Most Underrated Movie Releases 2021

The pandemic and lockdown forced the entertainment industry to adapt, and a lot of movies made in 2021 were for home-viewing, since the shutdowns of cinemas continued on until summer of this year (they’re open now for a lot of countries). Ironically, lockdown had everyone occupied with the mundane and the worrisome, so it’s easy to guess that many brilliant movies went under the radar for most people. Not to fret – we’ve compiled a list of some worthy movies that you may want to check out.

Before we get on with the films, if you’ve got some academic work to finish or polish up, we recommend that you try out essay editing on Studyfy. It’ll save you some time, and give you more time to relax and maybe watch a movie, plus the service is completely affordable.

Moving on, although the pandemic closed up our beloved cinemas, that has not stopped writers and producers from delivering great films that most definitely deserve your attention and perhaps your appreciation. The films listed above will certainly delight your cinematic palette, and perhaps one of them will even become your new favorite. So, bring out the popcorn.

1. Buffaloed (Available on Hulu)

Director Tanya Wexler’s Buffaloed is set in the second largest city in New York – Buffalo. The movie’s protagonist, Peggy Dahl is played by actress Zoey Deutch. Peggy stars as a debt collector for a sleazy company operating in a warehouse. Her boss goes by the name “The Wizz”. The story leads up to Peggy opening her own line of business, which in turn starts a debt collection war.

What makes this movie interesting is that debt collecting is actually a huge thing in Buffalo, NY, and most reviews hail Buffaloed as a successfully hilarious and empowering movie about a talented underdog making her dreams come true in a shady business.

It spins off the popular Wolf of Wall Street, but instead of Jordan Belfort you get Peggy Dahl, and you won’t be able to resist the heroine’s charms for too long.

2. Happily (Available on Netflix)

Happily features Tom and Janet, a married couple that have been together for 14 years but still maintain a great relationship (and their “friends” hate them for it). They have a healthy and active sex life, they barely ever argue, and they’re still so into each other. Their bliss; however, gets challenged by the appearance of a stranger.

Happily’s director, Ben Grabinski, aimed to create a hybrid movie, made up of different genres – a dark comedy turned thriller and horror. The movie is certainly in its own lane, and most definitely worth checking out. The pacing of the movie and the transition from hilarious to horrific, will definitely take you for a rollercoaster ride.

The movie is visually aesthetic and stylish, with a somewhat dreamy quality superimposed on the shots. If you’re looking to watch something a little bit different, this one should be on your bucket list.

3. Oxygen (Available on Netflix)

Feeling up for a sci-fi thriller and a mind-bender for a film? Anyone can appreciate a good thrill – even a more subtle one.

Oxygen is the story of Melanie, a woman who somehow wakes up inside a pod with no memory. Of course, the plot is set in the future, but we don’t exactly know the exact date at the beginning. The movie remains enigmatic, as we witness Melanie try to figure out who she is, and how she can get out of her pod, which unfortunately is almost out of oxygen. Hence the title.

Oxygen remains interesting until the end, and is a genuinely well-timed and crafted story. The fact that Melanie only has flashbacks of obscure memories to help her figure out her identity, and the fact that she only has a limited amount of time before her inevitable death, is what gives the movie the mysterious thrill it sets off. It will probably make you feel a bit claustrophobic as well.

4. In the Earth (Available on Amazon Prime)

For a low-budget production, In the Earth is magnificently haunting and brutal. If you’re a fan of horror movies, you won’t want to miss this twisted tale.

The film is set in a world where a devastating virus’ wrath reigns on the populace. A scientist and a park ranger decide to venture deep into the wilderness. Terror ensues as they progress deeper into the forest, as supernatural and human forces proceed to threaten them.

Essentially, In the Earth is a mixed genre film – a sci-fi horror meant to shock viewers. It is definitely not for the lighthearted, but is a brilliant and inspired film meant for the horror buffs. Some reviews have stated that the movie elicits nostalgic old-flick vibes, but that’s for you to judge.

5. Night of the Kings (Available on Hulu)

This one is a catch. French film Night of The Kings tells the story of Bakary, a young man sent to the forest of Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast. He is sent to a prison called La Maca for pickpocketing. Little does he know that La Maca is actually being run by the inmates themselves, and has a complete absence of prison guards. There is a hierarchy in the prison, with the King at the top, who has to take his own life if he falls too ill.

During the movie, this is exactly what happens to the current king “Blackbeard”, who then names Bakary the new “Roman”. A storyteller who serves the king. Bakary doesn’t know yet that his storytelling skills will determine his fate: life or death.

Night of the Kings, is essentially a brilliantly written story about storytelling. If the plot synopsis hasn’t caught your interest, then surely the reviews written by movie critics will – as most of them hail and praise the movie as an excellent film.