THE ARTISTIC FILMS OF 2019 THAT FLEW UNDER THE RADAR

The year 2019 was an excellent year for films; as we were graced with many outstanding pieces of art from the likes of Parasite and Marriage Story, which took the world by storm and went home with a truckload of awards. However, some of the equally ingenious films of that year generally flew under the radar for most. Here we’ll be taking a look at some of those movies (in no particular order).

The Lighthouse

This film follows two lighthouse keepers as they try to maintain their sanity whilst living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

The Lighthouse has ought to be one of the most unsettling, disturbing, and just purely mesmerizing movies I’ve seen yet! The visceral, disgusting, and irrefutably maddening theatrics of it is what makes this film so captivating.

The retro/grainy cinematography you notice in the beginning will turn into one of the things you appreciate most about the film. However, what carries the movie and just makes it work are the chilling performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, both of whom revel in each other’s company.

This film is not recommended for viewers under the age of 16, according to most certifications.

Uncut Gems

This film follows a charismatic New York City jeweler who’s always on the lookout for the next big score as he makes a series of high-stake bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his unyielding pursuit of the ultimate win.

Gripping, from start to finish, this movie does what very few can and keeps you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails. Uncut Gems is stressful, hectic and anxiety-provoking. But, that doesn't take away from the fact that it’s a drama that is downright fascinating.

Now, what may turn you away from this movie is seeing Adam Sandler’s face on the poster, but after this film, I can proudly say that, given the right material, “Adam Sandler is a great actor.”

The Farewell

This is a heartbreaking story of a Chinese family that discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live, due to her being diagnosed with cancer. However, they decide to keep her in the dark about her illness, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies.

From the visuals to the performances, The Farewell is just purely beautiful. The dialogue, whilst mostly in mandarin which means you’ll be reading subtitles, coupled with the stunning scenery is very insightful into the Chinese culture. The film tackles big themes but also manages to feel gentle and contained.

This is a humane, heartfelt, and just a treasure of a movie.