6 Fantastic New Movies to Get You Out of Your Streaming Slump
Updated: Jan. 28, 2021
So long, 2020
Considering the year that was 2020, it can be hard to feel like there’s anything to look forward to. But time moves forward (thank god), and there’s tons to look forward to this year. Whether it’s a needle (or two) in the arm, an exciting new space exploration mission, your fave new TV show, or a great book to occupy your time in lockdown, here’s what to look forward to in 2021.
(Related: How to Start 2021 off on the Right Foot)
The COVID-19 vaccine
This year, the return to normalcy is on the horizon. As of now, Canada has approved two different vaccines for use: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s. Both vaccines require two doses, a couple of weeks apart, for full efficacy.
Vaccine rollout is handled by each province, so when you can expect to be immunized depends on where you live. All provinces and territories are currently in the first phase of the rollout, with healthcare workers, frontline workers (such as people who work in long-term care homes) and remote Indigenous communities being among the first to receive the shot. For everyone else, the federal government has said that vaccine rollout for the general population will start in April, and “most Canadians” can expect to be vaccinated by September 2021, if all goes according to plan.
The Olympics
After the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were cancelled last year, the Olympics have been rescheduled for this summer, beginning on July 23, 2021. Much is still up in the air about the event, including whether or not the games will go on amid a worsening pandemic and accompanying lockdowns and travel restrictions. As of now, Team Canada is still planning on attending the Olympics, with stars from 2016’s Rio games looking to defend their titles and newcomers on the scene looking to make a splash.
(Related: Why Exercise Can Be the Most Effective Way to Relieve Stress)
New earthlings on Mars
No, we don’t mean humans. NASA’s Perseverance rover will complete its long journey to the red planet on February 18, 2021. Perseverance will help scientists look for signs of past life on Mars. China’s Mars rover, Tianwan-1, will also land sometime in February.
One step closer to zero-waste
After Justin Trudeau made it an election promise in 2019, Canada’s single-use plastics ban will finally come into effect at the end of 2021. This new legislation will ban plastic grocery bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack beer rings, cutlery and food ware made from hard-to-recycle plastics. The ban is a step in the government’s plan to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030. (In the meantime, here are important single-use plastic swaps to make now.)
Movies
With many movie theatres across the country closed (or with significantly reduced capacity) due to the pandemic, a lot of blockbusters will be available via home streaming—sometimes at the same time as its theatrical release. So, if you’re staying at home to social distance, there are a ton of new releases to look forward to this year.
Malcom and Marie
Starring Zendaya and John David Washington, Malcom and Marie is directed by the creator of HBO’s Euphoria. Out February 5, 2021 on Netflix.
The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson’s newest movie is a quirky love letter to journalists, set at an outpost of an American newspaper in France in the 20th century. Out May 2021.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Canadian actor Simu Liu as the titular superhero. Out July 9, 2021.
Deep Water
Starring Ben Afflick and Ana de Armas, Deep Water follows an out-of-love married couple who begins to play deadly mind games against each other. Out August 13, 2021.
Respect
Starring Jennifer Hudson as the iconic Aretha Franklin, Respect follows the life of the legendary singer. Out August 13, 2020
Dune
Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune is based on the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. Out October 1, 2021.
(Related: 20 Movies to Watch on Netflix Canada For a Wild Nostalgic Trip)
Television
From catching up on the latest buzzy show to rediscovering old faves, streaming services have made it easier than ever to at least try out the show that everyone’s talking about. Here are some new and returning TV shows to look forward to this year.
Kim’s Convenience season 5
The latest season of this CBC comedy will follow the Kim family through more hijinks and heartfelt moments. Out on January 19, 2021 on CBC Gem.
Workin’ Moms season 5
This CBC comedy created by and starring Catherine Reitman about working parents is one of the most relatable shows on TV. Out on February 16, 2021 on CBC Gem
Succession season 3
The Roy family is back! This HBO drama is one of the most talked-about shows on air. Though an official premiere date for the show’s third season has yet to be announced, HBO has hinted that Succession will be back before 2021’s end. Out in late 2021 on Crave.
Ms Marvel season 1
Starring Canadian Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, a 16-year-old Muslim Pakistani-American in Jersey City, this series is part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. Out in late 2021 on Disney+.
Never Have I Ever season 2
Mindy Kaling’s high school sitcom starring Missisagua, Ont. Local Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was renewed for a second season, due to premiere sometime in 2021. Out in 2021 on Netflix.
(Related: The Best Loungewear to Cozy Up In at Home)
Books
If lockdown renewed your love of reading in 2020, there are even more new books being released in 2021, sure to entertain in lockdown 2.0.
Gutter Child by Jael Richardson
Gutter Child is FOLD (Festival of Literary Diversity) founder’s debut novel and takes place in a world where the most vulnerable are forced to buy their freedom by working to pay their debt to society. Out January 26, 2021.
Return of the Trickster by Eden Robinson
The third book in the Trickster series by Eden Robinson (which the CBC Gem series Trickster is based on) is also the final book in the trilogy. Out March 2, 2021.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Musician Michelle Zauner’s (aka Japanese Breakfast) memoir about growing up Korean American, her mother’s death and gigs with her fledging band. Out April 20, 2021.
While Justice Never Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
The Georgia politician’s political thriller novel follows a brilliant young law clerk in Washington. Out May 14, 2021.
All’s Well by Mona Awad
Canadian writer Mona Awad’s third novel follows an actor after she’s caught in a life-altering accident that leaves her with chronic back pain, a failed marriage and a deepening dependence on painkillers. Out August 3, 2021.
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