20 Best Movie Performances Of 2020

7. Sidney Flanigan - Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Aubrey Plaza Black Bear
BBC Films

Eliza Hittman's crushing drama about a 17-year-old girl, Autumn (Sidney Flanigan), traveling out of state to seek an abortion, is one of the year's most searing dramas.

A matter-of-fact indictment of America's lack of support and access for pregnant youngsters, Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a film carried by the brilliantly unassuming performance from star Flanigan.

There isn't a self-conscious, navel-gazing moment in this totally unassuming piece of acting, which while lacking the typical Oscar reel meltdowns and marquee moments, is an uncommonly transfixing portrayal of feminine anguish, using her face to express so much without words.

That this is Flanigan's debut performance is scarcely believable given how strong her acting instincts evidently are, and though her work and the movie entire are likely too slight for Oscar attention, an Independent Spirit nomination for Best Female Lead sure would be nice.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.