8 Outstanding Recent Movies You Must Watch

      Tom Jolliffe highlights eight recent films that are definitely worth adding to your viewing list.

      You might have taken the kids to yell "Chicken Jockey" or to watch Lilo & Stitch at your local cinema. Perhaps, only a week after its release, you decided to see Sinners after hearing the buzz. Good job! Each cinematic season brings a mix of lucrative blockbusters and less impressive films that generate revenue akin to how [insert your least liked politician] produces hot air. Yet, among them lie hidden gems that often go unnoticed.

      Typically, these films find homes on boutique streaming services or indie cinema chains, but sadly, they often miss out on a broader audience that would genuinely appreciate them. That’s where Flickering Myth steps in to shed light on such films. Alternatively, we could discuss Tom Cruise and his Final Reckoning, which sadly struggles to break even despite its exorbitant budget. However, this list focuses on resilient underdogs and select international films that haven’t made the same impact as works like Parasite. Here are eight fantastic recent films you likely haven't seen but definitely should.

      The Girl With The Needle

      Magnus von Horn’s beautifully shot yet stark Danish drama made waves during the recent awards season, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature. While it has attracted some arthouse and indie enthusiasts, its viewership remains limited.

      Set in Copenhagen in 1919, it follows a young, impoverished pregnant woman who begins working at an adoption agency under the compassionate Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), hopeful that her child will have a better life. As she assists in placing babies into new homes, her missing husband returns, horrifically disfigured from the war, prompting her to confront troubling hidden truths. It’s a challenging watch but undeniably gripping, with Vic Carmen Sonne delivering a powerful performance using minimal dialogue. It’s now available on Mubi, making it worthwhile for newcomers to take advantage of the often-available free trial to view it.

      Bound

      Bella escapes an abusive uncle and leaves her addicted mother behind to start anew in New York, only to face numerous challenges. Initially resorting to petty theft for survival, she eventually connects with a supportive group that helps her find stability and joy in her life... until her past catches up with her.

      This treasure from Isaac Hirotsu Woofter exemplifies a small independent film that truly succeeds. It garnered attention at several indie film festivals and received positive reviews, demonstrating the correct approach to low-budget indie filmmaking by telling a sincere and engaging story. While Woofter’s direction shines, the cast is uniformly fantastic, especially leading lady Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, who is exceptional. US audiences can find it on various platforms, with availability in other regions likely forthcoming. Read my full review here.

      The Ballad of Wallis Island

      You know those films that screen at small indie cinemas, usually drawing older audiences during late morning or early afternoon? If they don't feature actors like McKellen or Broadbent, serene yet dreary British countryside scenery often attracts the silver-haired crowd. However, The Ballad of Wallis Island is an undeniable delight that deserves a broader audience. This emotionally nuanced dramedy is a genre that the British excel at, showcasing intricately crafted characters combined with dry British humor, skillfully avoiding pat, overly happy endings.

      From Brassed Off to The Full Monty, the British dominate this style of filmmaking. We thrive at creating heartwarming yet melancholic semi-musicals like Once and Sing Street, which is also true for The Ballad of Wallis Island. Originally a short film conceived by Tom Basden and Tim Key (known as Sidekick Simon to Partridge fans), it underwent transformation into a feature-length movie (likely aided by Carey Mulligan’s involvement as a recognizable name).

      Basden and Key not only co-wrote the film but also star in it, portraying a reclusive lottery winner (Key) who spends extravagantly to bring back his favorite musical duo, who have long split, for a private concert at his remote island home. Basden and Mulligan play former lovers and musical inspirations separated for nearly a decade, leading to plenty of awkward moments, British humor, and emotional pulls. For the film to work effectively, the musical numbers also need to resonate (similar to Once), and Basden excels in writing and performing them, as does Mulligan, playing the harmony-singing muse he still longs for. If you can’t enjoy this, then you must not enjoy kittens, beer, and candy—what a joyless existence! It’s a superb film with an outstanding cast; watch it on the big screen if you can.

      Crossing

      Originally released last year to widespread critical acclaim, Crossing centers on incompatible travel companions. A Georgian teacher discovers that her estranged trans niece has crossed into Turkey to engage in sex work. Accompanied by her indifferent young neighbor,