10 Best Hidden Gem Movies Of 2019
Bigger movies may have cast a shadow on some of these incredible hidden gems from 2019.
When it comes to major movie releases these days, you can count on companies like Disney to drop films that take the majority of the public's attention and money. While most people are flocking to theaters to see a new MCU or James Bond flick, studios continue to release smaller, independent projects, which are often as good or better than their big-budget competition.
Because of all the hype that's directed to other movies, most people never see some of the best releases of the year, and it's not until award season that a ton of films receive the recognition they deserve.
2019 was a great year for movies, and believe it or not, there were dozens of brilliantly directed, perfectly acted, and wonderfully written stories most people never saw. That's unfortunate considering the artistry and effort that goes into making a movie, but Hollywood has become incredibly commercialized over the years, leaving the so-called "arthouse" movie market in the shadow of bigger projects.
These comparatively overlooked gems from 2019 deserve way more attention...
10. Don't Come Back From The Moon
Don't Come Back from the Moon was actually made back in 2017 when it was first premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, but it took until January 2019 for the film to receive a theatrical release. The movie stars James Franco and Rashida Jones in an adaptation of Dean Bakopoulos' 2005 novel of the same name.
The story centers around a sixteen-year-old named Mickey Smalley (Jeffrey Wahlberg), who lives with his mother Eva (Jones) and little brother. After Roman, played by James Franco as Mickey's father, leaves town without a trace, he becomes yet another in a long line of men to disappear.
The film deals with elements of loss and despair, and it's as difficult to watch as the title, and that description implies. Despite this, it's one of the best movies of the year, which is clear from its 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Unfortunately, like many movies on this list, the film went largely unnoticed when it was released. Don't Come Back from the Moon was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the LA Film Festival, the Festival Prize at the Southampton International Film Festival, two awards at the Woodstock Film Festival, and a Young Artists Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Teen Actress.