Movies are being released so fast all around the world that it is often very difficult to keep up with them. It is even harder to keep up with more independent films that aren’t constantly appearing on billboards or on social media. So it is no wonder that every year there will be hundreds of films that we will miss, simply because we hadn’t heard of them.
This list is compiled of 10 films from this year that have been buried beneath the buzz of more mainstream productions that are definitely worth watching, while we wait for more films from the second half of 2018.
10. Bomb City (Jameson Brooks)
Despite featuring Marilyn Manson, “Bomb City” is one of the films from 2018 that stayed pretty low-key after coming out in February. But if you love Manson or want to see an interesting punk twist on crime, this may be the film for you.
The film is set in Texas and follows a group of punk rockers taking a stand against the conservatism of their small town. It is based on a true story from the 90s about a hate crime that occurred when the punk group clashed with a new movement.
While following the trial, the context and pieces of the crime slowly come together to raise many questions regarding class, beliefs, and the judicious system as well as rebellion. The film was praised for its realistic and thoughtful portrayal of the event that spoke to many people, having a wide social impact beyond the punk community.
9. Redoubtable/Godard Mon Amour (Michel Hazanavicius)
Although the film got several worthy nominations in the festival circuit, including the Palme d’Or and Cesar Best Actor award, the hype for it died down as it does with many arthouse foreign films when it comes the theatrical market.
“Redoubtable” or “Godard Mon Amour” is a lively biopic about none other but the legendary Godard (Louis Garrel), detailing his romance with a young actress on set of one of his films – Anne Wiazemsky (Stacy Martin) – whom he later marries. The film was praised for its use of comedy and presentation of the arthouse filmmaker, one that can definitely be appreciated by the filmmaker’s fans.
8. Gemini (Aaron Katz)
“Gemini” is a beautiful modern neo-noir with cinematography and colours channelling “The Neon Demon,” while the plot reminds one of the premise explored in “Clouds of Sils Maria” – it isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely an interesting combination.
The story follows a personal assistant (Lola Kirke) and her Hollywood superstar employer (Zoe Kravitz), whose relationship as well as star-concepts are challenged by a nasty murder. The assistant begins her journey across Los Angeles to follow the crime and stay ahead of the lead detective who is a constant threat to her and her boss.
Although the film got a mixed critical reception, the one thing that was agreed upon was the superb acting of Kravitz and Kirke, bringing the otherwise slow yet intriguing story to life.
7. The Endless (Justin Benson, Aaron Scott Moorhead)
“The Endless” is a great mixture of thriller and horror as well as a thoughtful clash with the extraterrestrial, with similar vibes to “Annihilation.” The film follows two brothers, Justin and Aaron, played by the directors themselves, who decide to respond to an encrypted message they receive from a UFO death cult from their long forgotten past. As the two face their fears once again, they encounter unexplainable things that cause them to rethink their past experience as they try to find answers to the mysteries around them.
The film is full of twists and unexpected turns that leaves you questioning the things you have witnessed. The actors/directors do a fantastic job at creating suspense as well as incredible energy between the two brothers. This isn’t their first collaboration and it’s sure to not be the last.
6. I Kill Giants (Anders Walter)
“I Kill Giants” is a fantastic film based on a graphic novel, slightly reminiscent of “Bridge to Terabithia” in its escapist fantasy and young protagonist. The story follows young Barbara (Madison Wolfe) who has quite a wild imagination and is convinced she is a giant slayer – which is why she’s always equipped with a huge hammer, to be able to respond to an emergency situation. However, as we come to know Barbara, we see that beneath her warrioresque posture is a shy antisocial girl who is using her imagination to escape from the harsh realities of her family life.
The film is full of beautiful CGI that brings Barbara’s fantasies to life, as well as great performances from the cast in a great and gripping coming-of-age film.