This past year saw cinematic highs for studio blockbusters like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” while indie darlings such as “American Fiction” and “Past Lives” found a warm reception from critics and audiences. But not all films can make a mark at the box office or find a passionate fanbase (or obsessed critic) to champion their releases.
The content onslaught often makes it hard to find the hidden gems, which is what end of the year lists are for — so Variety asked writers and editors to suggest their lesser-seen favorite films of the year. And while you’re desperately searching for new content, check out Nida Manzoor’s jaw-dropping, action flick “Polite Society” or the tear-inducing animated feature “Robot Dreams.”
Do not sleep on the middle-of-nowhere Australian crime documentary “Last Stop Larrimah,” centered around the mysterious disappearance of the local favorite, thus making everyone a suspect. If you’re looking for a thriller, check out the screenshot flick “Missing” that takes place entirely from a teenager’s laptop and phone, as she tries to uncover the secret behind her mother’s sudden and unexplainable disappearance (from the creators of “Searching”).
And if you’re looking for something a little lighter, we suggest Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway and Marisa Tomei’s strange little comedy “She Came to Me,” about a composer who finds inspiration for his next musical masterpiece while cheating on his wife with a tugboat captain.
Instead of re-watching “West Wing” or mainlining “The Sopranos” yet again, check out these movies you may have missed.
From Variety US