10 Underrated Films From The Last 5 Years That Flew Way Under The Radar

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 88%

Box Office: $19.5 million

Before Adam McKay and Charles Randolph wrote their Oscar winning adapted screenplay for 2015’s The Big Short, an independent filmmaker named J. C. Chandor released his own re-telling of the 2008 global crash. Following the employees of a large investment bank during the 36 hours leading up to the crisis, Margin Call features a highly talented ensemble cast that all chip in with performances that really shouldn’t have been ignored.

Kevin Spacey is as reliable as ever as Head of Sales and Trading Sam Rogers, Jeremy Ions proves once again that he can be as terrifying as he can be entertaining, and Zachery Quinto is the closest thing to a hero in a story that, in truth, has none. Chandor’s approach to the subject is what makes Margin Call such an intriguing thriller, refusing to demonise nor sympathise with the bankers at the centre of the storm that swept through Wall Street, instead humanising them in a way that feels authentic, informative and truly honest.

While the writer/director was ignored by the Academy, the industry’s top critics were full of praise for a filmmaker whose debut effort was as bold as any in recent memory, tackling a difficult, and (at the time) still very much raw subject head on. Chandor manages to turn financial jargon into compelling dialogue and has the rare ability of being able to imply a lot more than we actually see using subtle whispers and glances.

What other movies from the past five years have been completely ignored? Share any more down in the comments.