‘Sharp Corner’ (2025)
Stream it on Hulu.
This year, brace yourself for a psychologically intense and genuinely unsettling character study. ‘Sharp Corner’ begins innocently enough as Josh (Ben Foster), a middle manager, and his wife, Rachel (Cobie Smulders), move with their young son to an idyllic suburban home. However, their new peace is shattered on their very first night by a horrific car accident in their front yard, caused by a notoriously dangerous curve. This incident quickly consumes Josh, leading to a methodical descent into obsession that unearths deeper issues within his marriage and his entire existence. Ben Foster and Cobie Smulders deliver exceptional performances, portraying a man unraveling and the woman watching helplessly. The film’s concluding moments possess a disturbing, unpredictable energy that will linger long after the credits roll.
‘Last Breath’ (2025)
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
This gripping survival thriller is based on a harrowing true story from 2012, where a young diver, part of a three-person oil-pipe repair team, found himself stranded deep underwater, cut off from oxygen and communication. Director Alex Parkinson, who previously helmed a 2019 documentary on the same events, brings a journalistic precision to the narrative. He skillfully avoids manufactured drama, focusing instead on the escalating desperation of the three men. The film needs nothing more, especially with Woody Harrelson’s powerful and often heartbreaking portrayal, conveyed primarily through his facial expressions and voice.
‘The Legend of Ochi’ (2025)
Stream it on HBO Max.
Willem Dafoe continues his prolific run with indie studio A24 in this enchanting family adventure. In the mysterious woods near Carpathia, Ochi are revered and feared creatures, hunted by locals led by Maxim (Dafoe). His daughter, Helena Zengel, inevitably discovers and befriends an Ochi in secret. Writer and director Isaiah Saxon crafts a loving homage to the tactile family films of the 1980s, evoking the spirit of classics like ‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘E.T.,’ all while maintaining a charmingly unique style and tone.
‘American Made’ (2017)
Stream it on Peacock.
Throughout the 1980s, Tom Cruise became the epitome of the all-American hero, consistently portraying the best at everything he did—be it a fighter pilot, pool player, or racecar driver. Yet, many of his recent roles challenge this image, exploring characters who can no longer rely on charm and a dazzling smile. This surprisingly underseen film stands out as one of his best in this vein, recounting the true story of Barry Seal (Cruise), an airline pilot who leveraged his skills to run drugs in the 1980s. Cruise masterfully balances Seal’s desperation and bravado, while director Doug Liman infuses the material with a perfect blend of sly humor and unpredictable fun.
‘Hostiles’ (2017)
Stream it on Netflix.
With the upcoming biopic ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ poised for awards season success, director Scott Cooper continues to impress. Known for films like ‘Crazy Heart’ and ‘Out of the Furnace,’ Cooper demonstrates his versatility with ‘Hostiles,’ a thoughtful exploration of the American West’s myths and contradictions. Christian Bale delivers a superb performance as a soldier with a brutal reputation towards Indigenous people, tasked with a final mission: escorting an ailing Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi), back to his ancestral lands. Studi is as dependable as ever, imbuing his role with dignity and soul without resorting to clichés. Rosamund Pike adds a compelling dynamic as an unexpected traveling companion, while Timothée Chalamet, Rory Cochrane, and Jesse Plemons shine in their well-crafted supporting roles.
‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’ (2017)
Stream it on Hulu.
When Bruce Willis stepped away from acting in 2022 due to aphasia, fans were deeply saddened. This sorrow was compounded by many of his later on-screen appearances being in low-quality, straight-to-VOD action movies, where his declining health was increasingly apparent. However, this mystery comedy stands far above his more recent work. In this wonderfully shaggy film, Willis truly stars as a Venice private eye trying to manage a series of increasingly complicated cases, all while barely surviving and accumulating significant debt. His role offers a nostalgic nod to his breakthrough as detective David Addison in ‘Moonlighting,’ and his longtime friend John Goodman makes a delightful sidekick. While an undisciplined picture, its unpolished charm is part of its appeal, and it’s a genuine pleasure to witness Willis so relaxed and charismatic, reminding us of his incredible talent.
‘Strange Weather’ (2016)
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
Holly Hunter has predominantly appeared in supporting roles and television in recent years, making it easy to overlook her captivating power as a leading lady. This understated yet potent indie drama serves as a powerful reminder. As Darcy, a tough woman whose son tragically took his own life, Hunter crafts an astonishingly intimate portrayal of enduring grief. She plays a character who not only refuses to ‘get over it’ but sees no reason to. Darcy finally finds an outlet for her lingering pain when she discovers her son’s restaurant idea was stolen by his best friend. She then embarks on a journey (accompanied by the equally excellent Carrie Coon) to confront him. It’s precisely the kind of character Hunter has always excelled at playing: intelligent, tenacious, and deeply soulful.