The Best of Book to Film 2021

It’s a common theme here on Triple L – the book is always better. But does that still hold true when companies like Netflix, Prime, Crave, Hulu, etc. are pumping out content on a regular bases? Gone are the days of 1 or 2 book to film adaptations a year. The category for Best Adapted Screenplay is quickly becoming much more competitive.

So what have we been graced with in 2021 and what’s still to come?

Firefly Lane – Netflix series released February 2021

From acclaimed author Kristen Hannah (on this list twice today), comes the Netflix original series Firefly Lane starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. Characters Tully and Kate support each other through good times and bad with an unbreakable bond that carries them from their teens to their forties. I gave it a go, but truthfully I wasn’t to keen on the book to begin with. The story doesn’t hold my attention well, what are your thoughts? IMDB rates it 7.4/10.

Shadow & Bone – Netflix series released April 2021

Leigh Bardugo’s popular Grishaverse novels come together for the Shadow and Bone Netflix original series. The series brings together characters and story lines from both the Shadow and Bone trilogy, as well as Six of Crows. For those who have devoured both series this is a great adaptation, but for those like me who have only read one of the two it can get a little confusing when trying to compare to the book. Best to sit back and leave the comparisons alone to enjoy this one. IMBD rates it 7.7/10.

The Woman in the Window – Netflix original released May 2021

This book was a super popular one a few years ago, and was actually the first book pick of a Book Club that my friends and I started just over two years ago. The Netflix movie has a great cast, including Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman and Wyatt Russell. Agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox witnesses something she shouldn’t while keeping tabs on the Russell family, the seemingly picture perfect clan that lives across the way. It’s quite dark and truthfully I never finished the movie. I’m going to list this one as a true “The Book was Better”. IMDB rates it 5.7/10.

Nine Perfect Strangers – Hulu series released August 2021

From Liane Moriarty comes another book to film adaptation, those who brought us Big Little Lies. Nine Perfect Strangers follows stressed city dwellers as they visit a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation. The resort’s director is a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. Starring Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy this Hulu original came with a lot of hype that I haven’t tested out yet. IMDB rates it 7.0/10.

One of Us is Lying – W Network series released October 2021

I truly enjoyed this book, a great modern spin-off of The Breakfast Club. A brain, an athlete, a princess, a criminal, and a “basket case” walk into detention – but only the first four make it out alive. I’ve seen many previews and commercials for this one and I look forward to giving it a try. IMDB rates it 6.8/10.

Dune – In theatres October 2021

I’m so excited that big box office movies are finally coming back. So many have been postponed over the last year and a half and I can’t wait to get my bucket of popcorn for this adaptation of Dune. Starring some of my favourites, Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. For those sci-fi lovers this ones for you. IMDB rates it 8.2/10.

House of Gucci – In theatres November 2021

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder. Based on the book by Sara Gay Forden, the book and movie covers murder, madness, glamour and greed within the Gucci family starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Salma Hayak, Jared Leto, Al Pacino and more. (will update here once IMDB provides a rating).

The Nightingale – In theatres December 2021 (postponed to December 2022)

This has been on of my favourite books from the last few years and I can’t wait to see this adaptation that was sadly postponed until next year. Based on Kristin Hannah’s acclaimed novel The Nightingale, the lives of two sisters in France who are torn apart at the onset of World War II. Played by real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning. (will update here once IMDB provides a rating).

I’m sure there are many missing from this list. What have you seen on the docket for 2022?

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