5 Underrated Movies of 2019
2019 has been an incredible year for cinema. Not only did it break box office records with the likes of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Joker and Avengers: Endgame, but it also gave us a lot of movies which will undoubtedly go down as some of the decades finest, like Jojo Rabbit, The Lighthouse, Parasite, Uncut Gems, and Midsommar. Every year hundreds of movies come out, and while the usual blockbusters and oscar-nominated films usually get the most attention, the more obscure and overlooked films often deserve just as much, or even more, recognition. And so, in no particular order, I have listed five underrated movies of 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Extremely Wicked Shockingly Evil & Vile, Waves, Yesterday, The Farewell
Greener Grass
I have seen many movies, and feel pretty confident saying that there is literally no other film like this. It is equal parts absurd, hilarious, and nonsensical, which makes the surface level viewing experience great. However, what makes this movie work is everything that is happening beneath that. The commentary and critiques present throughout the movies is clear, and what makes this movie amazing is how seamlessly this is able to weave in with the comedy and satire. With a memorable score, inviting cinematography and solid performances, this hour and a half long film becomes very engaging and easy to recommend. One of 2019’s best.
Years and Years
While not technically a movie, this six-episode mini-series is really something special. The premise is pretty straight forward, it follows a British family over the next 15 years, ranging from 2019 to 2034, the series explores the unstable political, economic, and technological advances of the near future. The show is filled with incredible storytelling, amazing characters, and interesting predictions for the upcoming decades. It also has one of the most memorable scores of the year, and features many memorable moments.
Marriage Story
It would not be an overstatement or hyperbole, to say that Adam Driver’s performance in this is some of the best acting I have ever seen in any film. The entire cast, beyond Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, feel so real and lived in it is scary. The screenplay plays out perfectly, and the script is one of the most organic ones I have seen in a long time. The acting and screenplay combined with extremely raw cinematography, an incredible score, amazing directing, and some masterful pacing, creates a film that feels like a documentary or home video rather than a full-blown production. This is an incredible piece of cinema and my personal favorite movie of the year.
Good Boys
Like all good coming of age films, this will leave you equal parts laughing, crying, and longing for childhood. The characters in this, and in particular the main trio, all have incredible chemistry and work really well with one another. This movie could have been a disaster if it were not for these three boys, who prove to be amazing child actors with great comedic showmanship. The humor in this movie is on point, and it almost feels like a parody of other coming of age movies, which I loved. Overall, this is a really good movie and one that is often overlooked by those who have yet to see it. (The trailer did this movie no favors)
I don’t think there's a better word to describe this movie than heartwarming. Happiness is just pouring out of this film and I found myself having a huge smile throughout most of its runtime. The story it tells is original, its characters compelling, and the plot generally engaging. This movie will leave you with the urge to hug someone and will restore the pureness within you. Although the synopsis and general premise may seem like the typical Oscar-bait sundance hogwash, the film proves to be a genuinely charming and enjoyable movie.
To view my complete 2019 movie recommendations go to: boxd.it/2suia