As 2023 draws to a close, our monthly showcase of hidden gems on your streaming subscription services brings to you a handful of worthwhile releases from this year that may have flown under your radar. From character-driven dramas to dark comedies, smart documentaries to sunny and disturbing romantic comedies, these films represent a diverse array of genres and themes for every viewer.
‘A Thousand and One’ – Stream it on Amazon Prime Video
A.V. Rockwell’s wrenching character drama set in New York City circa 1994 captures the look and feel of Gotham indies of that era. While following the story of a young woman trying to go straight after a stint at Rikers Island and raise her son, Rockwell seamlessly weaves in relevant reminders of the city’s history, addressing issues of “quality of life” policing and gentrification. Teyana Taylor’s powerful performance as the mother, along with the revelations of the closing scenes, make this a must-watch.
‘I Finally Found You’ – Stream it on Netflix
Raine Allen-Miller’s debut feature is a zippily paced, endlessly satisfying romantic comedy that follows Dom and Yas, who meet-cute in an art gallery bathroom. A venerable setup rendered with vibrancy and inventiveness, this film is full of witty, quotable dialogue and outstanding chemistry between the lead actors.
‘Rotting in the Sun’ – Stream it on Mubi
Sebastián Silva’s pitch-black comedy follows the story of a depressed and suicidal version of himself who meets a charismatic but insufferable American influencer, leading to psychologically bruising and uncomfortably funny situations. It poses thought-provoking questions about guilt, privilege, and the omnipresence of social media, offering a unique perspective on L.G.B.T.Q. stories.
‘Vampire in Hiding’ – Stream it on Hulu
Pablo Larraín’s stylized hybrid of dark comedy, social commentary, and gore-heavy horror presents the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a literal vampire who faked his own death and went into hiding in the country. A razor-sharp script and black-and-white cinematography elevate this unconventional riff on the biopic to a whole new level.
‘Sanctuary’ – Stream it on HBO Max
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott both make brief but impactful appearances in “Poor Things,” a highly dramatic and unabashedly erotic film that explores tricky psychosexual exchanges and shifting power plays.
‘Sharksploitation’ – Stream it on Shudder
Stephen Scarlata’s giddily entertaining documentary tracks the evolution of exploitation movies prompted by the success of “Jaws”. It explores the history of sharks in fiction and their effects on the public perception of these much-maligned animals.
‘De Humani Corporis Fabrica’ – Stream it on Mubi
Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor’s latest film combines a distinct nonfiction film style with a more experimental approach, offering a fascinating look at the interiors of the human body during medical procedures.
From thought-provoking dramas to uproarious comedies, this year’s under-the-radar film releases have something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a tearjerker or a laugh-out-loud romp, these hidden gems are definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
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