The most underrated films of 2023, according to film critics from the BBC (10 photos)

Movie advertising campaigns can be so gigantic that at times it begins to seem as if humanity is preparing to celebrate the most important event since the Big Bang. Take, for example, the biggest hits of 2023: “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” The whole world did nothing but discuss these two films, forgetting about everything. So how can you compete with such giants? It’s no wonder that many cool projects remained in the shadow of these blockbusters and most viewers simply did not notice them. But the excitement has died down and it's time to look back to catch up. BBC film critics Nicholas Barber and Caryn James have compiled the TOP 10 most underrated films of 2023 that definitely deserve attention. A good option for those who are a little tired of loud “Hollywood” blockbusters. The list includes works by both European and Eastern directors.

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A film by Lukas Dhont that is reminiscent of a coming-of-age novel. It tells the story of two 13-year-old boys whose close friendship seems strange to their new classmates, causing a rift in Remy and Leo's relationship. The support of Remy's mother becomes the only source of humility and reassurance, but, unfortunately, does not save him from tragedy.

Superhumanly sensitive to a teenager's pain, the film's director understands that it doesn't take overt bullying to make young people feel like they're being subjected to unbearable humiliation.

Saint Omer



Saint-Omer is a French drama film directed by Alice Diop, which is based on the true case of a Senegalese woman accused of murdering her 15-month-old child. In the story, a young writer observes a process that begins to play on her own doubts and fears. The film received the Special Jury Prize and the Luigi De Laurentiis Award at the Venice Film Festival. It's a heartbreaking drama about race and motherhood that was unfairly missed out on an Oscar, according to a BBC critic.

Sacred Spider Killer





Another film based on real events - the crimes of an Iranian who personally decided to rid the city of sex workers. According to the critic, this film by Ali Abbasi is in no way inferior in tension to The Silence of the Lambs (1991). In the story, journalist Rahimi (Zara Ebrahimi won the Cannes Film Festival nomination for Best Actress) is trying to unravel the case of a serial killer, whom many even consider a local hero. The critic notes that behind the sharp development of the plot lies an insightful examination of misogyny.

Worst



French drama film by Lisa Acoca and Roman Guere. The directors (former casting directors) talk about the behind the scenes of a fictional filming process, for which not actors were chosen, but children with not the best reputation and background.

The film has a self-effacing casualness, but is also a thoughtful look at the exploitation and voyeurism of real-life filming.

IA



Polish-Italian film by Jerzy Skolimski about the life of a circus donkey. After the circus closes, he is transferred to the stables, where his stage partner, Cassandra, visits him. Then episode follows episode, the animal discovers the human world, and we rediscover it.

What unites his picaresque adventures is a pain over man's inhumanity to man (and man's inhumanity to the donkey), as well as the strikingly psychedelic cinematography, editing and music.

Return to Seoul



Davy Chow's drama is about a young French woman of Korean descent who was adopted and now gives in to the impulse to find her family. Critics say the film's play on identity expectations and compelling twists make it anything but ordinary, and the original English title best sums up the problem: All the People I'll Never Be.

Infinity pool



Brandon Cronenberg's horror film is about how a writer (Alexander Skarsgård) and his wife (Mia Goth) go on vacation to an expensive resort, but one mistake leads to the execution of a criminal, which the main character becomes. Dark and toxic, but definableextremely talented, says the critic.

Decent society



Looking at the frame, you might think that the film is with typical Indian dances, but this is a comedy about martial arts! Nida Manzoor directed a film about a girl (Priya Kansara) from a traditional family who dreams of becoming a stuntwoman in films. All the elements of a comedy about the clash of cultures and mores, the critic believes, make up a “pleasant romp”, in which there is a place for sinister Disney smiles and Bollywood dances.

How to blow up a pipeline



An indie thriller about environmental activists who are willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to draw attention to the problem of environmental pollution. This motley crew decides to blow up the pipeline. According to critics, Daniel Goldhaber's film echoes some classic heist films, particularly Reservoir Dogs.

These criminals are not driven by greed. The details of their amateur bomb-making are amazingly specific, and because they deal with explosive chemicals, the heroes are always in danger of accidentally killing themselves.

Appearance



A creative comedy-drama film by Kelly Reichardt, starring Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams. Lizzie and Joe (Hong Chau, also an Oscar nominee) are rival artists preparing for their debut exhibition. The painting not only reveals the soul of a person as an artist, but also speaks of family and friendly relationships.

Williams creates another vibrant, richly developed character here, an ordinary woman with no wild dreams of fame who is simply devoted to art as a way of life.