2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out)

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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out)
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2022 was a tremendous year for cinema, with a number of movies drawing audiences to move theatres in their droves. Some were huge blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick or the latest Marvel hits, while others were indie darlings such as The Banshees of Inisherin or The Whale. A few even turned out to be breakout hits, like surprise smash Everything Everywhere All At Once. However, as always, a number of undiscovered gems from around the world managed to slip under the radar and didn’t seem to get the attention they deserved. Some just had bad luck, others fell foul of a busy release schedule. Nevertheless, as we close out the year, it’s only right that we shine a light on the unsung stories that are definitely worth seeking out – if you haven’t already done so!

By Victoria Luxford

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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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After Yang – What does it mean to truly live? That’s the question behind the critically adored movie about a father (Colin Farrell) who searches for a way to repair an android called Yang (Justin H. Min), which he purchased as a companion for his daughter (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja). Co-starring the always-excellent Jodie Turner-Smith, the concepts explored saw the film stick mainly to arthouse cinema, but the storytelling and performances make for one of the most human tales you’ll encounter all year – not to mention another great chapter in an excellent phase of Farrell’s career.

1/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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RRR – To say RRR is an ‘overlooked’ movie is of course ludicrous, given the Indian action epic had one of the biggest budgets of all time for the region and made upwards of USD 127,000,000 at the box office. However, those who are used to a diet of largely American cinema will be well advised to check out the story of two real-life Indian revolutionaries in the 1920s, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Rama Rao). Full of spectacular effects that are best sought out on the biggest screen possible, this is a movie that will no doubt retain a big fan base for a long time.

2/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Hit the Road – Child actors can be a difficult prospect on the big screen, as it is hard to find a youngster with experience in drawing out truly powerful emotions. However, this Iranian road movie sticks with you for weeks after, precisely because of the child star who holds the cast together. We follow an Iranian family on a ‘road trip’ to the Turkish border, unable to tell the youngest child (Rayan Sarlak) that the object of the trip is to smuggle his older brother (Amin Simiar) out of the country. Full of laughter, tears and cycling debates, this is the kind of film you’ll want to tell all your friends to see so you can share in the magic.

3/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Cyrano – This period piece follows a thoughtful military man (Peter Dinklage) who is convinced that his less-than-dashing looks will forever push his beloved Roxanne (Haley Bennett) away. The adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac was a hit on Broadway, but didn’t quite find the same audience when it was turned into a musical by Joe Wright (Atonement). Dinklage shines in this cinematic take on the story of a man too proud to express his love, while the gorgeous look of the film will sweep you off your feet.

4/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – Nicolas Cage playing a fictional version of Nicolas Cage getting swept up into a caper with Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) involving a crime boss? The madcap premise of this very meta comedy seemed like a surefire hit, but alas, all the internet fame of the Oscar winner didn’t translate into box office dollars. It’s a shame, because this self-aware buddy movie may be one of the better films Cage has made in years. It’s one to throw on late at night, to see if you and your movie-loving friends can spot all the references.

5/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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The Bob’s Burgers Movie – COVID-related delays meant that not many cinema-goers saw the big screen adventures of the Belcher family, led by Bob, whose dreams of running a successful restaurant are always hampered by some mishap or other. In this case, a massive sinkhole blocks their business at the busiest time of the year. The film’s flop was an especially big surprise, given that Bob’s Burgers has been an enduring animated TV hit for more than a decade. Essentially a long episode, the story more than covers the extended running time and manages to capture everything that makes the series special.

6/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Prey – A prequel with something to say is a rare beast. Prey is set centuries before Predator, focusing on a female lead (Amber Midthunder) who must protect her Native American tribe from an alien hunter. Fast-paced and satisfying, it’s everything you want from an action movie, but it also puts a fresh coat of paint on a worn-out franchise. The best reboots capture the spirit of the original, and the terrifying alien marksman has lost none of his menace. Don’t let its straight-to-streaming label fool you, this is a must-see.

7/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Fire of Love – Good documentaries tend to rely on an unusual story and compelling footage. Fire of Love has both in spades, as it chronicles the life and work of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, the French couple who would observe and document the behaviour of volcanoes around the world throughout the 1970s and ‘80s. Through extensive archival footage, we witness not only their pioneering work, but also the love that formed between them as they pursued their shared obsession. A story of living for your passions, anyone who is aware of their story will know that it can make for tough viewing at times, yet it is also a vital testament to dangerous work that continues to help save lives.

8/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Boiling Point – Stephen Graham will be familiar to millions from shows like Peaky Blinders and films such as The Irishman. However, he turns up the heat in this British drama filmed in one continuous take, as a restaurant prepares itself for the busiest night of the year. So often a supporting player, Graham rises to the challenge of a complicated starring role, supported by co-stars Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class) and Vinette Robinson (Sherlock). Anxiety-inducing and incredibly well acted, it’s no surprise that a spin-off series is on its way.

9/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Brian and Charles – Tucked away in the Welsh countryside is this quirky comedy from Ricky Gervais collaborator David Earl. Earl plays an inventor who, one day, out of loneliness, builds a robot named Charles from spare parts around his house. Odd but wildly entertaining, it’s the type of small, independent film that needs people who have seen it to spread the word about its endearing sentiment and sublime comedic performances. See it before Hollywood tries to produce an inferior remake!

10/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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The Northman – One of the great head-scratchers of 2022, The Northman is directed by Robert Eggers, who rose to fame with hits The Witch and The Lighthouse. The Northman, his first big-budget affair, boasted a large cast and strong reviews, but audiences still stayed away. It’s a real blow, as the film proves that big studio action can still be thoughtful and does not have to rely on a superhero franchise. With striking action and a sinister tone from stars Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicole Kidman, this warrior definitely deserves a second chance.

11/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Bros – For various reasons, the first gay romantic comedy made by a major studio didn’t find success when it was released in cinemas. However, the glorious thing about the streaming revolution is that there’s every opportunity to catch Billy Eichner’s witty take on love in modern times, as a neurotic activist (Eichner) is thrown into disarray when he falls for a real ‘bro’ (Hallmark romcom veteran Luke Macfarlane). A feel-good story no matter your background, the film is proof that progress in culture can be slow, but each step forward is always worth celebrating.

12/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Fresh – Slightly less feel-good but no less engaging is this horror comedy that skipped cinemas but has built a solid cult following in only a few months. Known to many as the heroic Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan offers a very different performance as a man who lets his new girlfriend (Daisy Edgar-Jones) take a peek at his very… unusual appetites. We can’t reveal much more because we’ll ruin the fun, but it’s safe to say this is not one for the squeamish! It is, however, a daring movie that will definitely satisfy those looking for something different to sink their teeth into.

13/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Three Thousand Years of Longing – If you only measure a film in terms of the money it makes, George Miller’s follow up to the seminal Mad Max: Fury Road was a disaster, coming up well short of predictions. However, this ambitious and wild fantasy is far from a creative failure. Idris Elba plays a Djinn (basically a genie) who is freed by a professor (Tilda Swinton) and who, when she meets his offer of three wishes with incredulity, recounts his life to her. Creative visuals, great performances and a concept that will immediately engage viewers all result in a film that thinks outside the box (or, in this case, the bottle!).

14/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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The Duke – The UK is famous for its history of eccentric characters, but this story surely has to be seen to be believed. Jim Broadbent stars in the true story of a pensioner who steals a famous work of art in order to highlight the plight of the elderly. Co-starring Dame Helen Mirren, this light, heartfelt comedy has a lot going for it, thanks to the energy that Broadbent and Mirren share on screen. If nothing else, it will make you wonder just how secure your local museum is!

15/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Official Competition – A film festival can be a pompous affair, and no one knows this more than acting royalty Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. They are magnificent alongside Oscar Martínez in this story of a maverick director (Cruz) who must get two beloved actors to work alongside each other for a new, daring festival project. A smart examination of ego and ambition, this Spanish production should raise some knowing smirks for those who are familiar with the eccentricities of red-carpet society. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like acting under a giant rock suspended above your head, this is the film to see!

16/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Hustle – Adam Sandler is mostly known for his funny business, which is perhaps why this sporting drama didn’t get the hype it arguably should have. His first serious role since cult hit Uncut Gems, Sandler plays a down-on-his-luck basketball scout with a relatable world-weariness, starring alongside Oscar winner Queen Latifah as his supportive partner. Beneath the hijinks, Sandler is one of the better dramatic actors working today, and anything he does in the genre is worth watching. Here, he shows his ability to portray the quintessential everyman – and have you rooting for him to succeed.

17/20
Culture
2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe – For those who don’t remember, Beavis and Butt-Head were two animated teenagers who used to skewer MTV music videos (think of them as pre-internet trolls!). The snickering ‘90s duo are back, and the sequel to 1996’s Beavis and Butt-Head Do America was a surprisingly effective affair, as the two are catapulted to modern-day America and offer their own withering take on everything from space explorations to smartphones. Crude and satirical, it shows that good comedy doesn’t have an expiry date, and that the cartoon favourites deserve a bigger stage than the film’s debut on a new streaming service allowed.

18/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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My Old School – Imagine this: a talented new student enters a school in Scotland, quickly becoming popular with his teachers and peers. Everything seems fine, until a huge scandal rocks the country: it emerges that the student is in fact in his 30s and has lied his way into the school system. The how and why of this documentary is fascinating, especially when combined with animated reconstructions and testimony from the students there. Surprisingly funny, it’s a unique look at a once-in-lifetime event, as well as a way we all reflect on our school days.

19/20
Culture
2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out).
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Ambulance – Michael Bay’s latest was seen by barely a fraction of the audience who usually turn up to his explosive fests, and that’s a shame, because it’s one of his most engaging films in years. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a former soldier who turns to his criminal adoptive brother (Jake Gyllenhaal) for help with a medical bill. The pair embark on a dangerous heist that results in them hijacking an ambulance driven by a tough paramedic (Eiza González). Reminiscent of Bay’s earlier classics, it’s loud and not exactly subtle, but thrilling from beginning to end.

20/20
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2022 Movies You Might’ve Missed (But Should Definitely Check Out)

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