As the end of the year approaches, many people are starting to look back at the movies that were released to assess how the year was, making lists of their favorites, and even Also predicting award winners. Most of the big movie headlines were tentpole theatrical releases, like the hugely popular “Barbenheimer” and Martin Scorsese’s return to the screen with “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Not only have some gems been released in theaters, but the streaming machine has also been running all year, offering everything from throwback content to borderline masterpieces. As the finals approach and everyone can enjoy a night out, it’s time to take a look at some of this year’s highlights that didn’t get the buzz they deserved.
“Nimona”
Netflix
Besides being the entire reason this article was written, “Nimona” is a prime example of how Netflix doesn’t know what it has. This animated 2023 adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name, starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed, is one of the best works of animation of the year and one of the best movies, full stop. It is a beautiful and emotional journey of two outcasts who learn to trust each other while they fight against the society that has vilified them. Influential, insightful and hilarious, this film is one not to be missed.
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“route”
Mubi
“Passages,” the new film from Ira Sachs, finds its leads, Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adele Exarchopoulos entangled in a tragic love affair centered around the impulses of an egotistical film producer (played by Rogowski). The 90-minute film not only debunks the “no sex scenes in movies” cliché with the most compelling and narratively weighty sex scenes since “Drive My Car” in 2021, but also gives audiences a new perspective on their relationship with relationships. Also does re-evaluation. The film is an exciting, tumultuous and poisonous journey.
“They cloned Tyrone”
Netflix
Another example of Netflix dropping the ball, “They Cloned Tyrone” brings together John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx as a hilarious and chaotic trio discovering a government conspiracy beneath their neighborhood. It looks like a mix of “The Nice Guys” and “Sorry to Bother You”, which can be described as wacky, hilarious, and surprisingly touching in the end. It’s a great time when some very beautiful people are gracing the screen with their rendition of “Attack the Block”.
“murderer”
Netflix
The latest film from David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Gone Girl”) now exiting its festival run and limited theatrical release will once again be shown on Netflix. This exciting and rewarding thriller tells the story of the tenacious and eccentric Michael Fassbender who plays a hitman who embarks on an international manhunt after a botched hit. Although Netflix’s compression will remove some of its gorgeous framing and composition, and home speakers likely won’t do justice to the extremely gritty and uncomfortable Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score, it’s still a top-of-the-range movie with one of these Line feature. Best fight scene of the year. The easy-to-follow globe-trotting journey lends itself to a dive into the psyche of a morally disgraced man.
“How to blow up a pipeline”
Hulu
Let’s get political. Eco-terrorism has been on everyone’s mind lately. While “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” doesn’t actually tell you the details of blowing up a pipeline, it effectively serves as an incredibly intense and tightly constructed heist movie. Who doesn’t love a solid heist story that has strong and perfectly hidden aspects of fanaticism and inspiring action? Thrilling, intense, and undoubtedly political, audiences who missed it in theaters can now watch it on Hulu.
theater camp
Hulu
It’s hard to say if anyone really expected this movie to be any good, but it surprisingly is a gem. Possibly the funniest film this year besides Emma Seligman’s “Bottoms,” the directorial debut of Molly Gordon (“Booksmart,” “Shiva Baby”) and Nick Lieberman has a more charming forest than anything in recent memory. -Liner. While it should be seen in theaters sitting behind a group of four obviously non-recovered theater kids who aren’t afraid to “mmmhmm” loudly, it would be equally fun in a dorm room on movie night.