A year in cinema brings audiences a plethora of films to choose from. Whether you are a horror aficionado, a drama devotee or a lover of the latest big blockbuster – there will be a film that suits your cinematic taste buds. And in this day and age, being a cinephile could not be easier with a number of streaming platforms available as well as being able to see films at your local theatre.

That being said, there are always a number of films that fall beneath the radar or that will not reach the same size audience as bigger films are able to. Often that is due to marketing budgets and restraints, but for whatever reason – there are films that go overlooked in any given year of film that are worthy of recognition.

1. Tigers Are Not Afraid

This Mexican drama from director Issa Lopez mixes elements of crime, horror and fantasy. Tigers Are Not Afraid is reminiscent of Pan’s Labyrinth in the way that it mixes the real world with the fantastical. In fact, Guillermo del Toro himself is a fan of the film and named it in his best of the year of its release. But in the case of this film, the story follows a group of orphaned children who are trying to survive on the run from the cartels that murdered their parents.

As you might expect, Tigers Are Not Afraid is a very bleak, violent and brutal film. The fantasy elements are much like Pan’s Labyrinth in that they are left completely up to the audience to decide whether they are really happening or simply symbolic of the horrors of real life.

Tigers Are not Afraid is a very raw film – much of it is filmed handheld and the child actors are children who had not acted previously, thus their performances are very fresh and energetic. The young actors have very adult dialogue and themes to deal with, and so their performances are certainly worthy of praise. Juan Ramon Lopez is particularly noteworthy as Shine, the leader of the orphaned children.

Tigers Are Not Afraid is a film that, even given its clear inspirations from Pan’s Labyrinth, feels very unique and unlike any other film released recently. Though it is often a harrowing and difficult watch, it is definitely a film that addresses important issues and themes and is worthy of being seen.

2. One Cut of the Dead

If you are a fan of the zombie genre and looking for a slightly off piste film to add to your collection, then you might want to check out One Cut of the Dead.

One Cut of the Dead is a low budget, Japanese zombie comedy film. It follows a film crew who are making a zombie horror film at a deserted WWII underground facility, when they are attacked by real zombies. Rather than try and escape, the director decides to keep the camera rolling.

One Cut of the Dead took awhile to gain a theatrical release and by the time that it did, it already had a cult following. The film has earned critical praise and is one of the small amount of films with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

One Cut of the Dead is a genuinely meta and satirical film, and most audiences may be surprised with where the film takes them. This film will also really appeal to anyone interested in filmmaking or has experienced filmmaking first-hand, as there will be much that rings true for filmmakers. One Cut of the Dead is a unique and spirited film with a fresh take on the zombie genre – something that is hard to achieve in such a crowded and popular genre.

3. Beanpole

Beanpole won the Un Certain Regard Best Director Award and the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was also the Russian entry for Best International Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it did not make the final list of nominees.

Beanpole is set just after the Second World War and follows two young women, Iya and Masha, as they try to rebuild their lives amongst the resulting chaos of the war. It soon becomes clear that the horrors of war do not end with peacetime.

Beanpole is a complex and thought-provoking film that deals with a myriad of issues and ideas. At its centre, it is a study of the effects of PTSD and the aftermath of the war. But Beanpole is also a character study of both Iya and Masha and the meaning of female friendship. Beanpole also looks at hopelessness and what that means to different people.

As you might expect, Beanpole is not an easy watch and does feature some harrowing scenes, but it is unlike any other film of its ilk from recent times. Beanpole feels unique and resonant, whilst providing much food for thought for audiences.

4. Transit

This German drama from director Christian Petzold follows a refugee’s attempt to flee a fascist state by assuming the identity of a deceased writer. But the man finds his attempts made even more complicated by the people he meets along the way. The film is based on a 1944 novel by Anna Segher, but interestingly, although the setting feels somewhat timeless, the film is set in the modern day.

Transit is a quiet and contemplative film. It has a sort of dissonance to it, a detached air – and the audience must decide whether to engage in the film’s existential qualities or it may very well leave you behind. That is not because the film is necessarily hard going or difficult to understand, but because it is just as much about things unsaid as things said – small looks and glances, and multiple meanings in one uttered word.

Transit is engaging and intriguing, with some scenes feeling particularly fascinating and inviting. The film is a great example of a unique adaptation, and benefits from further thought and discussion to truly appreciate.

5. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi was the Polish entry for Best International Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards and made the final shortlist of nominations, being pipped to the post by Parasite.

Corpus Christi follows a young man named Daniel who wants to become a priest. Unfortunately, due to his criminal conviction, Daniel is unable to do so. Upon his release from a juvenile detention centre, a case of mistaken identity leads to Daniel taking over duties at the local parish. The local community is still reeling from a recent tragedy and this charismatic and unique young man may be the best hope that they have to begin healing. However, Daniel’s past threatens to catch up to him…

Corpus Christi could almost sound comical from its description, but no make mistake – this is a sometimes violent, often bleak and always serious film. It is washed in muted tones, never too bright or too warm which certainly reflects the film tonally.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is the central performance from Bartosz Bielenia, who plays Daniel. He has a unique look, almost like a young Christopher Walken and his performance is electrifying.

Corpus Christi deals with themes of guilt, forgiveness, ethics and of course religion. It raises interesting questions and would be a great film to watch and then discuss in a group. It is a well-made, well performed and well directed film with an ending that really packs a punch.

What classifies a film as a “cult classic?” First and foremost, it must stand the test of time. Cult classics only become such after years, even decades, of sustained viewership from fans who are, generally, more invested in non-mainstream movies. This includes films that are often reviled when they premiere only to be praised at a later date. A few of the most notable filmmakers with cult followings include Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining), David Lynch (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks) and John Waters (Pink Flamingos) among others.

Today there are several directors whose work is, without a doubt, headed for cult classic status such as Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Bong Joon-ho. From psychedelic drugs to doppelgängers with laryngitis, here are the top ten films from 2019 that, odds are, will one day be considered cult classics.

(Note: The films in this list recognize U.S. release dates as identified on Rotten Tomatoes)

10. High Life

Claire Denis crafts an erotic cocktail of impending death and artificial insemination in her dystopian sci-fi High Life. As an alternative to life in prison, death row inmates are sentenced to interstellar suicide as hell-bent guinea pigs. But when the misfit crew is subjected to sperm sampling and fertility tests for reproductive research, Monte (Robert Pattinson) abstains. It isn’t until his hand is forced when a biological breakthrough ensues. Soon Monte and his daughter Willow (Jessie Ross)—sole survivors of a controversial mission—hurdle headlong toward an open-to-interpretation ending.

With the spectrum of outer-space oddities ranging from artificial intelligence such as HAL 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey) to extraterrestrials including Alien and War of the Worlds, High Life suggests that humans are much more horrifying. Co-starring Juliette Binoche and André Benjamin (a.k.a. André 3000), Denis’ cast find chemistry amidst violence and hopelessness. As intoxicating as it is amorous, High Life lets viewers decide for themselves whether space is a frontier or a tomb.

9. Motherless Brooklyn

A P.I. suffering from O.C.D. and tourettes—“tits on a Tuesday!”—must avenge his boss’ death in Edward Norton’s attempt at directing Motherless Brooklyn starring himself. After respected investigator Frank Minna (Bruce Willis) is gunned down for reasons unbeknownst to Lionel Essrog (Norton), or Bailey as he often calls himself, Essrog pledges to finish what Frank started.

Posing as an investigative journalist with stolen credentials, Lionel identifies Moses Randoplh (Alec Baldwin), a powerful property developer, as the mastermind behind Minna’s murder and the head of a city-wide conspiracy. With nothing but Frank’s fedora and a photographic memory to uncover clues, Lionel must intercept Randolph’s plans lest Brooklyn be irreparably divided.

Based on Jonathan Lethem’s 1999 novel of the same name, the first-time director takes many creative liberties to retell this who-done-what chapter of New York City’s unpleasant past. Deeply entrenched in urban renewal and racial descrimination, Motherless Brooklyn is a poignant period piece set in the 1950’s. Combining a jazz-cat score with an uncomfortably long run time, Norton’s neo-noir crime film features supporting performances from Willem Dafoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Though his abilities as a director are, at times, convincing, Edward asks us if—“if, IF!?”—Motherless Brooklyn has what it takes to age into a cult classic or if it will continue to recede out of the limelight.

8. The Beach Bum

Harmony Korine first dropped audience’s jaws with his screenplay for Kids (1995); a day in the life depiction of several sexually active preteens in New York City. Two years later we got Gummo, Korine’s directorial debut which portrays the lives of impoverished Ohioans in the aftermath of a devastating tornado. Fast forward twenty-two years and we arrive at The Beach Bum, a stoner dramedy starring Matthew McConaughey as Moondog; a pot-smoking poet living in the Florida Keys.

When his wealthy ex-wife Minnie (Isla Fisher) dies in a car crash, free-spirited Moondog is entitled to half of her inheritance on the sole condition that he must finish his work-in-progress novel. Seeking solace from R&B singer and Minnie’s former fiancé Lingerie (Snoop Dog) as well as a pyromaniac (Zac Efron) and a maritime tour guide (Martin Lawrence), Moondog must decide for himself whether or not getting high and honoring his ex-wife’s wishes are mutually exclusive.

Sporting outrageous outfits throughout the film including matching button-ups and board shorts, pink kimonos and feather boas, Moondog’s hedonistic charisma has cult classic written all over it. While The Beach Bum deviates heavily from the skin-crawling cinematography of Korine’s earlier work, McConaughey’s goofy giggle and magnetic presence on-screen may be enough to achieve a cult following.

7. Us

Stand-up comedian-turned-director Jordan Peele stole horror fan’s hearts with Get Out (2017) which documents a black man’s conspiratorial encounter with his girlfriend’s racist relatives. Two years later he turned his cast on themselves as jumpsuit-wearing doppelgängers in Us. Once more taking place on a getaway-gone-wrong, Us follows a family of four to Santa Cruz, California where could-be-clones terrorize them with scissors and sore throats. Culminating in a farfetched face-off beneath the boardwalk, Us’ awkward voice acting and overly-audacious ending struggle to comment on the fabric of society, ultimately unravelling at the seams.

Six years after winning an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role as cotton-picking Patsey in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave (2013) Lupita Nyong’o outacts her antagonist self as a mom on a mission. Featuring a gender bender dad in distress (Winston Duke) and Elisabeth Moss as a family friend, Us’ ambition exceeds its ability. A classic example of a sophmore slump, Peele’s second film might still be a cult classic in the making.

6. Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler delivers the performance of a lifetime in Benny and Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems. Set in New York City’s Diamond District, Howard Ratner (Sandler), a Jewish jeweler and gambling addict, gets his hands on an incredibly rare black opal. But when NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett (played by himself) wants to buy the gem for less than it’s worth, Howard finds himself between a rock and an impossible place. Gaining momentum every step of the way, Uncut Gems is an avalanche of deals gone wrong and high-stakes anxiety.

To capture Sandler’s manic movements throughout the film, director of photography Darius Khondji (Delicatessen, Seven) invested in highly-advanced focus-pulling software from Preston Cinema Systems which allowed the Safdie brothers to keep their protagonist in focus with an ever-changing depth of field and an excess of extreme close-ups. Tracking between Howard’s house, showroom, downtown apartment and other interiors such as night clubs and basketball courts, Sandler is undoubtedly the Safdie’s new MVP.

Given that Sandler’s experience as a dramatic actor is few and far between i.e. Punch Drunk Love (2002) and Reign Over Me (2007), Uncut Gems is a diamond in the rough in a career dominated by obnoxious comedy. Stress-inducing and justifiably vulgar (featuring the fourth-most amount of F-words in movie history) Uncut Gems proves that a typecasted actor can rise to the occasion given the right script and direction.

One could go on forever about how film fans, or fans of most anything, only have a certain amount of time in which they can actually actively consume what they desire to, however that feels unnecessary, so… here are eight films from 2019 that are pretty great that you should consider seeing! No special emphasis on the order here, the movies generally vary in quality just as much as they do in running time, but there are eight films on here well worth viewing no matter which way you look at it… unless it’s a disturbingly cynical way, in which case… you can’t be helped!

1. Martin Eden (Pietro Marcello)

One of the most visually stunning films of recent memory, Pietro Marcello’s brilliant adaptation of Jack London’s book of the same name is one of the best films of the year, as well as one of the most overlooked (for now – hopefully that can change when it becomes more accessible).

Following the titular Martin Eden as he navigates his life without an education, looking to win over the love of Chiara Francini and become a writer during tough socio-political times within Italy. It’s mostly focused on the link between artist and culture, and it is really quite unforgiving in its vision of said connection, but it is also such a brilliant film formally, even if it would benefit from taking more risks, visually.

2. Mister America (Eric Notarnicola)

Any fan of the On Cinema At The Cinema series will likely already be aware of this film’s existence, but for those who aren’t acquainted with the series or the film, watch both! On Cinema is a hybrid of media, starting off as a podcast before becoming a tv show, then another tv show, even including one episode over five hours in length detailing a trial one of the characters is involved in, and now even including a movie, too!

The show features Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington as they discuss movies, usually in pairs, with each other and… life gets in the way… but as a work of comedy, both the show and the film are some of the most ambitious, unique comedy that there is, somewhere between the likes of Nathan For You and… an epic detailing seemingly endless events, creating the true feeling of a life lived in. It’s bizarre, to say the least, but it is every bit as strange as it is funny, if not funnier.

The film follows Tim Heidecker as he tries to win himself an election, but of course, his plans make things quite difficult. The film hasn’t been out for too long, and only one more series of the show has been released since, so a quick watcher could still easily catch-up within a month or so!

3. Domino (Brian De-Palma)

De-Palma’s latest seemed to be stuck in development hell, but it seems we got lucky (as did De-Palma himself) and Domino finally came out. And yes, before we dare go any further, it is more aligned with De-Palma’s most recent output… this isn’t a film to watch expecting anything quite like Scarface, but still, it is great.

Domino follows a police officer from Copenhagen who, after having his partner murdered by a member of ISIS, tries to stop a CIA agent who is now using the captured ISIS member to bait more members into capture so that he can enact his revenge… although, as many of you will know, it’s quite pointless to describe the plot of a De-Palma film and much more important to focus on the visual storytelling involved, because he is a visual master that no other director really compares to (aside from Hitchcock, who of course is De-Palma’s most transparent influence), and in Domino his visual storytelling is still stunning, but more importantly his political aiming pays off beautifully even if it isn’t the main focus of the film. De-Palma spent much of the 2010s experimenting with ways to tie the political and his style of filmmaking together, and it seems that with Domino he has come closer to his goal than ever before.

4. Sorry We Missed You (Ken Loach)

Ken Loach is a personal favourite, so perhaps there is a slight bias here, but Sorry We Missed You was not only one of the most necessary films of 2019, but also one of the most touching and powerful. The film tells the story of a family of four – mother, father, teenage son and younger daughter – who find themselves financially (and as a consequence, mentally and even physically) decaying and declining due to the false promise of freedom in a new job as a ‘freelance’ delivery driver.

Of course, coming from Loach, the form is really quite simple and the focus is almost entirely on the dynamics from character to character, from their different stories linking in the middle, and also from their relationship to the current political landscape in the United Kingdom as well as their relationship to Newcastle, as the place that they live in. It’s a tough film to watch, as many of Loach’s films are due to their focus on the harsh realities of life for the British working man, but it is redeeming both in its poignant messages and its honesty, as well as in its emotional reach. It’s great to see Loach operating at the top of his game, with some of the most realistic character in film in a little while.

This year there were very many great films nominated in key Academy Awards categories; films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 1917, Parasite, Marriage Story, and The Irishman are deserving of their nominations and should be recognized for their merit. However, as is perusal, the nominations tended to be dominated by major studio films, with many smaller independent films being completely shut out. This year’s list of nominees also proved that the Academy has retained their long standing bias against “genre” films, as many horror, action, and broad comedy films were among those snubbed.

While some films such as Knives Out, The Two Popes, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and Pain and Glory missed out on Best Picture recognition but received other nominations, some films went home completely empty handed. Years from now, film fans will look back upon these films and wonder why the Oscars would have ignored them. Here are ten great 2019 films that received zero Oscar nominations.

10. John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum

John Wick franchise should prove that the Academy Awards are long overdue a category for Best Stunt Coordination. It is strange that the Oscars still fail to recognize the hard work done by stunt artists, and in many ways the John Wick franchise has helped to shed light on the craft itself, as the entire trilogy has been directed by former stuntman Chad Stahelski. The term “gung fu” is often most closely associated with the John Wick films, and it’s clear that they’ve had a significant impact on modern action cinema.

Beyond the proposed category of Best Stunt Coordination, John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum also deserved to be considered in existing categories. In particular, the film should’ve been nominated for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing, as its sound design is incredibly unique and makes for an interesting mix of realism and pulpiness. The third John Wick is also one of the most beautifully shot and energetic films of the year, and could easily have been recognized for Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.

9. Under the Silver Lake

One of the most peculiar films of 2019, Under the Silver Lake has already gained an attentive cult following, as many film fans have been obsessed with deciphering its hidden meanings and layers of symbolism. It’s the type of film that is rarely recognized directly after its release, but it has inspired so much discourse that it feels like a worthy contender for Best Original Screenplay; it’s undoubtedly one of the most original films of the year. While the Best Actor field may have been too competitive for Andrew Garfield’s eccentric lead performance to get in, it would’ve been nice to see Riley Keough nominated for her supporting role as the enigmatic Sarah.

On a more technical level, Under the Silver Lake is one of the most complex films of the last few years, with many locations that include hidden details that some viewers might not notice until their third or fourth rewatch. The locations and scenarios that Garfield’s character finds himself in are often quite unique, and the film deserved to be recognized for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, and particularly Best Makeup and Hairstyling for the incredible scene with the Songwriter.

8. Us

When Get Out stormed the box office and received four Oscar nominations (including a win for Best Original Screenplay), many saw it as the emergence of a new awards favorite in Jordan Peele and a rare example of the Oscars reversing their long standing bias against horror films. Unfortunately, these trends did not continue, as Peele’s next feature Us was completely shut out. The haunting score from Mike Gioulakis was certainly worthy of a nomination for Best Original Score, as was the film’s unique designs for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

However, the most noticeable snub for Us was for Lupita Nyong’o’s Best Actress role. It’s not the type of performance that the Oscars usually recognize, but Nyong’o’s dual roles as a mother hell bent on protecting her children and a dark doppelganger is undoubtedly one of the greatest transformations of last year. Nyong’o’s performance is extremely emotional, as her character must hide and later confront her childhood trauma, but it also required a great deal of physicality and vocal alterations that were certainly very challenging.

7. Uncut Gems

The Safdie Brothers may not seem like traditional awards contenders, as their subversive and dark films don’t feel like they are in the Academy’s wheelhouse, but they nonetheless made one of the best films of last year and deserve recognition. Uncut Gems is 135 minutes of pure anxiety, and it’s a testament to the sheer bravery and craft of the Safdies that the film is able to keep escalating. It would be hard to think of another film more worthy of nominations for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, or Best Sound Mixing.

However, the most notable snub remains Adam Sandler’s tour de force leading performance. Sandler has proven in films like Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories that he can handle dramatic roles, but as Howard Ratner he has completely transformed his image and turned into a scheming, salacious con man who nonetheless is able to win over the audience. In many ways it’s the next step in the type of man child roles that Sandler typically plays, and it’s unfortunate that the Oscars ignored this unforgettable cinematic character.

6. Dolemite Is My Name

One of the biggest headlines on the morning of nominations was that Netflix received more nominations than any other studio, gaining significant recognition for films such as The Irishman, Marriage Story, and The Two Popes. However, Netflix’s powerhouse comedy Dolemite Is My Name was completely shut out, which is surprising given the amount of love for Ruth Carter’s costume design.

In the tradition of films like Ed Wood or The Disaster Artist, Dolemite Is My Name is a charming true story about a real filmmaker who dreamed big and cultivated his own audience. It’s one of the funniest screenplays of the year, and the scene stealing supporting performances from Wesley Snipes and Da’Vine Joy Randolph both could’ve easily snagged a nomination. Of course, nothing in the film would have worked if it wasn’t for Eddie Murphy’s amazing comeback role, and in a year filled with so many dramatic performances, it would’ve been nice to see Murphy’s hilarious turn sneak into the Best Actor race.

2019 is officially over and now we’re in 2020, a whole new year and a whole lot more to look forward to. 2019 saw a lot of major events happening in the film business. At the moment I’m writing this eight films have grossed over a billion dollars (6 of which being Disney), streaming services like Netflix have been taking over with astonishing works like “The Irishman” – proving that even the old masters are delving into this new breed of filmmaking, and foreign cinema is making major headlines here in the States with films like “Parasite” achieving blockbuster status of success. So, needless to say, there’s a lot of big stuff to see from this year.

But there are thousands of films released every year and there’s no way we can see all of them even if we tried. So, with this list I hope to showcase some overlooked or unknown gems that were hidden away through all the massive stuff going on. Here are 10 Great 2019 Films You May Have Missed, and feel free to announce more that aren’t mentioned here.

1. Apollo 11

“Apollo 11” is the kind of film that illustrates why documentaries are made. There’s no talking heads or any narrator tracking through every moment telling what’s happening. It’s a feeling of watching the monumental space odyssey that occurred 50 years ago as if it’s happening in real time right now. It’s comprised of thousands upon thousands of hours of archival footage and audio recording from the mission in 1969 and that’s all we need. No explanation is necessary for the wonder and awe that this spectacle achieves.

Even though this is clearly a documentary it feels as though you’re watching a work of fiction play out. The footage and audio we’re seeing and hearing is more than enough provide us what we need to know to understand what’s happening. The footage shows a lot of the mundane routines these astronauts went through that we would take for granted, but watching it makes us realize how crucial every step along the way was to making that one giant leap for mankind.

2. An Elephant Sitting Still

There’s a tragic story to be told with this film. It was written and directed by Hu Bo and based off his own novel “Huge Crack”, during the production there was (shall we say) much disagreement between Bo and the producers, and unfortunately this proved to be the first and final film of Bo’s career. Shortly after filming was completed, Hu Bo committed suicide at the age of 29. Afterwards, the film was made in the vision he intended it to be.

A near 4 hour journey through contemporary China, following a multitude of stories and characters in the city of Manzhouli. Manzhouli is a largely industrialized city on the border of Russia and soon becomes a point of obsession for the people we follow in this endeavor. The film tracks through just one day in these lives, from morning till dawn, and how the environment they’re living in is pushing them to where they’re going. The world they live in is one of bleak isolation. The town they’re in is overcast with dark clouds, drowning out any color and life out of every single moment.

In Manzhouli, this city is the busiest land of import in China with railways transporting goods and services all the time. The lifeblood of this area is moving in and out all the time, and their residents are suffering for it. Despite the sound of drudgery, Bo’s film has a beat of humanity and hope within it. These people are people after all, they search for something to let them escape what’s happening. And by the end, it seems like they can finally move and breathe.

3. Ash is Purest White

“Ash is Purest White” tells a romance spread over several years that takes turns and chances. From 2001 to 2017, we watch as criminals and innocents are united in a mess of a relationship that’s unshakable. Bin is a criminal gangster but is strangely everything that makes a man, loyal, resourceful, and intelligent. His girlfriend, Qiao, is likewise everything in return to him despite his getting into trouble. She’s willing to take a pinch for him when he’s caught, even if it means that years of their lives will be lost it still means that after some time they will be together. The surroundings they live in is troublesome, crime and surprises are living on every street corner and only serve to entrap them in a world of violence and gang warfare even more.

If you’ve seen director, Zhangke Jia’s previous films like “A Touch of Sin” or “Mountains May Depart” then you’ll get a similar telling of anthology style stories here. As is expected, it’s shot and lit with a wondrous sense of luminosity. China is a very mysterious place and the area they’re in has a new spin every step of the way, keeping us in mystery. Just another great to add to Zhangke’s filmography.

4. Birds of Passage

“Birds of Passage” is roughly based on true story. Structuring itself on anthology storytelling where the film is divided into four chapter, each running roughly 30 minutes – not to mention a short epilogue. It tracks events throughout the 1960’s – 1980’s as regions in Columbia were working in drug smuggling. Material like this has made for numerous drug subject stories to be told, many of which inspired by the events of Pablo Escobar. But directors Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego don’t fall into the norms of drug cartel sensationalism but rather focus on the harrowing tales of damage these regimes brought upon the tribes and people who’ve been victims of them.

This is a film far more concerned with culture than it is gun shootouts and drug addiction. The actors and crew are made mostly of people from this region, creating an authentic recreation of their customs. At times it feels like a documentary of their tribes and people. This follows in the tradition we see in the world far too much where ethics disappear due to wealth and power, and this film is a great evolution in this tale we know all too well.

5. Giant Little Ones

“Giant Little Ones” works in different ways as it goes through its run time. The beginning stages of the film are a sort of music video style, the songs playing are strumming us along with the events that are occurring. The beginning act shows us the routines of a small group of friends in high school as they’re dating, partying, and enjoying the company of one another.

The main character we follow, Franky (Josh Wiggins), is nice enough but even so we can tell there’s something not quite right. When he’s with his girlfriend, Priscilla (Hailey Kittle), and he ‘confesses his love’ it doesn’t feel genuine, you can tell there’s an insincerity to his claims. He seems more comfortable with his childhood best friend, Ballas (Darren Mann), but that soon turns into something that wasn’t intended to happen.

I won’t go further than that, but needless to say a gap is made between Franky and everyone else because of a lie that’s told due to so many characters wanting to distance themselves from their feelings. It’s not until Frankie’s dad, Ray (Kyle MacLachlan), that everything is brought home. How people deny things to themselves and need to confront who they truly are to make peace.

2019 has been a great epilogue to this decade of movies, and as a result of the many great films released this year, some have fallen through the cracks and gone overlooked. There are many reasons why a film is overlooked- poor marketing campaigns, small budgets, middling reviews, disinterested audiences, and competition from other popular films are all frequent causes, and there’s no easy way of discerning which films will be considered underrated in the years to come.

As the year concludes, many of the same films will begin to populate top ten lists and award conversation, so it’s worth branching out and giving a second shot to the stories that didn’t get their fair share of attention upon their initial release. These films represent many different genres, styles of filmmaking, and themes, but they are similar in that they haven’t quite found the audience they deserve. Here are the top ten most overlooked movies of 2019.

10. The Current War

The journey to get The Current War to theaters was a tumultuous one; initially screened as an incomplete version at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, The Current War was beset with negative reviews that soiled its awards chances, and the collapse of The Weinstein Company prevented the film from every getting a release.

However, two years after its debut, The Current War was released in its intended fashion, with director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon regaining final cut privilege from the distributors and reediting the film with new reshoots and a trimmed runtime. The result is a thrilling depiction of the lives and conflicts between inventors Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch), George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), and Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult).

Gomez-Rejon is an energetic storyteller, and his infusion of modern energy into this period piece makes the conflicts between characters come to life; as much as these three men were innovators, they were also celebrities of their time, and Gomez-Rejon is keen to show how they used media campaigns and corporate politics to outdo each other.

Each actor is perfect for their role; Cumberbatch excels as a tortured genius with an ego complex, Shannon is terrific as a shrewd businessman and family man, and Hoult steals the film as an inventor more focused on creating than profiting. It’s a rousing historical tale that suffered from its botched release and challenging road to distribution, and is certainly worth checking out.

9. Queen & Slim

While some predicted that the provocative story and relevant themes of Queen & Slim would make it a major topic of conversation, the film was mostly buried upon its release and failed to start the shockwaves it intended to create. It’s a shame, because Queen & Slim is an exhilarating film that turns the traditional road chase movie on its head; after they are confronted and accidentally kill a police officer, Queen (Jodi Turner-Smith) and Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) run from authorities and unexpectedly create a media circus that establishes them as icons.

Kaluuya has proven to be a talented leading man in films like Get Out and Sicario, and here he once again proves that he can be a charismatic and can get the audience on his side. This is a breakout role for Turner-Smith, who delivers a pensive and austere performance, and as the character of Queen is placed in increasingly dire situations, the hard shell around her life and history begins to come down.

This is an impressive debut for director Melina Matsoukas, who is able to depict the reality of police brutality with unflinching specificity, yet also celebrate underrepresented communities as her characters engage in various escapades throughout their journey.

8. Triple Frontier

A throwback to high concept action thrillers of the 1990s, Triple Frontier is the type of star-studded “dad movie” that is rarely made by studios anymore. The story is simple and effective; veterans Redfly (Ben Affleck), Pope (Oscar Isaac), Ironhead (Charlie Hunnam), Benny (Garret Hedlund), and Catfish (Pedro Pascal) have all felt disenfranchised and abandoned by the country they serve, and decide to take on a daring mission to rob a sinister crime lord in the South American jungle. What puts Triple Frontier on a higher level than other films in this genre is the impressive craftsmanship from director J.C. Chandor, who captures a grim realism within the set pieces and asks genuinely introspective questions about these characters and their motivations.

The film was co-written by The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty scribe Mark Boal, who once again shows his ability to capture realistic military dialogue, and even though the premise is lifted from similar action films, the anxieties these characters face feel real. It is in no way a toothless film, and is able to surprise with its sharp transitions from fragmented character drama to breathless action thriller, and eventually to a grim survival story. Between its exhilarating heist sequence and surprisingly heartfelt final moments, Triple Frontier is a terrific throwback to a different era of action cinema.

7. The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Despite debuting to universally positive reviews, The Last Black Man in San Francisco ultimately got overshadowed by higher profile releases from A24 and has failed to make a major dent in this year’s awards races. It’s unfortunate, because it is one of the most beautifully shot films of the year, and does a great job at capturing the history and texture of San Francisco. Jimmie Fails reflects to a stranger complaining about the city on a bus that they “don’t get to hate it unless you love it,” and it’s clear from the patient storytelling that writer/director Joe Talbot has a great love for this city and its people.

Jimmie Fails and Jonathan Majors give great performances as one of the year’s best onscreen duos, and for a film with a loose narrative structure that often follows extended side stories, it is essential to have strong characters at its center. Centered around Jimmie’s attempts to reclaim his family home, the film has a lot to say about the importance of reclaiming one’s history and defining one’s family legacy. Introspective and artful, The Last Black Man in San Francisco is easily a film that could be analyzed to death for its rich thematic subtext, but it also can be appreciated for its deeply emotional story.

6. The King

Lost in the shuffle among higher profile releases from Netflix, The King is one of the best Shakespeare adaptations of the decade, and combines elements of the Henriad plays to tell a complete story of Henry V (Timothee Chalamet) as he ascends to the throne and becomes a part of the endless cycle of death and destruction. What The King never loses sight of is the twisted coming of age story at the center of the Henriad epics; Henry is a character who is taken advantage of by insidious political agents, and his desire to not become his father is challenged once he finds himself at the center of a war with France.

Chalamet has established himself as one of the finest young actors of his generation, and he delivers a gripping performance as an inexperienced leader wrestling with the pressures of command. The excellent score from Nicholas Britell gives a haunting sensibility to the story, particularly in the scenes of Henry’s coronation, and director David Michod depicts the medieval action with both visceral gore and a keen sense of strategy. Capturing the vast scope of medieval politics and the haunting story of generational violence all at once, The King was sorely underappreciated for its interesting approach to such legendary source material.

2019 has been a great year so far for cinema. Even before the award season started, we saw much-discussed acclaimed horrors like “Us” and “Midsommar,” alongside surprise minor hits like ”The Farewell” and of course, Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

As of now, the industry is probably busy talking about Oscar hopefuls and fall releases while audiences all over the world seem to be still obsessed with “Joker.” So maybe it’s time to remind everyone of good stuff from this year that you may have somehow missed. They range from documentaries to satires to darkly violent period films. So hopefully, there’s something for everyone.

10. Little Woods

The impressive feature film debut for director/writer Nia DaCosta, “Little Woods” is half-western/half-crime film, but mostly a drama about a sisterly bond. The movie is set in North Dakota, in a fracking boomtown well beyond its prime. In the early scenes, we witness Ollie burying a package of some sort in the woods. Then we see she is coming closer to ending her probation for dealing opioids. Now that her mother has died, she comes back to face her estranged sister Deb, who has her own problems with an unplanned pregnancy and a deadbeat ex.

The film has a bleak tone and is more of a character study than a narrative-driven feature. What makes this work so great is how real and complicated the relationship is portrayed between these two main characters. It’s a slow-burn drama with some messages being little too on the nose, but in general, “Little Woods” works exceptionally good. The acting being so strong helps as well. Even though Lily James does a good job, it’s Tessa Thompson who steals the show, proving she is a very gifted dramatic performer. Such a grounded and touching work.

9. Fractured

Ray is on a Thanksgiving road trip with his family. When they take a break, his wife and daughter fall into an open construction site. He takes them to the hospital but he passes out from exhaustion. When he wakes up, hospital staff starts to deny that his wife and daughter were ever admitted to the hospital. The plot sounds familiar, maybe if you watch too many thrillers and didn’t skip films like “Flightplan” and “Unknown,” but if you like such movies, “Fractured” may know how to entertain you. One of the reasons is Brad Anderson.

Anderson has been somewhat of an underrated director. First he started with two great, original and compelling romantic comedies: “Next Stop, Wonderland” and “Happy Accidents.” Then he made a great shift to the horror-thriller arena delivering great films like “Session 9,” “The Machinist” and “Transsiberian” alongside mildly entertaining stuff like “Beirut.” Sure, he had misfires as well.

“Fractured” is not exactly strong as “The Machinist” or “Transsiberian,” but is still an atmospheric film with surprises and excellent twists that is sure to shock some viewers. But what “Fractured” does best is create the right atmosphere and that mysterious aura. And since all of these are combined with fine acting and compelling narratives, the movie takes you into itself. One of the better Netflix thrillers for sure.

8. The Nightingale

Jennifer Kent made a big break with the amazing “Babadook,” which was probably the biggest independent horror hit of its year, acclaim and popularity-wise. She is now back with a bleak, authentic, very dark, and very violent disturbing tale of revenge. It’s not a horror but rather a gothic atmosphere and the whole darkness and intensity shows that it’s from a director who knows how to deliver the horrors.

Set in 1825 in the British penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land (now the Australian state of Tasmania), “The Nightingale” was produced in collaboration with Tasmanian Aboriginal elders who asserted that this is an honest and necessary depiction of their history and a story that needs to be told.

As mentioned earlier, its violence and dark tone may turn off some viewers. Even some screenings had walk-outs. So it’s obviously not for everyone, but the movie does a surprisingly good balancing act; yes, it’s somewhat of a revenge story but it’s also a story of tolerance and understanding, so the movie has more complex narrative. That atmosphere sure adds a lot to it as well. It’s a tough watch, but its realistic approach is the reason why. A poetic film that is hard to forget.

7. Peanut Butter Falcon

Maybe the sweetest film of the year, “Peanut Butter Falcon” was kind of a surprise hit given its budget and the type of film it is, but you still may have missed it. Shia LaBeouf is having the best year of his career since who knows when, with this and “Honey Boy.” Here he stars as a thief whose road somehow crosses with a young man named Zak. Zak has Down syndrome and he escaped from the retirement house where he stays to reach his dreams: to get into a wrestling school and be a professional wrestler. They become friends and after some time, the social worker Eleanor who used to take care of Zak joins them on the road as well.

The plot may have some familiar touches, but the script and dialogue are so good and the movie has just that right tone to warm your heart, make you laugh, and sometimes make your eyes wet. It’s a feel-good film overall and raises several questions. It also sends great messages about empathy and empowerment. It’s a great friendship story as you can hear in the film, “Friends are the family you choose.”

The performances are all around great with Zack Gottsagen delivering such a sympathetic, great work. LaBeouf is in his form and Dakota Johnson is a very warm, lovely presence throughout the film. John Hawkes’ and Bruce Dern’s supporting turns are always lovely to see as well.

6. The Mountain

In the 1950s, young introvert Andy works at his father Frederick’s ice rink, but when he dies, Andy meets with family friend Dr. Fiennes who was responsible for his mother’s lobotomization. He invites Andy to travel from asylum to asylum while he works; Andy will reluctantly document and act as a photographer, journalist, and overall some kind of assistant to him.

Arguably the weirdest film on the list and definitely not for everyone. In fact, none of Rick Alverson’s films have been for everyone, but this one may have a cult following sometime in the future alongside passionate haters. “Midsommar” & “Hereditary” director Ari Aster is already a fan.

The movie has a bleak subject matter and some obvious influences from Roy Andersson and David Lynch, and it’s very aesthetic with a kind of hypnotic narrative that may engage you. Jeff Goldblum is a particular standout in the cast, giving a great performance as usual, and it’s always mesmerizing to watch him. It’s worth noting that his character is somewhat based on the story of controversial physician Walter Freeman.  Overall, it’s quite a distinctive work that may be worth taking a look at.

We are entering the last months of the year and it feels like the right time to start digging for hidden gems and find out what highly-rated movies flew under our radar in these past 10 months.

Cutting it short, here are ten 2019 movies we liked and we are (almost) sure you’ve missed. Let us know in the comments if you’ve seen any of these and what you thought about them.

10. The Whistlers

“The Whistlers” (originally “La Gomera”) is a Romanian crime film directed by Corneliu Porumboiu which competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and was also selected as the Romanian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.

The film stars Vlad Ivanov as Cristi, a corrupt Romanian police officer who is given the mission to help wealthy smuggler Zsolt escape from prison. In order to do so, Cristi travels to the Spanish island of La Gomera where he learns and old whistle language known as “el silbo”. With the knowledge of this whistling language, Cristi will be able to exchange secret information with his accomplices while planning Zsolt’s breakout.

Although the film’s plot is a little muddled and somewhat hard to follow, “The Whistlers” impressed us with its unique atmosphere, dry humour, bold cinematography, memorable characters and, last but not least, the best usage of Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” in a movie scene ever. There is something about this kind of European thrillers that American movies never manage to replicate and while this is not Porumboiu’s best film at all, it is certainly an interesting new direction for the Romanian cinematography.

9. Share

This HBO film was directed by Pippa Bianco and stars Rhianne Barreto as Mandy, a 16-year-old girl who, after discovering a disturbing viral video of her being taken advantage of by boys from her high school on a night she does not remember, has to find out what happened and how to deal with the consequences.

In terms of filmmaking, this is not a groundbreaking movie, but we were really impressed with its strong message about a highly topical subject and the great performances, especially Rhianne Barreto’s, who managed to make her character feel very real.

8. Non-Fiction

Directed by French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, “Non-Fiction” (or “Doubles vies” in its original title) is a comedy starring Juliette Binoche and Guillaume Canet as a married couple who are having affairs. Canet plays literary editor Alain, who hires a young woman called Laure with whom she ends up sleeping with. Alain’s wife Selena is an actress and she is having an affair with a writer whose book Alain rejected.

“Non-Fiction” is Assayas’ first movie in French in a while, after directing the great “Clouds of Sils Maria” and “Personal Shopper”. This movie is very different from the aforementioned films, and while we don’t think it was up to par with them, we appreciated the fresh direction Assayas has taken and the characters’ clever dialogues and witty humour.

“Non-Fiction” might not be among Assayas’ best work, but it is still a nice addition to his catalogue and you should definitely check it out if you’ve already seen and liked his better films.

7. Brexit

Released by HBO and Channel 4, this already-forgotten television movie explores the events that led to the contested 2016 UK European Union membership referendum. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as political strategist Dominic Cummings, one of the central figures behind Brexit who worked as the campaign director of “Vote Leave” between 2015 and 2016.

While Cumberbatch gives a brilliant performance and shows once again what a versatile actor he is, there are more reasons to watch this film. “Brexit” does a great job at offering insights into how Brexit came to be and also manages to be fast-paced, entertaining and not feel like a history lesson. For those living inside the UK, the film might not be as interesting, but for those who are not as familiar with the UK’s leaving of the EU, this is really eye-opening and it might remind them of the political scene in their own country.

6. Crawl

“Crawl” was directed by Alexandra Aja and stars Kaya Scodelario as Haley Keller, a young student and professional swimmer who, along with her father and their dog, gets trapped in an alligator-infested basement during a Category 5 hurricane.

When “Crawl” was announced, everyone dismissed it as another subpar disaster film that ripped off “Jaws”. The film looked like one more bad entry in the list of movies featuring killer alligators/crocodiles/piranhas or whatever shark substitute. But to everyone’s surprise, it turned out that “Crawl” was pretty good, at least for what it wanted to be.

Of course, this is far from a masterpiece or anything original, but for a B-movie about people getting eaten by alligators during a Florida hurricane, it does a great job. The acting is fine, the camerawork is surprisingly competent, the jumpscares are good and not too many and for its 87 minutes length it is thrilling enough to keep you entertained.

During the last decade, Rotten Tomatoes has soared into the glorious position of the most popular film review-aggregation website in the world. While some (including a certain director on this list) would call it an oversimplification, its immense popularity is clear, due to its understandable algorithm and fascinating comparison between the tastes of professional critics and casual movie goers.

Whatever one’s opinion on the website is, it cannot be denied the influence it has on audiences around the globe and its consistency at picking out the best films from each year. With that being said, let’s have a look at ten great films from this year so far, with high Rotten Tomatoes scores.

10. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (United States, Martin Scorsese)

While Martin Scorsese is most known for his crime dramas, the Italian-American director has also consistently shown his capability with music documentaries, examples including the bittersweet The Last Waltz and the exceptionable George Harrison: Living in the Material World. The Oscar-winning director has even explored Bob Dylan before, with 2005’s No Direction Home, yet with Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story, he seems to blend the fictional and fantasy, culminating in a meandering music experience detailing Dylan’s 1975 ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’ concert tour.

It’s a strange but fascinating piece of film making, carried by Dylan’s beautiful outbursts of nihilism and melancholia. “Rolling Thunder was about nothing” he claims. Maybe so, but Scorsese uses the arbitrariness of the tour to make larger comments on a fuzzy time in America’s enchanting history. A sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time echoes throughout the bizarre tale, and at the centre, Bob Dylan shows us why he’s so adored across the world.

9. Woman at War (Iceland/Ukraine, Benedikt Erlingson)

A perfect black-comedy by Iceland’s very own Benedikt Erlingson, which uses climate paranoia (much like 2017’s First Reformed) to fuel its poignant, melancholic and comical story.

Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir plays Halla, a conductor for a choir who sets out to wreck electricity pylons and wires to cut the power supply of an aluminium plant in the Icelandic highlands. What ensues is a hilarious but deeply thought-provoking story of the extent people will go to fight for what they believe in.

8. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (United States, Quentin Tarantino)

After almost three decades in the film business, Quentin Tarantino is a household name. Known for his punchy dialogue, larger-than-life characters, excess of violence and love of feet, the Tennessee born writer and director returns to our screens with his 9th film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. With his previous two films set during the last years of slavery in America, suddenly seeing scene-stealing Brad Pitt casually wandering through the streets of 1969 Hollywood is a breath of fresh air.

A nostalgic and bittersweet tale carried by excellent performances and easily the most mature film from Tarantino this century. It doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier work, although most of us have stopped searching for anything as complete as Pulp Fiction for a while now. Nevertheless, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sees Tarantino back to what he does best, and it’s beautiful.

7. Fighting With My Family (United Kingdom, Stephen Merchant)

Who would have guessed that fifteen years after The Office, Stephen Merchant would be directing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Vince Vaughn and Nick Frost (among others) in a film about wrestling? It’s definitely a strange combination, yet Merchant’s knack for storytelling as well as a clear passion for the subject creates a heart-warming story of family and comradery.

Fighting With My Family is at its best when focusing on its relationships, testing Paige’s (played wonderfully by Florence Pugh) familial bonds and asking questions of her mental and physical strength. However, it is Jack Lowden’s portrayal as Zak “Zodiac” Knight who steals the film, offering us a powerful performance which delves deep into the uncomfortable subject of stepping back and appreciating what you have. It truly is a beautiful story that deserves to be seen by wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans alike.

6. Apollo 11 (United States, Todd Douglas Miller)

Spoiler Alert: they pull it off. Directed by Todd Douglas Miller, Apollo 11 is a stunning documentary, detailing the 1969 mission to land the first men on the moon. However, what makes Apollo 11 such a fascinating and unique experience is the decision to only include archival footage, making the documentary completely devoid of any interviews, narration or recreations.

While one might consider this to be a negative, it makes the film a more authentic and encapsulating piece of cinema, overall culminating in 93 minutes of epic scope, telling the remarkable tale of one of humanities greatest triumphs.

In a world filled with cinemas, streaming and on-demand services, and straight-to-DVD pictures, around 800 films (give or take) are released every single year. That amounts to around 15 films a week coming from every corner of the globe.

Given that most people only have access to their local multiplexes, and most multiplexes only tend to release 3 or 4 new films a week (spots which are typically reserved for big-money pictures that everybody is already aware of anyway), it is inevitable that the large majority of films go largely unnoticed.

This list isn’t about ‘trashing Hollywood blockbusters’. While it is an inarguable truth that the majority of major studio pictures are far from brilliant, it’s also fair to admit that they do deliver gems fairly often, too. There are plenty of terrific Hollywood films released each year, and it’s worth sitting through the garbage to find your way to them.

The point isn’t to criticise Hollywood, but rather to state the fact that those films get more than enough notice. The list is designed to draw attention to some pretty great films that most people simply haven’t heard of; films that, given a try, you may very well enjoy.

This list isn’t of the ‘best films of 2019’. It’s simply a list of the 10 best films that you perhaps might not have heard of yet. The films in your multiplex are already getting more than enough attention. Give these films a try and you might be surprised!

Before we get started, here are some honourable mentions: Her Smell, A Vigilante, Gloria Bell, Fast Color, Paddleton, Ash Is Purest White, The Breaker Upperers, High Flying Bird, The Mustang, Non-Fiction, An Elephant Sitting Still, Diane, Never Grow Old, 3 Faces, Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story and Framing John DeLorean.

Now, on with the list!

10. Echo In The Canyon

Andrew Slater’s documentary details the music scene that took place in Laurel Canyon between 1965 and 1967, capturing a post-Beatles era in which artists were creative and free, and some very interesting work found its way into the industry.

The film is heavily nostalgic and clearly thinks very highly of its subject, but perhaps the most interesting take-away from it is the clear influence this music has had on contemporary art. Art is there to be explored and should be without limits, and it’s Slater’s thesis that this was an idea that truly began here.

One could argue that Echo In The Canyon is a little too biased and perhaps not as informative as it believes, but what it lacks it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. The film is effectively a passionate tribute to a time long forgotten, and with contributions from the likes of Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Beck, Regina Spektor and Norah Jones, it’s an enjoyable and worthy watch for any music lover.

9. Little Woods

Nia DaCosta’s directorial debut stars Tessa Thompson and Lily James as two estranged sisters who are thrust back into each other’s lives after their mother dies and they find themselves in some financial difficulty.

This film is certainly helped by its two stellar lead performances, particularly by Thompson, a well-known actress who is sadly delivering career-best work in a film that most people don’t even know exists.

However, this film really belongs to DaCosta, an unquestionable talent to watch, whose script is littered with strong themes of marginalised women in a scathing examination of today’s America, while still telling a compelling story of a sisterly bond in a time of need.

DaCosta’s screenplay is well-layered and balanced, and it’s worth noting that, in spite of the obvious bleakness within the film and its subject matter, it remains endlessly watchable. That’s testament to DaCosta’s carefully managed tone, and the fantastic performances from her two leading ladies.

Little Woods is perfect for anyone looking to watch something with a little more substance after a summer filled with forgettable, factory-made garbage.

8. The Hole In The Ground

This Irish-Finnish horror film from director Lee Cronin may not be the most original horror film you’ll see all year, but it’s certainly one of the most effective, stylish and memorable.

Cronin is a fairly new filmmaker but you wouldn’t know it. The film is wonderfully inventive, with Cronin unashamedly following many customary Hollywood tropes, but striving to execute them in the most visually appealing and interesting ways possible. This is a director very aware of the cinema he is creating, regardless of the fact that he’s working within arguably the most tired genre there is.

The film also touches on interesting themes surrounding motherhood, and the overwhelming fears of separation anxiety that come with your child’s growth and adolescence. Cronin isn’t interested simply in jump-scares and loud noises. He is trying to create something worthy of discussion and, for the most part, he succeeds.

The film is also, above all else, suspenseful and creepy, getting deep under your skin as the story unfolds, thanks to intelligent filmmaking from Cronin and some genuinely excellent central performances.

The Hole In The Ground proves, much like the works of James Wan have done in the past, that horror films don’t have to be completely original to be successful. It’s dark, twisted, tense, inventive, well-acted and, above all else, memorable in a way that all the best horrors should be. If you’re a horror lover, this is simply a must-see.

7. Ruben Brandt, Collector

Milorad Krstic’s animated heist film is like no other, telling the story of a psychotherapist who, tormented by nightmares, finds himself stealing some of the most famous paintings in the world and becoming a wanted man. It’s a cat-and-mouse picture designed to be as wonderfully artistic as the paintings being stolen.

The film is pure art-house, very mature and undoubtedly not for everyone, but you may very well find yourself enthralled if you give it a watch. To call it beautiful would be an understatement. Krystic has a real artistic vision and, given that this is only his first feature, one can’t help but be intrigued and excited as to where his career might go.

The storytelling here is, admittedly, a little cluttered and, despite clocking in at only 96 minutes, it feels a little overlong. These are clear problems, but the truth is that none of them overshadow the magnificent animation on display. Maybe Krystic needs a story equal to his talents, but those talents are inarguable. This film is a visual feast for the eyes and nothing can distract from that.

Ruben Brandt, Collector may not be perfect, but it is one of the most visually astonishing animated films in years and it’ll make your jaw drop all the way to the floor.

6. For Sama

Set during the uprising of Aleppo, this documentary tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life as she starts a family while conflict occurs around her; an up-close-and-personal look at the often undiscussed female experience of war.

Captured by Waad herself, the film was made for her daughter, Sama, and offers an unfiltered look at life in Syria during what must have been an extremely terrifying time for those within. It has been filmed with no agenda. Rather, Waad is simply showing us what we need to see, and it never feels less than necessary and essential viewing.

It’s Waad’s personal struggle that offers the film the heart and soul it needs to be brought to life in a way that arguably no other documentary on this conflict has before. We watch as she decides whether or not to flee Aleppo to protect her daughter, and are plunged into a mother’s shoes as she must put her daughter’s needs above all else.

The conflict is the backdrop. The story is about a mother and a daughter. That’s what makes For Sama so very special. Filled with shock, awe and even a little hope, this is urgent and imperative viewing.