Exploring the hidden gems of streaming: underrated films you need to watch
In the ever-expanding universe of streaming platforms, some films get lost in the mix, overshadowed by blockbuster hits and trending series. However, there’s a treasure trove of underrated films that deserve your attention. Let’s delve into some of these hidden gems that you might have missed but are definitely worth watching.
**The Half of It (2020): A Fresh Take on Teen Romance**
Alice Wu’s ‘The Half of It’ offers a refreshing perspective on the teen rom-com genre. The film tells the story of Ellie Chu, a shy, introverted high school student who starts writing love letters for a jock to his crush. The beauty of this film lies in its exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery, breaking away from typical genre tropes. Wu’s gentle yet poignant storytelling, combined with strong performances by Leah Lewis and Alexxis Lemire, make this a must-watch.
**Tigertail (2020): A Tale of Love and Sacrifice**
Alan Yang’s ‘Tigertail’ takes us on an emotional journey spanning different decades and continents. The story revolves around Pin-Jui, a Taiwanese immigrant reflecting on his life and the sacrifices made for a better future. Through Yang’s meticulous direction and Tzi Ma’s compelling performance, the film explores complex themes of love, regret, and cultural identity. ‘Tigertail’ is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, making it a hidden gem in the streaming world.
**I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017): A Dark Comedy with a Twist**
This darkly comedic thriller, directed by Macon Blair, stars Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood. The plot centers on Ruth, a nursing assistant who teams up with her eccentric neighbor to track down the thieves who burglarized her home. The film’s offbeat humor, combined with solid performances and an intriguing storyline, makes it stand out. Blair’s unique directing style and knack for blending dark comedy with suspense make this an underrated masterpiece.
**Columbus (2017): An Architectural Elegy**
Kogonada’s debut feature, ‘Columbus,’ is a serene meditation on architecture, relationships, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of Columbus, Indiana, known for its modernist buildings, the film follows the intersecting lives of Jin (John Cho) and Casey (Haley Lu Richardson). The film’s slow pace allows viewers to absorb its visual beauty and the nuanced performances of its leads. ‘Columbus’ is a contemplative film that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
**The Vast of Night (2019): Sci-Fi Nostalgia**
A love letter to the sci-fi genre of the 1950s, ‘The Vast of Night’ is a captivating blend of suspense and nostalgia. Directed by Andrew Patterson, the film is set in a small town in New Mexico, where a young switchboard operator and a radio DJ uncover a mysterious audio frequency. With its eerie atmosphere and clever storytelling, Patterson captures the essence of classic sci-fi while offering something new and intriguing. The film's innovative use of long takes and its engaging narrative make it a standout.
**Shirkers (2018): A Lost Film Reclaimed**
‘Shirkers’ is a fascinating documentary by Sandi Tan about the recovery of her long-lost film from her youth. In the early 1990s, Tan and her friends made a road movie in Singapore, only for the footage to disappear when their mentor, Georges Cardona, vanished. Decades later, the film reels are found, and Tan embarks on a journey to reclaim her past. ‘Shirkers’ is a gripping exploration of creativity, loss, and the power of memory, making it an essential watch for documentary lovers.
**Sound of Metal (2019): A Riveting Examination of Loss and Acceptance**
Darius Marder’s ‘Sound of Metal’ follows the story of Ruben Stone, a heavy-metal drummer whose life is turned upside down when he loses his hearing. Played by Riz Ahmed, Ruben’s journey is a raw, emotional exploration of identity, addiction, and acceptance. The film’s innovative sound design immerses viewers in Ruben’s experience, creating a deeply empathetic portrayal of life with hearing loss. Ahmed’s powerful performance anchors this poignant and moving story.
**Fast Color (2018): A Superhero Film with Heart**
Julia Hart’s ‘Fast Color’ offers a unique take on the superhero genre. The film follows Ruth, a woman with supernatural abilities on the run from scientists looking to capture and study her. As she reconnects with her estranged family, Ruth discovers her powers are both a curse and a gift. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance adds depth to a character-driven narrative, while Hart’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the genre. ‘Fast Color’ blends family drama with superhero elements, creating something truly special.
**Leave No Trace (2018): A Story of Survival and Connection**
Debra Granik’s ‘Leave No Trace’ is a quietly powerful film about a father and daughter living off the grid. The film explores themes of survival, mental health, and the bond between parent and child. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie deliver compelling performances, imbuing their characters with depth and authenticity. Granik’s thoughtful direction and the film’s sensitive portrayal of its characters’ struggles make it a standout entry in her filmography.
**The Farewell (2019): A Heartfelt Cultural Comedy**
Lulu Wang’s ‘The Farewell’ is a semi-autobiographical film that balances humor and heartbreak with finesse. The story follows Billi, played by Awkwafina, who travels to China to say goodbye to her dying grandmother under the guise of a family wedding. The film beautifully captures the cultural differences and emotional complexities of saying goodbye. Wang’s personal touch, coupled with standout performances, makes ‘The Farewell’ a poignant and heartwarming watch.
In a world dominated by big-budget productions and heavily marketed content, these hidden gems stand out for their unique storytelling and emotional depth. They offer fresh perspectives and experiences, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the film industry. Next time you’re scrolling through streaming options, give these underrated films a chance – you might discover your new favorite movie.
**The Half of It (2020): A Fresh Take on Teen Romance**
Alice Wu’s ‘The Half of It’ offers a refreshing perspective on the teen rom-com genre. The film tells the story of Ellie Chu, a shy, introverted high school student who starts writing love letters for a jock to his crush. The beauty of this film lies in its exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery, breaking away from typical genre tropes. Wu’s gentle yet poignant storytelling, combined with strong performances by Leah Lewis and Alexxis Lemire, make this a must-watch.
**Tigertail (2020): A Tale of Love and Sacrifice**
Alan Yang’s ‘Tigertail’ takes us on an emotional journey spanning different decades and continents. The story revolves around Pin-Jui, a Taiwanese immigrant reflecting on his life and the sacrifices made for a better future. Through Yang’s meticulous direction and Tzi Ma’s compelling performance, the film explores complex themes of love, regret, and cultural identity. ‘Tigertail’ is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, making it a hidden gem in the streaming world.
**I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017): A Dark Comedy with a Twist**
This darkly comedic thriller, directed by Macon Blair, stars Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood. The plot centers on Ruth, a nursing assistant who teams up with her eccentric neighbor to track down the thieves who burglarized her home. The film’s offbeat humor, combined with solid performances and an intriguing storyline, makes it stand out. Blair’s unique directing style and knack for blending dark comedy with suspense make this an underrated masterpiece.
**Columbus (2017): An Architectural Elegy**
Kogonada’s debut feature, ‘Columbus,’ is a serene meditation on architecture, relationships, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of Columbus, Indiana, known for its modernist buildings, the film follows the intersecting lives of Jin (John Cho) and Casey (Haley Lu Richardson). The film’s slow pace allows viewers to absorb its visual beauty and the nuanced performances of its leads. ‘Columbus’ is a contemplative film that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
**The Vast of Night (2019): Sci-Fi Nostalgia**
A love letter to the sci-fi genre of the 1950s, ‘The Vast of Night’ is a captivating blend of suspense and nostalgia. Directed by Andrew Patterson, the film is set in a small town in New Mexico, where a young switchboard operator and a radio DJ uncover a mysterious audio frequency. With its eerie atmosphere and clever storytelling, Patterson captures the essence of classic sci-fi while offering something new and intriguing. The film's innovative use of long takes and its engaging narrative make it a standout.
**Shirkers (2018): A Lost Film Reclaimed**
‘Shirkers’ is a fascinating documentary by Sandi Tan about the recovery of her long-lost film from her youth. In the early 1990s, Tan and her friends made a road movie in Singapore, only for the footage to disappear when their mentor, Georges Cardona, vanished. Decades later, the film reels are found, and Tan embarks on a journey to reclaim her past. ‘Shirkers’ is a gripping exploration of creativity, loss, and the power of memory, making it an essential watch for documentary lovers.
**Sound of Metal (2019): A Riveting Examination of Loss and Acceptance**
Darius Marder’s ‘Sound of Metal’ follows the story of Ruben Stone, a heavy-metal drummer whose life is turned upside down when he loses his hearing. Played by Riz Ahmed, Ruben’s journey is a raw, emotional exploration of identity, addiction, and acceptance. The film’s innovative sound design immerses viewers in Ruben’s experience, creating a deeply empathetic portrayal of life with hearing loss. Ahmed’s powerful performance anchors this poignant and moving story.
**Fast Color (2018): A Superhero Film with Heart**
Julia Hart’s ‘Fast Color’ offers a unique take on the superhero genre. The film follows Ruth, a woman with supernatural abilities on the run from scientists looking to capture and study her. As she reconnects with her estranged family, Ruth discovers her powers are both a curse and a gift. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance adds depth to a character-driven narrative, while Hart’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the genre. ‘Fast Color’ blends family drama with superhero elements, creating something truly special.
**Leave No Trace (2018): A Story of Survival and Connection**
Debra Granik’s ‘Leave No Trace’ is a quietly powerful film about a father and daughter living off the grid. The film explores themes of survival, mental health, and the bond between parent and child. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie deliver compelling performances, imbuing their characters with depth and authenticity. Granik’s thoughtful direction and the film’s sensitive portrayal of its characters’ struggles make it a standout entry in her filmography.
**The Farewell (2019): A Heartfelt Cultural Comedy**
Lulu Wang’s ‘The Farewell’ is a semi-autobiographical film that balances humor and heartbreak with finesse. The story follows Billi, played by Awkwafina, who travels to China to say goodbye to her dying grandmother under the guise of a family wedding. The film beautifully captures the cultural differences and emotional complexities of saying goodbye. Wang’s personal touch, coupled with standout performances, makes ‘The Farewell’ a poignant and heartwarming watch.
In a world dominated by big-budget productions and heavily marketed content, these hidden gems stand out for their unique storytelling and emotional depth. They offer fresh perspectives and experiences, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the film industry. Next time you’re scrolling through streaming options, give these underrated films a chance – you might discover your new favorite movie.