It’s easy to look at the weak box office numbers and slew of disappointing Hollywood movies this past year (“Suicide Squad,” “Allegiant,” “Dirty Grandpa” and “Cafe Society” to name a few) and declare 2016 a bad year for film, especially in comparison to television, which has arguably never been better, the film industry isn’t looking its best.
Earlier this year The Huffington Post and Boston Globe even went so far as to announce that cinema is “dead,” at least as we know it. And frankly, they’re not totally out of bounds with their claims. Networks like HBO, Showtime, AMC, and FX and streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, are creating some of the edgiest, most creative, subversive and quality entertainment out there. And they’re having no trouble attracting some of cinema’s biggest actors and most prolific directors.
But, as we see every December, things truly aren’t as bleak as they seem with quality awards-caliber dramas and buzzworthy festivals indies emerging at last. “Arrival,” “Moonlight,” “La Land,” “Manchester by the Sea” and “Jackie” are all receiving love and praise from audiences and critics alike, seeking to remind us not to disregard film completely this year.
However, there are a score of other beautiful, noteworthy films from this year that sadly won’t likely be championed by the press or make a splash at awards shows. Below are some of my favorite underrated films of the year that deserve your attention:
“The Innocents” (Dir. Anne Fontaine): This Polish-French film is among the most emotionally devastating and beautifully shot movies of the year. Inspired by real events, the film tell the story of nuns who become pregnant after their convent is attacked by Soviet soldiers and are forced to rely on a Red Cross nurse. It’s a bleak, but important film that explores the aftermath of rape, the complexities of faith, the atrocities that continued in post-WWII Poland and human compassion and connection. Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and DVD.
“Love & Friendship” (Dir. Whit Stillman): Perhaps the best Jane Austen adaptation to date. Or at the very least, the funniest. Stillman uses his characteristic wit and style to bring Austen’s lesser known (and surprisingly naughty) novella “Lady Susan” to sparkling life. The costumes are gorgeous, the script is extremely clever and comedic and the cast is wickedly charming. In a less competitive year, Kate Beckinsale would be in the running for Best Actress for her splendid work here. Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and DVD.
“Other People” (Dir. Chris Kelly): Coming from a longtime “SNL” scribe, one might expect this movie to be a crass comedy. However, it’s instead a very personal movie that mingles comedy and heartache in a beautiful way that earns both your laughter and your tears. Molly Shannon gives a career best performance here as a mother who is forced to say goodbye to her family after being diagnosed with cancer, but the entire cast is worthy of praise. Available on Netflix.
“The Lobster” (Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos): There are an equal amount of things I love and find frustrating about this movie. Yet, it’s impossible to deny how fascinating, thought-provoking and just plain entertaining it is. Set in an unspecified dystopian future where single people must find a partner within 45 days or risk being turned into an animal, “The Lobster” is a delightfully weird and absurd take on the romantic comedy. Available on iTunes and DVD.
“Slash” (Dir. Clay Liford): Everyone’s been talking about “The Edge of Seventeen,” but there’s another insanely good coming-of-age film that should be on your radar. “Slash” follows a socially awkward teenager who attracts notice after publishing the erotic fan fiction he wrote. It’s a surprisingly sweet, enjoyable and effortlessly charming film about trying to belong, fandom and the pains of being young and in love. Available on iTunes, and to be released on DVD later this month.
