It is difficult for major blockbusters and artsy award-winners to not dominate the film conversation each year. So, with the major releases of the year, Infinity War, Black Panther, and recently Crazy Rich Asians taking up much of the movie news cycle, it’s understandable that a few hidden gems may have slipped through the cracks. Luckily, This guy’s got you covered. Here are three terrific recent releases that may have flown under your radar this year.

 

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Here’s a fun one. Leigh Whannell (co-creator of Saw) writes and directs this insanely slick sci-fi action-thriller. Don’t stop me right away, because this might sound like a pretty simple setup. Grey (Logan Marshall-Green), a humble mechanic’s wife is brutally killed during a seemingly random attack. And the only thing on his mind is vengeance. . . But first, he needs to be able to move, because he is paraplegic. Enter STEM, a highly advanced AI that finds a new home in Grey’s neck to help control his limbs, and incidentally turns him into an unstoppable ass-kicking machine. With STEM’s help, Grey is off to track down his wife’s killers and make them pay. This flick is packed with style, a great soundtrack, and just enough humour to help lighten from the absolutely brutal fight scenes and body-horror. It’s like something Cronenberg would’ve directed if he’d gotten his start in 20 years later.

 

Ghost Stories

For all you fright fans out there, here’s a great throwback for you. Andy Nyman writes, directs, and stars in this old-fashioned scare-fest, following the likes of Creepshow and Tales From The Darkside. Professor Goodman (Nyman) is a professional skeptic, tasked by his personal hero, an even greater skeptic, to investigate three cases that broke the old man’s cynicism. Goodman tracks down three people who’ve had these unexplained encounters, essentially giving us three short horror films. They range from classic haunted asylums, to creatures in the woods. And they are all creepy. As. Shit! Martin Freeman takes an outstanding turn in one of the tales, and is really the highlight of the film, at least for This Guy.

 

Sorry To Bother You

Now, it’s an absolute travesty that this flick isn’t killing it at the box office. That said, it’s also entirely understandable. Boots Riley’s directorial debut didn’t have a huge marketing campaign, and the trailers released made it seem like your run of the mill offbeat comedy. But of my god, it’s so much more! Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out) stars as Cash, a down on his luck telemarketer. In this strange mirror of our world, a huge corporation offers worry free living, free of bills, in return for a lifelong contract of labour. Cash finally finds his place with his company, and things begin to turn around. . . then upside down and inside out. Seriously, things get insane. And it’s fantastic! Sorry To Bother You is funny, surreal, and incredibly original. In a Summer where many of our recent releases have been sequels, that’s a hell of an accomplishment. Expect to see it as the “dark horse” on a number of Top 10 lists at the end of the year.