Culture

David And Margaret Reunite To Review 2020 And We Give Them Five Stars

"Unfortunately, 2020 is a disappointing failure.”

by Merryana Salem  16 December 2020
Maragret-and-David

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Australia’s beloved cinephile grandparents Margaret and David have reunited to bring us a couch review for the first time since At The Movies aired its last episode in 2014.

But this time the pair were reviewing something a little different: 2020 itself! And if we’re honest, we didn’t realise how much we missed them.

Australian satirical news outlet The Shovel created and co-ordinated the reunion sketch as part of their ‘War On 2020’ series, produced by The Chaser. The sketch is as wholesome as anything dealing with 2020 can be, but as per usual, Australia’s most beloved critics don’t necessarily agree.

According to David, “2020 is a disappointing failure” because its difficult to work out what the year actually is. “A sci-fi, disaster epic, a political drama? Some sort of dark comedy? It’s hard to tell,” he said.

After recapping various events of the year, he sprinkles in a classic David burn: “Christopher Nolan’s Tenet was easier to follow and that’s saying something.” Before turning to Margaret, he adds, “Despite all the upheaval and turmoil, nothing really changes. It’s hard to think of a less enjoyable production.”

Margaret, keeping to the tonal traditions of their classic banter, disagrees with David. “It’s a satire, David!” she rebuts. “It’s not meant to be taken seriously.” David is incredulous, but Margaret continues providing evidence for 2020 as pure parody, “like when the prince of England announces his retirement when he doesn’t even have a job. Brilliant!”

Of course, as is tradition, David and Margaret each leave us with their star rating out of five. Margaret concludes, “I loved 2020. I thought it was ridiculous, satirical, vastly entertaining, absolutely hilarious.”

“I thought it was horrible,” David grumbles.

“Well, I’m giving it five stars,” said Margaret.

David concludes, “I’m giving it zero.”

I have to say, back in the day, I tended to side with Margaret on things, but as both an extra in, and viewer of, 2020, I agree with David on the zero out of five. Maybe 2020 isn’t all bad though — maybe it’s a solid 2 stars out of five. Those 2 stars? David and Margaret.