Entertainment

Best Foreign Films Released in 2021

T rue film lovers, or cinephiles, don't let the one-inch barrier of subtitles stop them from enjoying a wide range of beautiful films from everywhere around the world. Neither should you! It can seem a bit intimidating at first: to read subtitles while listening to a language you’re entirely unfamiliar with. But once you get into it, it won’t seem like anything at all. Here are a few of our favorite foreign films released in 2021 to expand your horizons, or to simply sit back and watch on the weekend.

The White Tiger (India, Released: January 2021)

Adapted from the best-selling and award-winning novel of the same name written by Aravind Adiga in 2008, The White Tiger is an enrapturing tale of a rich Indian family’s driver’s road from rags to riches. It is an unfiltered and at times, uncomfortable, account of the caste inequality in India. Along with stellar a performance by Adarsh Gourav who plays the main character Balram Halwai, and Priyanka Chopra taking on the role of his ‘master’s newlywed wife, what makes this movie even more fascinating is not only the raw account of the caste inequality but the manner in which Balram rose to success as an entrepreneur. It is shocking, eye-opening, and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. The book is a must-read, and its movie adaptation is definitely a must-watch.

Titane (France, Released: July 2021)

This highly acclaimed body-horror french film is equal parts bizarre and fascinating. Telling the story of a young girl whose body begins to undergo mysterious and unpredictable changes after she has brain surgery following a road accident. If you’re looking for a movie that is so unpredictable it leaves your jaw hanging, Titane is a foreign film you should opt for. This film is catered to people who enjoy this specific genre. All in all, it is fascinating, unpredictable, and has a brilliant screenplay, cinematography, and acting performances. The director, Agathe Rousselle, became the first female filmmaker to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes’ Film Festival solo.

The Mad Women’s Ball ‘Le bal des folles’ (France, Released: September 2021)

A young girl who has the secret unique gift of being able to communicate with the deceased is put into a neurological clinic once they discover her secret. If you are looking for a mystery-thriller foreign film, this is something you will enjoy. Set in the 19th century, it tells the story of women who have been declared mad and have no voice to fight for their rights with. It is a tale of humanity, at its core. A story of betrayal by the men that women trust the most in the world; their own fathers and brothers. It is a story that boldly confronts the misogyny in modern medicine.

Recalled (South Korea, Released: April 2021)

In this gripping mystery-thriller, we follow Soo-jin, embodied by phenomenal actress Seo Yea-ji, after she goes through a horrible accident and loses all her memories. However, somehow now she can see sinister glimpses of the future. More specifically, she can see glimpses of the future of people’s lives and the danger they will encounter. She tries to stop these events by attempting to intervene. Meanwhile, she also struggles to tell the difference between reality and delusion. Amidst all this chaos, she has shocking revelations about the truth about her husband and realizes that he might have more secrets than he might be letting on.

Midnight (South Korea, 2021)

Another foreign film on our list hailing from South Korea is none other than this entrancing mystery crime thriller starring brilliant and handsome actor, Wi Ha-Joon, who gained applause and fame for his portrayal of the role of Jun-ho in Squid Game. It follows a serial killer as he targets a dead little girl and her mother after they end up interrupting one of his kills. This movie keeps you on edge as the mother and daughter try to out-wit their pursuer. It is an hour and forty minutes long, and each second is worth it. From the build-up to the mystery, to the ending, Midnight never fails to satisfy the audience.

Some of the best foreign films were released this year, let us know which ones you want to see win awards!