10 Best Films 2021: Annice White
2. Our Ladies
Our Ladies Review
Our Ladies captures a specific time in young girls lives where, just like the Britney Spears song, you are “not a girl, not yet a woman”.
A group of catholic schoolgirls from the Scottish Highlands go to Edinburgh for a choir competition. The girls use it as an opportunity to experience some freedom. Their day out acts as both a first and last night of freedom for the girls as they prepare to go their separate ways for university, or prepare themselves to join the ‘real’ world.
There have been a few interesting takes on the sexualisation of the characters in the film, and I would argue that this is somewhat missing the point. Our Ladies is about being a teenager, and all the good and bad that this entails. Being a teenager can include sex, underage drinking and spending time with men that are not good for you.
It is the kind of film that I wish I had when I was younger; you’ll enjoy spending time with these girls and no doubt wish they were your friends.
1. Nowhere Special
Nowhere Special follows a single father (John – James Norton) and his son Michael (Daniel Lamont) as they meet families that appear to be looking to adopt Michael. The reason why is not clear at first, but the film slowly and naturally reveals its plot to us, taking us on an emotional journey.
Although difficult to watch at times, Nowhere Special does not wallow in the suffering it depicts; there is little by way of light relief but the film is all the better for this fact.
Nowhere Special only received a small theatrical release, which is another huge shame for the world of cinema this year. This is one to find, but make sure you have your tissues ready.
Recommended for you: 10 Best Films 2020 – Annice White
Which films on this list did you most enjoy? Did you miss any? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to follow @thefilmagazine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more lists like this one.
