December 20, 2023
2023 Roundup: Ten Films that Fell Under the Critical Radar
Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 12 MIN.
'Moving On'
Since returning to the big screen after her long-ass retirement (1991 – 2005), Jane Fonda, who will turn 86 on December 21, has gifted us some great performances in recent years. None, though, have been recognized by the Academy. For the record, Fonda won Oscars for "Klute" (1971) and "Coming Home" (1978), and received five other nominations, but the last came for "The Morning After," in 1986, nearly 40 years ago. She came close to her eighth in 2015 with her killer scene-stealing gig in Paolo Sorrentino's "Youth," for which she was Golden Globe nommed, but did not make the final five with the Academy. But 2023 was a big year for Fonda as she co-starred in four films (one animated) in the first half of the year. One stood out: Paul Weitz's "Moving On," a darkly comic look at sexual assault and how trauma can affect an entire life, Fonda grounds her performance with shattering authenticity, and her partner-in-comedy, Lily Tomlin delivers a sly turn as a woman in more pain than she's willing to admit.
Sadly, no one saw "Moving On." And, of course, critics didn't take it seriously because it dared to genre-blend and star two older female actors. Treat yourself. These two will not let you down.
"Moving On" can be rented on most streaming services including Hulu, Prime and Apple TV.
'The Killer'
David Fincher should have at least two directing Oscars ("Mank" and "The Social Network.") Alas, he has none. His new film, "The Killer" is a meticulous, hypnotic study of a hired assassin who must rethink his entire world when a hit goes wrong, and he becomes the target. Michael Fassbender, another artist who should also have two Oscars (for "Shame" – not even nominated – and "12 Years a Slave") gives a restrained, yet potent, portrait of a man who must suddenly protect what he loves. Add a stunning turn by Tilda Swinton, and you have a film that should be in the awards conversation.
"The Killer" is currently streaming on Netflix.
'Eileen'
Bored Thomasin McKenzie works in a corrections facility, but when a glam psychologist (Anne Hathaway) joins the staff, she becomes bewitched and bothered. That is, until things take a hair-raising turn. I'm not surprised that William Oldroyd's deliriously intoxicating '60s-set film "Eileen" isn't appearing on many lists, since it's divisive stuff. But I am surprised that Hathaway's sexy and arresting turn isn't being given its due. "Eileen" is another essential queer-themed film.
"Eileen" is currently in theaters.
'The Miracle Club'
Thaddeus O'Sullivan's compelling look at trauma, "The Miracle Club" stars Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, and Dame Maggie Smith (formidable actors worthy of being three faces on a cinematic Mount Rushmore), all doing fine work.
The film focuses on a group of deeply damaged Irish women seeking forgiveness and redemption. Set in a tough Dublin community in 1967, three multi-generational friends, Lily (Smith), Eileen (Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O'Casey) gather for the funeral of one of their own and dream of going to Lourdes. Enter an Americanized-Irish woman (Linney), 40 years after being banished from the land. Old wounds are gashed open in this gem.
Again, older female actors and a genre-blend never tantalize the critical community, but I found it quite moving.
"The Miracle Club" is available to rent on Prime and Apple TV.
'Simón'
One of a few controversies this year in the International Feature Oscar submissions concerned alleged rule violations in Venezuela's selection process. Two worthy films vied to be chosen: Miguel Ángel Ferrer's queer-themed "The Shadow of the Sun," and Diego Vicentini's "Simón." One film dared to expose the horrific treatment of young students who had the audacity of protesting the totalitarian government. Guess which one was entered into the Oscar race?
The unrecognized "Simón" centers on the titular character (an extraordinary Christian McGaggney) who is applying for political asylum in the U.S. after fleeing Venezuela, where he and a fellow student were imprisoned and tortured. The non-linear narrative fills in the details of the cruelty inflicted and his journey towards some kind of absolution.
First time feature writer-director-editor Vicentini proves to be an impressive visual storyteller.
You may have to work a bit to seek this one out, but it deserves attention.
Where to watch: https://www.simonmovie.com
And Five unsung performances in films not on the above list:
Jacqueline Bisset in "Loren and Rose"
Eve Hewson in "Flora and Son"
Josh O'Connor in "La Chimera"
Claire Foy & Jamie Bell in "All of Us Strangers"
Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute
