The hidden gems of 2023: underrated films you need to watch
In the chaotic whirlpool of blockbuster hits and record-breaking franchise movies, it's easy to overlook some of the hidden gems that have graced the screens this year. While the spotlight often shines on the box office giants, several low-budget films, indie projects, and unique stories have quietly made their mark on the cinematic landscape of 2023. Here, we dive into a curated list of underrated films that deserve your attention, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling, direction, and performance.
**The Artful Dodgers of Animation**
Animation isn't just about big-budget Disney or Pixar productions. This year, a few under-the-radar animation films have pushed boundaries in creativity and narrative. *Wolfwalkers* by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart delivers a visually stunning experience while exploring complex themes of friendship and freedom. Another notable mention is *The Summit of the Gods*, a Japanese animated film that brilliantly weaves adventure and human perseverance with beautiful, hand-drawn art.
**Indie Powerhouses**
Indie films continue to offer rich, authentic stories that mainstream cinema often overlooks. *Coda*, directed by Sian Heder, tells the powerful story of a young woman navigating the challenges of being the only hearing member of a deaf family, balancing dreams with duty. *Pig*, featuring a career-defining performance by Nicolas Cage, explores deep themes of grief and isolation through the lens of a truffle hunter seeking his lost pig. These films might lack the high-octane thrills of blockbusters but they provide deeply moving, character-driven narratives.
**International Breakthroughs**
This year has also seen remarkable contributions from international cinema, with films that challenge conventional storytelling with bold, innovative facets. *Drive My Car*, a Japanese drama directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, explores the themes of love, loss, and recovery through an adaptation of Haruki Murakami's short story. Another standout is Norway's *The Worst Person in the World* by Joachim Trier, a raw, unfiltered exploration of the fraught journey toward self-discovery in one's early thirties.
**Documentary Diamonds**
Documentaries this year have captured pivotal moments with profound impact and artistry. *Summer of Soul*, directed by Questlove, not only unearths the forgotten Harlem Cultural Festival but also delivers a soulful revival of black music and culture in the '60s. *Flee*, a deeply personal and animated documentary by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, chronicles the harrowing escape of an Afghan refugee, blending animation with a deeply human story that transcends typical documentary conventions.
**Genre-Blurring Masterpieces**
The lines between genres have been beautifully blurred in several films this year, offering audiences unique viewing experiences. *Titane*, by Julia Ducournau, defies categorization, melding horror, thriller, and sci-fi elements to tell a disturbing yet compelling story that challenges our understanding of identity and human connection. Another intriguing film, *The Green Knight* by David Lowery, offers a surreal, fantastical take on the Arthurian legends, blending historical drama with elements of mysticism and fantasy that leave a lasting impression.
These films may not have the marketing might of studio powerhouses behind them, but their stories, craftsmanship, and originality deserve recognition. Bridging diverse cultures, genres, and narratives, they highlight the boundless possibilities of cinematic storytelling and remind us of the myriad ways films can inspire, challenge, and move us. Make sure to add these hidden gems to your watchlist for an enriching experience that goes beyond mainstream cinema's offerings.
**The Artful Dodgers of Animation**
Animation isn't just about big-budget Disney or Pixar productions. This year, a few under-the-radar animation films have pushed boundaries in creativity and narrative. *Wolfwalkers* by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart delivers a visually stunning experience while exploring complex themes of friendship and freedom. Another notable mention is *The Summit of the Gods*, a Japanese animated film that brilliantly weaves adventure and human perseverance with beautiful, hand-drawn art.
**Indie Powerhouses**
Indie films continue to offer rich, authentic stories that mainstream cinema often overlooks. *Coda*, directed by Sian Heder, tells the powerful story of a young woman navigating the challenges of being the only hearing member of a deaf family, balancing dreams with duty. *Pig*, featuring a career-defining performance by Nicolas Cage, explores deep themes of grief and isolation through the lens of a truffle hunter seeking his lost pig. These films might lack the high-octane thrills of blockbusters but they provide deeply moving, character-driven narratives.
**International Breakthroughs**
This year has also seen remarkable contributions from international cinema, with films that challenge conventional storytelling with bold, innovative facets. *Drive My Car*, a Japanese drama directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, explores the themes of love, loss, and recovery through an adaptation of Haruki Murakami's short story. Another standout is Norway's *The Worst Person in the World* by Joachim Trier, a raw, unfiltered exploration of the fraught journey toward self-discovery in one's early thirties.
**Documentary Diamonds**
Documentaries this year have captured pivotal moments with profound impact and artistry. *Summer of Soul*, directed by Questlove, not only unearths the forgotten Harlem Cultural Festival but also delivers a soulful revival of black music and culture in the '60s. *Flee*, a deeply personal and animated documentary by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, chronicles the harrowing escape of an Afghan refugee, blending animation with a deeply human story that transcends typical documentary conventions.
**Genre-Blurring Masterpieces**
The lines between genres have been beautifully blurred in several films this year, offering audiences unique viewing experiences. *Titane*, by Julia Ducournau, defies categorization, melding horror, thriller, and sci-fi elements to tell a disturbing yet compelling story that challenges our understanding of identity and human connection. Another intriguing film, *The Green Knight* by David Lowery, offers a surreal, fantastical take on the Arthurian legends, blending historical drama with elements of mysticism and fantasy that leave a lasting impression.
These films may not have the marketing might of studio powerhouses behind them, but their stories, craftsmanship, and originality deserve recognition. Bridging diverse cultures, genres, and narratives, they highlight the boundless possibilities of cinematic storytelling and remind us of the myriad ways films can inspire, challenge, and move us. Make sure to add these hidden gems to your watchlist for an enriching experience that goes beyond mainstream cinema's offerings.