Richard Brody lists his favorite movies of 2020 and writes about the powers—and limitations—of cinema in times of crisis.

With only three weeks before a particularly consequential Election Day, movies about democracy and politics are blanketing screens.

Election years are often called "the silly season." But in 2020, the stakes feel much too high for such lightheartedness. We need inspiration, edification and, quite frankly, a massive course ...

From Page Eight to Argo, the 21st century has given viewers no shortage of intense, smart and gripping political thriller movies.