostalgia, while Transformers: War for Cybertron Chapter 3 introduced Beastformers into the mix. Other noteworthy entries like Star Wars: Visions and What If…? also captured attention, although they lacked the nostalgia factor.
In the realm of horror, films like The Medium, a chilling Thai horror narrative, and A Quiet Place Part 2 kept audiences on edge, while The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It offered a dramatized look at a real-life court case.
Despite the plethora of options, there was a noticeable lack of strong drama offerings, with films like The Last Duel and Scenes From A Marriage barely making a splash, possibly due to viewers’ desire for escapism from their own turbulent lives.
Laughter Amidst the Chaos
Comedy provided some much-needed relief, with the final season of Kim’s Convenience and Brooklyn Nine-Nine delivering a blend of humor and heartfelt moments as they wrapped up their respective narratives.
Without a doubt, 2021 emerged as the year of the superhero, featuring films like Eternals, Black Widow, and The Suicide Squad, alongside series such as Loki and The Flash. Among these, Spider-Man: No Way Home shone as a standout, bringing together multiple iterations of Spider-Man to save the multiverse.
Reflection on 2021
Overall, 2021 proved to be a year of hope and resilience, as films and shows provided an escape from reality. The surge of superhero and fantasy narratives mirrored a collective desire for a brighter future amidst ongoing challenges.
As we transition into 2022, the pressing question remains: Can this year surpass the hope that 2021 inspired? It’s essential that film and television evolve beyond simply offering hope; they must also provide inspiration.
This year should encourage us to be more compassionate towards one another, acknowledging the shared struggles stemming from the pandemic. We must learn to appreciate our scars while embracing the strength of adaptability.
Ultimately, 2022 holds the potential for renewal, courage, and unity. Will it rise to the occasion and inspire us through its stories? The challenge is now yours, 2022.
