Some days, you just want to stay in and watch something good. Then you open a streaming platform only to realise you have no idea what to pick. Let’s be honest here: the popular options are often not as good or interesting as they claim to be and digging through an endless database for something different takes ages, so you might end up watching either nothing or a random movie you don’t even like. That’s where we come in. We tend to focus on movies that fly surprisingly under the radar, movies that are not only great but also stir emotions, leave you thinking, and maybe even shift your perspective on things…
So, find yourself a comfy spot on the sofa, grab the remote, and pick one of these. And if they’re not streaming yet, they’re well worth catching on the big screen. After all, cinemas aren’t just for blockbusters.
Queer
2024 – 2h 17m | ☆☆☆☆
Let’s start with this: the costumes are amazing. Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Loewe, did a great job… ‘Queer’, based on William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novel and directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a movie that explores loneliness, the difficulty in establishing connections with others, the pain of unrequited love and the layered emotions of depression, all set alongside heavy drug abuse and drinking. Guadagnino’s provocative storytelling blends visual and auditory artistry, with elements of stream-of-consciousness to express the inner world of the male protagonist through various blurs, hallucinations and abstract art forms. Where the movie feels slightly uneven, Daniel Craig’s very solid performance steps in and lets it flow again, showing just how ready he is for this new phase of his career, far beyond the box he’s often been placed in. It’s a great movie, but for some might not be easy to watch….
A real pain
2024 – 1h 30m | ☆☆☆
‘A Real Pain’ explores how seemingly negative behaviour can have surprisingly positive effects and reminds us that nothing is black and white: how being direct, for instance, can also mean being deeply honest… Jesse Eisenberg, who wrote, directed, and stars in the movie, plays a role that feels tailor-made for him; an uptight, nervous, family-dedicated man who always tries to do the right thing. Opposite him is Kieran Culkin, whose character is chatty, open, and unafraid to break the rules. The dynamic between them and the people they meet creates something heartwarming to watch. It’s a movie that shows how quickly people can connect in unexpected ways and spans a range of emotions from sadness, happiness, anger, shock and embarrassment to small chuckles, and finally, a pain that builds up until the end. With hints of influence from Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy and Michael Winterbottom’s Trip series, it delivers exactly what you’d hope for: softly flowing cinematography that invites you to look beyond the surface of touristy sights and dialogue that drifts through an honest and unstructured exploration of the meaning of life. Available on Apple TV+ or currently in Danish cinemas.
Driving Madeleine
Original title: Une belle course
2022 – 1h 31m | ☆☆☆☆
What a beautiful ride. Driving Madeleine is a movie that reminds us of two valuable things. Firstly how positive an impact on others we can have, sometimes to such a degree to change their life, just by opening up and sharing a story. And that comes hand in hand with the fact that everyone has their own story, and we can only learn and understand a bit if we take our time to listen. The story of the movie has a predictable ending, but that’s the point. Driving Madeleine is about two main characters – with very well-written storytelling and great acting – to whom you get emotionally connected pretty quickly, so much that you almost feel you are a part of the ride too. In these times when movies strive to grab your attention with big production, effects and CGI, it’s great to see one where the focus is mainly just on two characters. You can rent this movie via Apple TV or Viaplay.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
2024 – 1h 57m | ☆☆☆☆
‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that digs into the complexities of forgiveness and the human experience. While the movie tackles heavy subjects, such as drug, physical and religious abuse, and generational trauma, it also offers moments of hope, reminding us that forgiveness is a journey rather than a destination. Accompanied by a great soundtrack, the cinematography captures the raw, intimate emotions of the characters, creating a visual language that beautifully complements the narrative. Together, these elements provide a realistic portrayal of what the process of forgiving might look like. If you have the chance, it’s definitely worth watching.
Sing Sing
2023 – 1h 47m | ☆☆☆☆☆
‘We’re here to become human again…’
‘Sing Sing’ is a powerful movie based on the true story of the theatre program Reformed Through Art, which strikes a perfect balance between the harsh realities of life in the human potential of being good. It shows how theatre, as an art form, can serve as a tool for rehabilitation, offering those in need a way to rediscover themselves. The cinematography and direction add to the sincerity of the performances by not overwhelming them and taking an approach that feels less like a movie to consume and more like a moment to witness, immersing you in the conversations and events as they unfold.
It’s thought-provoking, emotionally moving, and inspiring. It’s the kind of movie that might make you cry, smile, laugh, and leave you feeling a little lighter by the time you finish it.
