10 Best Films Of 2020 (So Far)

9. Ema

If you haven't heard of Ema, the latest drama from Jackie director Pablo Larraín, I don't blame you. That's because its planned theatrical release has been shelved, and it was instead screened for just one day in the US, via Mubi in May.

That one day was enough for it to make an impact and gain a reputation as being a serious end-of-year contender though. One of the many movies on this list that's hiding plenty of shocking reveals behind its deceptively simple premise, Ema follows the eponymous character, a dancer whose life spins out of control after her adopted son is taken away from her.

It's the way the movie combines music and visuals that's the real winner though. Evoking Gaspar Noe's Climax (only without the LSD and brutal beatings), essential character building is accomplished through some genuinely breathtaking dance sequences.

All held together by Mariana Di Girolamo chaotic central performance, Ema is the kind of film where you can almost feel the sweat, grime and passion on display.