5 Underrated Films of 2023

Underrated Films of 2023

In 2023, the global film industry witnessed a bustling year with major productions unveiling both lucrative blockbusters and critically acclaimed treasures. Amidst the flurry of attention-grabbing releases such as "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," numerous outstanding films unfortunately slipped under the radar.

The cinematic landscape, saturated with big-budget endeavors and star-studded casts, inadvertently overshadowed some hidden gems that truly merit exploration. While the spotlight naturally gravitated towards highly-rated titles, the marketing dynamics and absence of prominent names may have dampened the impact of equally deserving films. Despite the dominance of mega-productions in 2023, discerning audiences might find joy in discovering these overlooked cinematic treasures that offer unique perspectives and storytelling brilliance.

5 Underrated Films of 2023

Polite Society - Nida Manzoor

Nida Manzoor's "Polite Society" stands out as a brilliant satirical work in recent cinema, skillfully addressing topics from gender roles to sheltered upbringing through a quirky and light-hearted narrative. Featuring Ritu Arya and Priya Kansara, the British production delves into British-Pakistani culture. The plot revolves around martial artist-in-training Ria Khan, who endeavors to save her sister Lena from an impending marriage. Despite its cinematic brilliance, the film only grossed $2.5 million at the box office.

Theater Camp - Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman

"For every mockumentary fan," the underrated gem "Theater Camp" is a must-watch. With a stellar cast including Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, and Jimmy Tatro, the film is a dream for fans of The Office. The story follows eccentric staff members of an upstate New York theatre camp who must unite when their founder falls into a coma.

Frybread Face and Me - Billy Luther

Billy Luther's "Frybread Face and Me" may not have gained widespread recognition, but it leaves a profound impact with its coming-of-age drama. Featuring standout performances from relatively unknown actors like Keir Tallman and Charley Hogan, the film tells the story of a young boy sent to spend the summer with his Navajo grandmother on the Arizona reservation, where he connects with his cousin.

The Creator - Gareth Edwards

Despite being a studio film, "The Creator" directed by Gareth Edwards is somewhat underrated. Starring John David Washington and Gemma Chan, the film cleverly utilizes a minimal budget for groundbreaking work. The storyline revolves around a future war between humans and artificial intelligence, with ex-special forces agent Joshua tasked with hunting down and killing the elusive Creator, who has developed a world-ending AI weapon.

Rye Lane - Raine Allen Miller

"Rye Lane" is hailed as one of the finest romantic comedies in recent years. Despite premiering to minimal hype, the film, starring David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, gained recognition after being released on Hulu in 2023. The straightforward narrative follows two individuals recovering from break-ups who have a chance meeting on an eventful day. With its moving quality, "Rye Lane" deserves more attention and a better turnout at the box office.