Most Overlooked Films Of 2018 (Part One)

Too many of those films will be missed not by both critics and cinephiles. Some films that get a cinematic release in other countries may only get a film festival preview, a home release. Nowadays some countries get those films as a ‘Netflix Original’ which is great as it will get to a wider audience. Though sometimes a film has to be seen on the big screen to appreciate its quality.

When there are so many tentpole/Blockbuster films released every year, some of those little gem films will suffocate. To accompany our look at the year that’s just about to end, 2018, we have created a two-part feature the Most Overlooked Films of  2018.

Did you see any? did you like them? Or simply you only watch blockbuster/mainstream only released films? Check out the list below, you might just like some of them…!

Searching | Our Review

Many critics love to hype up many of those films from the year’s first big Film Festival, Sundance. Many of them do deliver, others don’t or we never hear from them. Aneesh Chaganty’s Searching one that connected with most critics. At times tonally Hitchockian inspired, with Jon Chu spending a great deal of his time looking for his daughter on a screen. From Laptops to mobile phones, social media, calling her friends showcasing modern technology. Most of all highlighting a person’s internet footprint and how easy someone can be traced, hacked even stolen especially s. The film might be a slow starter, but its one that asks you to stay with it as David (Cho) unravels the dark side of the internet and tension-filled complex journey.

Out to own on DVD | 7th January 2019 (Buy)

Black ’47 | Our Review

When it comes to the great famine of Ireland here in the UK is a very sensitive topic. Largely thanks to the sympathy for the victims as well as the from Royalist ers. Sadly no matter how truthful a film can be, one that has the British Army as the enemy won’t go down well. However Great Famine of Ireland 1847 may not be easy viewing, but one if you have Irish ancestry in your blood.

The Film was only given a limited cinematic release which is a shame. If you look behind the politics, what you have here is a part Western ala 1970’s, broody, dark and violent. A film that doesn’t flinch from any of its brutality, genocide or guilt.Unrelenting and stark.

Out now to own on Blu-Ray & DVD (Buy)

Lean On Pete

If someone told you, Andrew Haigh’s film is about a boy and his horse, they would be correct. That short premise would also be deceiving as Lean On Pete is a lot more. One big massive rollercoaster of emotions, with a story of one slow burning heartbreak. Haigh captures the pages of Willy Vlautin‘s novel of the same name with a gut-wrenching portrait of love, loss and acceptance. Charlie Plummer plays the young boy who takes the ageing horse under his wings. Just watch, we’ll bet you won’t have a dry eye after it.

Out Now On Blu-Ray and DVD (Buy)

The Guilty

Another gem from Sundance 2018 which also played this year’s BFI London Film Festival to some fantastic reviews. How did people miss this one? Mostly it received a very limited cinema release in the UK. Those fortunate to see Gustav Möller’s film witnessed an edgy pulsating tension-filled thriller that takes place in one place, a call centre. Jakob Cedergren plays Asger Holm who is attempting to rescue an abducted woman as his claustrophobic surroundings. Is all that it seems? Whatever Möller’s film did Hollywood is making an English language version with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Out 25th February 2019 | DVD | (Buy).

Upgrade | Review

We do love our crazy over the top action flicks with a sci-fi thriller twist. Logan Marshall-Green plays Gray Trace who is paralyzed attempting to protect his wife who was killed. Thanks to an A.I chip into to his brain, Gray seeks revenge! Directed by Leigh Whannell (Saw, Insidious), a fun low budget, high octane crazy ride!

Out on DVD | 7th January 2019 | (Buy)

First Reformed | Read Review

Ethan Hawke turns in a career-defining performance as a Priest who has a crisis of faith whilst attempting to help a young person who attempted suicide. What really excited those who caught this film, was Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver writer) has finally a film worth of sitting nicely next to his masterpiece. A film that Schrader fans have waited for a very long time, just a shame it played more indie and Arthouse cinemas than leading chain cinemas.

Out Now on Blu-Ray & DVD | (Buy)

Leave No Trace | Read Review

To Many critics, this was their favourite of 2018. Debra Granik‘s drama stars Ben Fosters as the widowed traumatized war veteran who has been living off the grid with his young daughter. One wrong move alerts the social services who set the pair up to live a ‘normal life’. Tom (Foster) continues to live off the grid. A human story of pain and how it affects other generations of a family. A story that highlights the plight of PTSD in soldiers and mental health in general.

Out now to own | (buy)

Annihilation | Review

2018 was a strange year for films, with many disappearing from the cinematic radar like Alex Garland‘s Annihilation. Here in the UK and Ireland Netflix launched the film and what a strange unique film, we love it! Natalie Portman leads a group of scientists into a strange world to not find more about the world but also her husband (Oscar Isaac). They feel trapped and constantly questioning themselves. It’s hard to truly describe the film apart from watch it yourselves. Yes, it will be confusing to many but terrifying at the same time as the women tread in unknown lands with no clue what’s ahead. Just sounds like life in general.

Watch Now on Netflix UK & Ireland

Sweet Country | Review

Warwick Thornton impressed with his directorial feature debut, Samson & Delilah. Nine Years own he impresses once again with Sweet country with a Neo-Western, film doesn’t hold back. The film highlights the cruelty and colonisation of its indigenous people. When an aboriginal man (Hamilton Morris) kills a white man in self-defence is forced to go on the run. The Australian outback never felt so harsh and unforgiving whilst feeling claustrophobic at the same time. A gripping film that opens your eyes to the dark side of Australian history. Brutally honest and it will pierce the heart with emotion.

Out now to own | (Buy)

Hearts Beat Aloud | Review

If there’s one feel-good film you want to watch especially the one about a father and daughter relationship, can’t go wrong with this one. Starring Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons we follow their relationship dynamic yo-yo but come together grow through the power of music. Fantastic chemistry between the two lead stars, emotive, endearing, deeply personal and an addictive catchy soundtrack. Shame very few people saw this one.

Part Two Coming Soon…