Following the theatrical delays from the impacts of the pandemic, many moviegoers have returned to the theaters to watch the most anticipated blockbusters finally make it to the big screen. With the holidays just around the corner, moviegoers will be watching the final selection of films before the end of the 2021 movie year.
While people check out some of the biggest movies, the 2021 movie year also has many brilliant movies that fell under the radar by the general audience. Despite being overlooked, there is still some time to watch these incredible films before the end of the year. Many of these under-the-radar features range from comedies and documentaries to thrillers and horrors, so there's something for everyone.
Shiva Baby
Shiva Baby follows a college student who attends a Jewish funeral with her parents. Things become unpleasant when she encounters her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend while trying to pass the time at the service.
Emma Seligman's directorial film debut received incredible praises for its story bringing a balance of shock and laughter. Many people have also commended the portrayal and representation of a bisexual character confronting one's Jewish identity. Furthermore, the performance from the cast is solid, particularly the lead star Rachel Sennott. Shiva Baby is one of the best coming-of-age films and is a must-watch.
Pig
In Pig, a truffle hunter has to go back into the world after his beloved pig was stolen from him. With some help, he goes into the city to find the person who stole his pig and bring him back home, even if it means all the pain and punches to get to him.
Michael Sarnoski's directorial debut showcases its sense of a John Wick style of devotion and faithfulness to a pet animal that has everyone rooting for the character's search to succeed. The film also has a sense of relatability with themes of loss and love. Nicholas Cage showcases his brilliance without the usual over-the-top emotionality. The portrayal is focused and powerful in that it has the audience care for the character and understand his motivations. For Cage, it is perhaps one of his best performances.
Oxygen
A woman wakes up and sees that she is stuck inside a cryogenic chamber. To make things worse, she is running out of oxygen and has no memory of anything. That's the set-up for Netflix's Oxygen, and it's as suspenseful as it sounds.
Starring Mélanie Laurent, Oxygen is a French sci-fi film that will leave viewers filled with goosebumps. Watchers will feel the intense setting of claustrophobia with a magnetic and powerful performance from Laurent showcasing the distressing nature. It is a must-watch, and luckily, it is streaming on Netflix.
The Sparks Brothers
Sparks was one of the most influential yet underrated bands of its time. This year, Edgar Wright put forth a documentary about the pop-rock band to showcase their legacy and journey throughout the years. The Sparks Brothers consist of interviews with prominent figures and rock band members as they share the inspirational value and incredible stories about Sparks.
The story is extraordinary as it helps showcase a band that had been ahead of its time and played a part in changing music forever. The documentary takes an unconventional approach to its genre and acts as a love letter to the overlooked band. While some generations may not have heard of them, the film does justice in showing a witty and imaginative atmosphere, making The Sparks Brothers one of the best music documentaries.
Blue Bayou
Blue Bayou follows a Korean American husband who was adopted as a young child. Despite having a wife and a loving stepdaughter, he learns that he could be deported. Things get worse when he relives the memories of his past. The heartfelt film stars Justin Chon and Alicia Vikander.
Chon brings attention to a delicate matter onto the big screen that sadly happens very often for many people in the United States dealing with the flawed immigration and adoption system. Blue Bayou showcases the imperfection of Antonio LeBlanc, whose criminal life is overcome by his love and devotion for his family. Thanks to an emotional and beautiful story with magnetic performances from the cast, this drama film will steal many people's hearts and leave many in tears.
Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Barb and Star are two best friends who do everything together. After being fired from their jobs, they venture on a relaxing and adventurous vacation to Florida, but it is not like any ordinary one.
Starring Annie Mumolo, Kristen Wiig, and Jamie Dornan, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is perhaps one of the most criminally overlooked comedy movies of the year. The film is silly and bold with the SNL essence in a long featured film. These moments leave a hilarious, fun, and entertaining adventure for viewers to enjoy. The performances from the cast are also superb, especially Dornan, who showcases his incredible comedic timing. It is one of the best quirky comedies out there.
Werewolves Within
In Werewolves Within, people from a small town are trapped in a local inn due to a snowstorm. Soon, things become more dangerous when a peculiar creature is terrorizing the townspeople, and the only ones to control the situation are a forest ranger and postal worker.
Based on a video game of the same title, Werewolves Within blends elements of horror and comedy that do well to present a fun and thrilling whodunit story. It takes on unconventional practices, but the direction and remarkable performances are enough to create a rare gem that not only does justice for the source material of a video game but also one for viewers to enjoy.
CODA
In CODA, Ruby is a child of deaf adults (CODA) and is the only family member with no hearing loss, so they have relied on her for communication. Given the arising problems of the family's business and her family's dependency on her, she contemplates her future of becoming an aspiring musician.
CODA is a beautiful coming-of-age story that will steal many people's hearts. It showcases a heartwarming tale of a family's love and devotion for each other while also learning to make sacrifices and acceptance of one's dream. The film also showcases a strong representation of people with hearing loss, presenting their sexualities, leadership, and independence in a different depiction. The performance from the cast is stellar, particularly Emilia Jones. Viewers will cry and laugh, making CODA one of the best coming-of-age stories in recent years.
Together Together
Challenging the traditional norms, a middle-aged man hires a lonely woman to be his surrogate mother in hopes of having a child as a single parent in Together Together. While embarking on this journey, they run across some personal issues with their relationship. For it to work, they need to learn some boundaries, find support and respect for one another, and explore love.
Together Together tackles a sensitive topic without feeling too serious while also integrating joy and laughter into the situation. It is different from the general tropes of romantic comedy by showing platonic love, yet it works to create an endearing story that is entertaining and heartfelt for the audience. Furthermore, Ed Helms and Patti Harrison display excellent chemistry that is the heart and soul of the film. It is also likely Helms' best film to date.
Saint Maud
In Saint Maud, the titular Maud is a religious nurse who is treating a retired dancer with cancer. Her pious beliefs turn into an obsession, hoping to save her cancer patient and the ward.
Saint Maud is a daring and excellent directorial debut of Rose Glass. It is unsettling and has a nail-biting atmosphere while also showing some finesse in its psychological horror elements, even receiving comparisons to Carrie. Furthermore, Morfydd Clark showcases a scary yet stunning performance as Maud. The film might be harrowing, but it is definite must watch.