🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the satirical mockumentary “Death to 2020,” directed by Al Campbell and Alice Mathias and written by Charlie Brooker, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous events of the year 2020. Produced by Brooker and Annabel Jones, the film delves into the chaos and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impacts in the US and UK.
The narrative unfolds through a series of interviews and commentary from various characters, blending real-world facts with biting satire. Narrated by the iconic Laurence Fishburne, the film adopts a dispassionate documentary style, using a mix of authentic news footage, fabricated interviews, and deadpan observations.
The story kicks off on January 1st, with Fishburne dryly noting, “2020 seems like any other year.” As the months progress, the film navigates through the unprecedented events that shaped the year, offering a unique perspective on the global crisis and the societal responses that followed.
Despite its attempts at humor and social commentary, “Death to 2020” has faced mixed reviews. While some viewers appreciate the wit and moments of levity sprinkled throughout, others feel that the film falls short of its potential. Criticisms include a perceived heavy-handed political tone and a lack of originality in its comedic approach.
One standout performance in the film comes from Tracey Ullman, who portrays Queen Elizabeth with her signature charm and humor. Ullman’s portrayal adds a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise weighty subject matter, offering a refreshing take on the royal perspective amidst the chaos of 2020.
Overall, “Death to 2020” stands as a testament to the unprecedented challenges faced during the tumultuous year, serving as a satirical reflection on the events that defined a generation. While the film may not resonate with all audiences, its bold approach to storytelling and its blend of reality and satire make it a unique addition to the mockumentary genre.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Diane Morgan, Cristin Milioti, Joe Keery
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Samuel L. Jackson | Dash Bracket |
| Hugh Grant | Tennyson Foss |
| Lisa Kudrow | Jeanetta Grace Susan |
| Leslie Jones | Dr. Maggie Gravel |
| Joe Keery | Duke Goolies |
| Kumail Nanjiani | Bark Multiverse |
| Tracey Ullman | The Queen, Regina Elisabetta II |
| Cristin Milioti | Kathy Flowers |
| Diane Morgan | Samson Kayo |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to dive into the chaotic rollercoaster that was 2020 but in a mockumentary style? Well, buckle up because “Death to 2020” is here to take you on a satirical journey through the tumultuous events of the past year. However, before you hit play, let’s unpack whether this Netflix special is worth your time or if it’s a comedic misfire.
Picture this: it’s like ordering a gourmet pizza with all your favorite toppings, only to find out that the crust is soggy and the cheese isn’t as gooey as expected. That’s the vibe of “Death to 2020.” Despite having the comedic genius of Charlie Brooker behind it, some viewers feel like this mockumentary missed the mark. The humor falls flat for many, lacking the sharp wit and cleverness expected from Brooker’s work.
Now, diving into the cast, there are shining stars amidst the cloudy sky. Hugh Grant shines as a pretentious academic, Lisa Kudrow nails her role as a gaslighting White House spokesperson, and Tracey Ullman brings an entertaining portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. These performances add some much-needed spice to an otherwise lukewarm dish.
One of the major criticisms leveled at “Death to 2020” is its heavy-handed political focus. While satire often thrives on political commentary, in this case, it seems to have overshadowed the humor and entertainment value. The predictability of the jokes and lack of freshness in its approach leave viewers craving more substance.
Binge-Watching Tip: If you’re a fan of mockumentaries like “The Office” or “What We Do in the Shadows,” you might find some enjoyment in “Death to 2020.” Approach it with tempered expectations and focus on individual performances for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Despite its shortcomings, “Death to 2020” does offer a humorous yet honest reflection on a year that tested us all. It manages to capture the essence of 2020 through a comedic lens without belittling the gravity of real-world events. While it may not hit all the right notes, it still provides moments of levity in an otherwise challenging narrative.
As we bid farewell to 2020 (finally!), “Death to 2020” serves as both a reminder and a parody of all that we’ve endured. It’s like watching a recap of a tumultuous reality show where you can laugh at the absurdity while also acknowledging the harsh truths that lie beneath.
Rating: 6/10
In conclusion, while “Death to 2020” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it offers glimpses of brilliance through its talented cast and satirical take on recent history. So grab your popcorn, settle in for some political satire with a side of comedy, and see if this mockumentary tickles your funny bone or leaves you wanting more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, and Tracey Ullman | Overall feels like a wasted opportunity |
| Some funny moments | Not very funny or witty |
| Mockumentary format with a mix of true information and satire | Feels heavily political and predictable |
| Addresses events of 2020, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic | Received mostly negative critical reception |
| Some cast performances praised | Jokes criticized as obvious |
| Not very entertaining |
Feedback
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Death to 2020 (TV Special 2020) - IMDb
In mockumentary format, characters discuss events of 2020 with a mixture of true information and satire. The overarching topic is the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the US and UK.In mockumentary format, characters discuss events of 2020 with a mixture of true information and satire. The overarching topic is the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the US and UK.In mockumentary format, characters discuss events of 2020 with a mixture of true information and satire. The overarching topic is the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the US and UK.
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Death to 2020 - Wikipedia
Death to 2020is a 2020 mockumentary byBlack Mirrorcreators Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones under their Broke and Bones production company as a Netflix original production. The special features a series of fictional characters discussing US and UK events of 2020 including the COVID-19 pandemic and US presidential election. It was released on Netflix on 27 December 2020. The mockumentary received mostly negative critical reception, with reviewers criticising the jokes as obvious, though some of the cast performances were praised. A sequel special,Death to 2021, was released on December 27, 2021.
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Death to 2020 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
Imagine a year so tumultuous and chaotic that the only way to process it is through satire. Enter “Death to 2020,” a Netflix special created by the masterminds behind Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, and Annabel Jones. This hour-long show is a scathing roundup of the events that defined the cursed year of 2020, featuring a star-studded cast of celebrities playing parodic talking heads.
The format of “Death to 2020” mirrors Brooker’s BBC annual “Wipes,” delivering sharp commentary on the year’s most prominent events. From the Australian wildfires to the royal drama of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, from the absurdities of Donald Trump to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, no significant event is spared from the satire.
The cast is a who’s who of A-listers, with Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Leslie Jones, Cristin Milioti, Kumail Nanjiani, and Tracey Ullman embodying various characters. Laurence Fishburne narrates the chaos, while Diane Morgan shines amidst the star-studded lineup, standing out with her comedic prowess.
While “Death to 2020” delivers some sharp gags and witty moments, it falls short in offering fresh perspectives on the year’s events. The satire often feels like a rehash of what we’ve already seen and experienced throughout the year. Characters like the Republican press secretary and the well-meaning millennial vlogger turned racist may hit their marks occasionally but lack the depth needed to truly resonate.
Hugh Grant’s portrayal of a pompous historian stands out as a highlight, delivering solid lines with great relish. Diane Morgan’s portrayal of an “average” member of the public adds a touch of comedic relief, reminiscent of her previous work on BBC’s comedy shows. However, the overall feeling is that we’ve heard it all before – “Death to 2020” serves as a reminder that the satire of the year has become all too familiar.
As we bid farewell to the tumultuous year of 2020, “Death to 2020” encapsulates the chaos, absurdity, and challenges we faced in a comedic yet reflective manner. While the show may not break new ground in its satire, it serves as a time capsule of the unprecedented events that shaped a year unlike any other.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
This TV special “Death to 2020” is rated U/A 16+. This means the content is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above due to the themes and elements depicted in the mockumentary.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that “Death to 2020” contains satirical and comedic commentary on the events of the year 2020, focusing on topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, the US presidential election, and other significant events. Here’s a breakdown of the content:
- Sex & Nudity: Minimal sexual content, some mild innuendos.
- Violence & Gore: Depictions of societal and political unrest, references to violence, but no graphic or intense scenes.
- Profanity: Moderate profanity including the use of strong language throughout the mockumentary.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Some references to alcohol and drugs, but nothing explicit or glorified.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Some intense discussions about real-life events that may be unsettling for younger viewers.
Given the nature of the content and the mature themes discussed, it is recommended for viewers aged 16 and above who can understand and appreciate the satirical take on the events of 2020.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Watch ‘Death to 2020’ on Netflix Official Site. Maturity Rating: 16+ | 1h 10m | Comedy |
| Netflix | Currently you are able to watch ‘Death to 2020’ streaming on Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Some say The Crown is unrealistic, but it strikes me as a far more faithful depiction of the monarchy than their other regal drama, Tiger King.
They had Greta Thunberg headlining. She’s this teenage girl who’d become famous even though everything she says is depressing. Kind of like Billie Eilish.
America remains trapped in a loveless marriage with itself.
I know that I care, but do enough other people know that I care?
The President skillfully placates the situation with some soothing incendiary comments.
They said there were more mail ballots than ever, what about female ballots?
Across the USA, masks, which unlike guns, cannot be cheaply and easily manufactured, run low while critics describe the lack of ventilators as “breathtaking.”
In a desperate bid for attention, the virus infects beloved Hollywood everyman, and occasional CGI cowboy, Tom Hanks, providing new networks with an irresistible celebrity angle to the otherwise boring deadly pandemic.
Right now, it takes about 6 months exposure to social media for the average person to become hopelessly radicalized.
Davos is basically Coachella for billionaires.
🤖Death to 2020 Reddit Talks
Death to 2020, a comedic retrospective from the creators of “Black Mirror,” has received mixed reactions on Reddit.
Some users praised the mockumentary for providing a much-needed laugh in an otherwise bleak year, while others found it unfunny and disappointing.
Those who enjoyed the film appreciated its satirical take on the events of 2020, particularly the performances of the all-star cast, which included Hugh Grant, Samuel L. Jackson, and Lisa Kudrow.
However, some viewers criticized the film for being too heavy-handed in its political commentary and for failing to live up to the high standards set by “Black Mirror.”
Overall, the consensus on Reddit seems to be that Death to 2020 is a well-made mockumentary that is worth watching for its entertainment value, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.
Here are some specific points of view and topics discussed on Reddit:
- The film’s satirical take on the events of 2020 was praised by some users, while others found it to be too heavy-handed.
- The performances of the all-star cast were generally well-received.
- Some viewers criticized the film for failing to live up to the high standards set by “Black Mirror.”
- The film’s political commentary was a polarizing topic, with some users finding it insightful and others finding it off-putting.
- Overall, the consensus on Reddit seems to be that Death to 2020 is a well-made mockumentary that is worth watching for its entertainment value, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/kl2esk/death_to_2020_is_out_now_what_did_you_think/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/klnfbe/death_to_2020/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/kl2mld/mockumentary_death_to_2020_from_the_creators_of/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/kn4pvw/review_netflixs_death_to_2020/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/kmhzlj/death_to_2020_is_a_failure_of_imagination/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death to 2020 worth watching?
While there are some funny moments in Death to 2020, overall, this mockumentary may feel like a bit of a wasted opportunity. It leans more heavily on political commentary and can be predictable, rather than being consistently funny or witty.
Is Death to 2020 a mockumentary?
Yes, Death to 2020 is presented in mockumentary format where characters discuss events of the tumultuous year 2020 with a blend of true information and satire. The central focus is on the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the US and UK.
Who played Queen Elizabeth in Death to 2020?
Queen Elizabeth in Death to 2020 is portrayed by Tracey Ullman. Her performance adds a fun element to the cast in this satirical take on the events of 2020.
When did Death to 2020 come out?
Death to 2020 was released on Netflix on December 27, 2020. While the mockumentary received mixed reviews, some critics appreciated certain cast performances despite finding the humor to be somewhat lacking in depth and originality.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Death to 2021: A mockumentary film released in 2022, exploring similar themes with a satirical take.
- Triangle of Sadness: A 2022 movie with a satirical tone, focusing on societal issues.
- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: A 2020 mockumentary film known for its political satire and humor.
- Amy Schumer: Growing (2019): A comedy special with a mix of satire and humor.
- Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great! (2020): A stand-up comedy special with witty commentary.
- Joe Rogan: Triggered (2016): A comedy special with a satirical take on various topics.
- Aziz Ansari: Right Now (2019): A comedy special addressing current issues with humor.
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