Let's Take it Back
Five underrated movies from recent years
The Outfit
I saw this film when I was looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, and there were no movies I wanted to see. I decided to take a chance on The Outfit, and it did not disappoint. The protagonist is an older Englishman who runs a suit cutting shop in Chicago. The audience soon learns that he has found himself intertwined with an Irish mob family, and chaos ensues. This movie is filled with twists and turns; nothing is exactly what it seems. The performances, particularly that of Mark Rylance, really make it work. It is the perfect balance of intrigue, heart, and entertainment.
Belfast
While this film received some awards praise, its favor quickly dwindled. Despite several Oscar nominations, by awards season it did not seem to stand a chance. There were flashier, more innovative options that shadowed Beflfast ‘s simplicity. However, the beautiful story about family, growing up, and hope, combined with a realistic portrayal of The Troubles in Northern Ireland and masterful black and white cinematography makes Belfast a timeless piece of media. I think it will only become more significant with time. This is a movie I revisit often, and I am touched each time.
Turn Every Page
Admittedly, this pick is a bit more niche. This documentary follows the relationship between author Robert Caro and editor Robert Gottlieb. The two worked together on Caro’s many investigative biographies, most notably The Power Broker. Their relationship was filled with equal parts admiration and discourse. The pair famously do not let others observe the editing process, but in this documentary, we get the chance to see a short session of their process. This documentary is certainly not for everyone, but anyone who loves writing, reading, or language will quickly fall down this rabbit hole.
Banshees of Inisherin
While this movie received critical acclaim, it did not receive the box office numbers that it deserved. The odd title and slow start may be misleading, but underneath the facade, there is a rich, suspenseful story at play. The two main characters are Irishmen living in the same small town who have been friends for a long time. When one declares he no longer likes the other, a series of strange events transpire and both suffer the consequences. It becomes both an exploration of longtime friendship and a reflection on Irish folk tales.
Rye Lane
Rye Lane is the perfect movie to round out this list. This British rom-com has a charm that is reminiscent of the golden rom-com era, when Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan ruled. Yas and Dom have a meet-cute of sorts at Rye Lane Market and enter a slow-burning relationship. The typical rom-com antics ensue, with refreshing wit and originality. Lovers of this genre will revel in Rye Lane ‘s subtly and sweetness.