Staff Picks: Inauguration Edition 2021
It’s almost the end of the first month of 2021, and just over a week since the U.S. saw a new president take office. In light of the occasion, some of us highlighted our favorite political films below!

Four lifelong friends—Tae-jeong, Do-jin, Yeon-min, and Geum-bok—dreamed of an epic trip abroad, but life got in the way. Years later, older but not necessarily wiser, they finally embark on their long-overdue journey. Planned as a carefree getaway, however, the trip derails into a whirlwind of unexpected chaos, hilariously absurd detours, and buried emotions resurfacing. As they stumble through misadventures, their first ride together turns into a spectacular journey—one for the ages.
It’s almost the end of the first month of 2021, and just over a week since the U.S. saw a new president take office. In light of the occasion, some of us highlighted our favorite political films below!
While doing research on a fishing boat, a scientist encounters a parasite.
The film is a documentary focusing on heavy metal in the late 80s and tackles topics like drug addiction, alcoholism, sex, masculinity, and of course, rock and roll. However, this didn’t feel like any documentary I’ve ever seen before.
I can say without question, that this is the first movie I’ve ever seen where art imitates life so much that I could 100% identify with it on a personal level. The predominately Black cast of characters are people with hopes, dreams, fears, and ambitions.
The film is a powerful narrative encompassing a theme that many people can identify with.
Despite its glaring flaws, First Girl I Loved is not entirely undeserving of a watch. For people who can handle the more difficult aspects of the story and graphic scenes, it is worth looking into. It’s not a film worthy of rewatch, but it may still resonate somewhat with those who need a story like this. It is a genuine, if flimsy attempt at a coming-of-age tale. Were the film to be directed by someone with experiences more similar to Anne, it would likely be more powerful--as it is, it feels like a man’s perspective of what it means to come to terms with your identity as a lesbian.