Since 2017, I’ve successfully seen 100 newly released movies each year, with huge help from AMC A-List and Moviepass (RIP). Having this goal in mind makes me keen to see everything I can, which means I see a lot of movies that my friends didn’t get to. Rather than stress myself out to choose my top ten, or make awards season predictions, here are 13 movies that many of you probably didn’t see, but that are worth your while! Lots of these will probably come back into theaters if nominated for Oscars, so keep an eye out!
Fighting with My Family
Cast Members You’d Know: Florence Pugh (although I didn’t know her when I saw it in January 2019), Vince Vaughn, Dwayne Johnson
The Plot in One Sentence: In a family of wrestling super fans, the daughter tried to do her family proud and make it into the WWE after her brother is cut.
This was my first exposure to Florence Pugh – and I’m 100% in on her. She’s had an amazing 2019, but this movie didn’t get nearly the attention that “Little Women” or “Midsommar” did.
This movie was super fun and was full of good feels, which extended beyond the theme of family to also include self-worth and community. I didn’t expect myself to tear up at a movie about a family of wrestlers… but there I was.
The Aftermath
Cast Members You’d Know: Keira Knightly, Alexander Skarsgard, Jason Clarke
The Plot in One Sentence: Following WWII, a British woman and her military officer husband move in to a German family’s Hamburg home, as the Allied forced search for Nazi sympathizers and war criminals.
From a plot standpoint, this didn’t have tons to offer, but if you want to spend an afternoon watching Kiera Knightly (in one of the prettiest gold dresses since “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days”) and Alexander Skarsgard make eyes at each other – this was really pretty to look at. Gave me “Atonement” vibes.
The Unicorn Store
Cast Members You’d Know: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford
The Plot in One Sentence: A failing art student receives some mysterious letters, which lead her to a unicorn store and an opportunity to adopt a unicorn (from Samuel L. Jackson, coincidentally).
This movie is definitely strange, but it’s very fitting to the plot as well as the message of the film. Stunning visuals make you feel like you’ve climbed into an eight-year-old’s daydream … and her parents are Joan Cusak and Bradley Whitford.
Someone Great
Cast Members You’d Know: Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson
The Plot in a Sentence: After a bad breakup, a girl’s friends try to cheer her up with tickets to an exclusive underground music festival.
The ultimate girl’s night movie! It’s very similar to “Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist”, but updated to include more diverse characters and a more honest characterization of New York. Plus, it’s a soundtrack that I’ll be blasting for summers to come.
Yesterday
Cast Members You’d Know: Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Kate McKinnon
The Plot in One Sentence: An aspiring songwriter gets into an accident during a blackout, and wakes up as the only person who remembers The Beatles.
I expected this to be extremely predictable and one-note, and not to say the plot as shocking… but I got more out of it than I thought I would! Plus the appearances by Ed Sheeran and Kate McKinnon are great. And if I need to say it… the music is lovely.
Blinded by the Light
Cast Members You’d Know: Can I say nobody? Love to see newcomers!
The Plot in One Sentence: An aspiring poet is exposed the music of Bruce Springsteen, and finds it helps him cope with his racist community, and his very traditional Pakistani father.
I was raised by a gigantic Bruce fan… So I knew this was mandatory viewing for me. But I was really charmed by this film. Very much reminded me of 2016’s “Sing Street” (which is another one that everyone really should see — it’s the breakthrough of Lucy Boynton, whom everyone loves from Bohemian Rhapsody and The Politician). I’m personally a sucker for coming-of-age films, but I think this one is enjoyable for everyone!
Brittany Runs a Marathon
Cast Members You’d Know: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins (you’ll recognize her when you see her)
The Plot in One Sentence: A Millennial who is feeling “down on her luck” decides to train for a marathon as a way of losing weight and getting healthier, and finds a community and sense of purpose.
This had a similar vibe to the Amy Schumer & Rebel Wilson movies we’ve grown accustomed to seeing with our girlfriends over Valentine’s Day weekend, but with a much better message (don’t get me started about how angry “I Feel Pretty” made me). It was funny and touching and real — and worth an afternoon Amazon watch.
The Farewell
Cast Members You’d Know: Awkwafina
The Plot in One Sentence: A girl returns to China to say goodbye to her dying grandmother, who doesn’t know that she has cancer.
Many people skipped this one because it is mostly in Mandarin, and therefore requires subtitles for many of us… but I’m here to say it was ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT. This movie was funny and insightful, not only into ethics and morals, but also into Chinese Culture and family dynamics. If nothing else, watch it for Awkwafina.
Parasite
Cast Members You’d Know: As it’s a foreign film, probably nobody!
The Plot in One Sentence: I encourage you to go in as blind as possible — so I’m telling you nothing!!
You’ve surely heard about this one, because we’re now solidly into awards season (it won a Golden Globe!), but probably skipped it because of subtitles. As Bong Joon Ho said in his acceptance speech for the Foreign Language Golden Globe, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” and, looking back, that’s something I’ve really gained from this year.
My point: GO SEE PARASITE. It will be nominated for multiple Oscars, and it’s a beautiful film. It’s a wonderful view into South Korean culture, family values, and class struggles — and has an element of emotional whiplash that will leave you yelling.
Abominable
Cast Members You’d Know: Should call this one “Voices You’ll Recognize” — and the answer is Sarah Paulson
The Plot in One Sentence: A girl in China finds a Yeti on her roof, and sets off on a journey to return him to his home on Mt. Everest.
I’m truly DEVASTATED that this hasn’t been getting recognized in the awards show circuit, because it was so much more than a kid’s movie. It touches on the role of grief in Asian cultures, as well as the role of community and friendship. I went into this movie expecting to see a cute kids’ movie — and left feeling extremely touched.
Let it Snow
Cast Members You’d Know: Netflix darlings like Kiernan Shipka and Jacob Batalon, plus some favorites like Joan Cusack and D’Arcy Carden
The Plot in One Sentence: A snowstorm in suburban Chicago complicates plans on Christmas Eve, testing relationships and throwing together lovers.
I’m a huge sucker for coming-of-age movies, so knew I would really appreciate this one. Nothing groundbreaking plot-wise, but if you enjoy watching teenagers fall in love to a great soundtrack, it’s worth putting on during a snowstorm or freezing February Sunday.
Klaus
Cast Members You’d Know (aka Voices you’ll recognize): Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusak, J.K. Simmons, Norm MacDonald, Will Sasso
The Plot in One Sentence: The spoiled son of the Postmaster General must serve in a remote town, and befriends a toy maker.
This movie was like a combined Santa Claus is coming to town and Emperor’s New Groove. It’s definitely designed for kids, but has a great “love thy neighbor” type of message for adults. Everyone told me it was sweet, but I didn’t expect the last line to cause me to absolutely WEEP.
Dolemite is My Name
Cast Members You’d Know: Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Snoop Dog
The Plot in One Sentence: This one’s a bio-pic about Rudy Ray Moore, who’s character, Dolemite, broke through in black comedy cinema.
If you love Eddie Murphy, this is a must see! He is back to his peak comedy, and gives this character life that I don’t think anybody else would be able to. This is a story and character that I knew nothing about, and made me laugh out loud for the entire film.
kADthryn 