The Film Experience

We'll be investigating a couple handfuls of Emmy categories before the main event. Here's Juan Carlos Ojano...

Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale in "American Son"

The competition between HBO and Netflix is rarely embodied as well as it in this category for 2020. The giant streamer dominates this category with four nominees, but it's the long-standing Emmy-devouring cable network that could prove the spoiler. This year’s slate of nominees include a film festival acquisition, an interactive film, an episode of an anthology series, a “television event”, and an epilogue to an Emmy-winning drama series. (The last three winners were all episodes of the anthology series Black Mirror. They were Bandersnatch in 2019, USS Callister in 2018, and San Junipero in 2017.)

Let's consider each nominee...

American Son (Netflix)
Directed by Kenny Leon

Marketed as a “television event”, American Son is basically a filmed production of the play it was adapted from. Bar a few flashbacks, events unfold within the confines of a police station where racial tensions simmer between a restless mother (Kerry Washington) and the people around her. I am personally drawn to the film’s restricting setup in favor of hinging on the writing and the actors. Sure, its insistent staginess as well as its occasionally on-the-nose dialogue can feel unnatural. However, it is bolstered by a strong central performance by Washington whose anger and frustration escalates to a heartbreaking payoff at the end. Full disclosure: I prefer Washington’s work here more than her Emmy-nominated performance in Little Fires Everywhere. While receiving mixed critical reception upon its release, it is easy to see why this was included in this year’s group of nominees given its initial hype and Washington’s star power.

Bad Education (HBO)
Directed by Cory Finley

The nominee with the highest profile, Bad Education initially premiered in Toronto in 2019 before being acquired by HBO. It's the story of a long and large-scale embezzlement carried out by school administrators while they're trying to improve the school’s standing. With its acerbic mixture of humor and drama, confident direction, and strong performances, the film is a winner. Finley and his team don't hold back in the depiction of this scam, acutely examining the gray areas associated with holding people accountable and the relationship strains that might cause it. Hugh Jackman shifts his character deliciously from charming to despicable, turning in one of his best performances. Meanwhile, Allison Janney digs deep into her character’s pathetic disillusionment. It's easy to see why this is the one to beat in this category.

Kathleen Turner and Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones (Netflix)
Directed by Joe Lazarov

Following the path that Black Mirror took, Netflix submitted the final episode of Dolly Parton's anthology series as a movie. The story of a reclusive woman (Kathleen Turner) accused of witchcraft and persuaded to sell her land by a young lawyer (Ginnifer Goodwin) tries to unearth the beginnings of the titular song. The film itself is unabashedly sentimental, going for easy drama in its unsubtle writing. Suspension of disbelief is definitely tested as the film approaches its climax, but Kathleen Turner and Ginnifer Goodwin grant honesty to the film’s shallow storytelling. Despite having its heart in the right place, count this as the weakest link of this bunch.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (Netflix)
Directed by Vince Gilligan

Anticipation was high for this Breaking Bad sequel following the aftermath of the series finale. As someone who has not seen the series but was unfortunately spoiled by major plot details, I had a surprisingly easy time following the events featured in the film. A slow burn during the first hour, the film gains momentum in the second and becomes a tense affair featuring a gripping performance by Aaron Paul. The film is grounded by Vince Gilligan’s confident direction that effectively maintains tension even in its quieter moments. Solid cinematography, film editing, and sound design strengthen the overall storytelling, but I am sure Breaking Bad fans would have stronger reactions to the film than I.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend (Netflix)
Directed by Claire Scanlon

This is my first experience with an interactive movie and I love the original series. This special follows Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) as she discovers that there are more girls abducted by the Reverend. These events unravel during the eve of her wedding with a British prince (Daniel Radcliffe). The result is a delightful experiment with the form, never taking itself seriously and relishing the lighthearted nature of the material. While the choices given to the viewers are not always the most consequential, it provides enjoyable options that keep spirits high wherever you go in the story. Ellie Kemper and Tituss Burgess exude the same energy that made the original show lovable.

Personal Ranking:

Bad Education
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit: Kimmy vs The Reverend
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
American Son
Dolly Parton Heartstrings: These Old Bones

Predicted Winner: Bad Education

Potential Spoiler: El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Who would you vote for?