At the end of each year, when the “best films” are discussed and agreed upon, the conversation usually surrounds only a select few. But what about the smaller independent films that didn’t have as big of an audience? Well, Cinemacy has got you covered.

These are the nine films we saw this year that you likely missed and should definitely seek out.

 

1. The Art of Self-Defense

“Impressive stunts, exacted cinematography, and a fun visual style all combine like a skilled karate combo to create a fun balance between comedy and suspense.” –Morgan Rojas

 

2. Wild Rose

“You can’t take your eyes and ears off Jessie Buckley, whose performance as a Scottish ex-convict and aspiring Country star shines brighter than the lights of her Nashville dreams. This musical had a quiet release compared to some of NEON’s other releases (re: Parasite), but just like our protagonist, Wild Rose is fiercely fun and thoroughly entertaining.” –Morgan Rojas

 

3. High Life

“Proving that he’s not one to shy away from obscure projects, (see: Good Time), Pattinson joins forces with famed French director Claire Denis in the brain-busting sci-fi, High Life, a film whose meaning is obtuse but whose beauty is undeniable.” –Morgan Rojas

 

 

4. Amazing Grace

“Bursting its way onto the big screen, Amazing Grace is a concert film that will blow you away. While audiences may be familiar with Aretha Franklin’s hits, few have heard the ‘Queen of Soul’ sing Gospel. And to not only hear her but also watch her sing Gospel is to witness the divine.” –Ryan Rojas

 

5. Leto

“The film does randomly launch into reality-detaching musical moments such as when a full staging of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” naturally becomes a part of a scene, similar to how any musical moment might arise in Across the Universe. And yet these are among the best moments in the movie (Leto won the Cannes Soundtrack Award).” –Ryan Rojas

 

6. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary

“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary is one of the most fascinating portraits of the human condition and the power of manipulation. It puts not only [director] Ben Berman, but every viewer into a situation where losing sight of what’s right vs. wrong, truth vs. illusion is tested.” –Morgan Rojas

 

 

 

7. Her Smell

“Picture Josie and the Pussycats laced with drugs, sweat, and glitter, and that’s only scratching the surface of what to expect from this larger-than-life indie film. Her Smell is only comprised of 5 scenes and 4 locations, and with a runtime of 135 minutes, that roughly equates to every scene being around 30 minutes long.” – Morgan Rojas

 

8. The Death of Dick Long

“Once the climactic reveal happens, it’s a hilariously side-splitting moment, but you would be pressed to not feel an equal wave of somber sympathy at the same time. The Death of Dick Long is a wealth of wit, smarts, and unexpected heart.” –Ryan Rojas

 

9. Monos

“While devoid of a more traditional narrative context, instead opting for an organically captured and impressionistically felt story, the payoff in Monos comes tenfold for those who are willing to give themselves over to [director] Alejandro Landes and his uncompromising vision.” –Morgan Rojas