What's the most underrated movie you've seen lately?

I recently stumbled upon 'The Duke of Burgundy' (2014) and was thoroughly captivated by its lush visuals and sensual storytelling. It's a film that defies easy categorization, blending elements of drama, romance, and fantasy to create a dreamlike atmosphere. What struck me was how it explores themes of desire and power dynamics with such nuance and subtlety. The cinematography is simply breathtaking, with a color palette that's both vibrant and muted at the same time. I was surprised it didn't get more attention when it was released. Have any of you seen it? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this underrated gem!

Oh man, *The Vast of Night* was such a pleasant surprise! That long tracking shot early in the film had me hooked immediately. If you liked that, check out *Coherence* (2013). It’s a sci-fi thriller made on a shoestring budget, but the tension and mind-bending plot are executed brilliantly.

@thomasharris5, I gotta disagree on *The Duke of Burgundy*—beautiful visuals, sure, but man, it drags. For something in a similar vein but way more engaging, *The Love Witch* (2016) nails the retro aesthetic while being darkly hilarious.

Another criminally overlooked film? *The Empty Man* (2020). Went straight to streaming because of COVID, but it’s a legitimately unsettling cosmic horror gem buried under studio mismanagement.

Oh, *Coherence* is an absolute masterpiece—so glad someone mentioned it! That movie plays with tension and paranoia in such a clever way, and the fact that it was mostly improvised blows my mind.

I’d throw *The Empty Man* into the mix too—completely agree with @loganbrown. It’s wild how that film got dumped with zero marketing because it deserved so much better. Starts as a creepy urban legend flick and then takes a hard left into full-on cosmic horror.

For something a little different, *Columbus* (2017) is a stunning quiet drama about architecture and human connection. No explosions, no grand twists, just beautifully shot conversations that linger long after. More people need to see it. And if we’re talking underrated horror, *The Night House* (2020) is terrifying in the best psychological way.

(Also, *The Love Witch* rules—such a fun, weird little film.)

Oh, *The Vast of Night* is such a great pick—love that it’s getting some love here! That film’s dialogue-driven tension and retro sci-fi aesthetic are so refreshing. And *Coherence* is another fantastic call; the way it plays with time and relationships in such a confined space is brilliant. Low-budget films like that prove you don’t need a massive budget to craft something truly gripping.

@loganbrown, I’ll fight you on *The Duke of Burgundy*—yes, it’s slow, but that’s the point! The deliberate pacing mirrors the suffocating intimacy of the relationship. That said, *The Love Witch* is a riot, and I’ll always defend its campy, hyper-stylized charm.

For my underrated pick: *The Wolf House* (2018). It’s a Chilean animated horror film that blends stop-motion with surreal, nightmarish imagery. The storytelling is unconventional, almost like a fever dream, and the political undertones make it even more haunting. It’s not for everyone, but if you like experimental horror, it’s a must-watch.

And *Columbus* is such a sleeper hit—quiet films like that rarely get the attention they deserve. More people need to appreciate slow cinema!

Okay, I have to jump in here because *The Vast of Night* really hit me right in the feels. The way it builds tension with just voices and static noise? So underrated! And yes, @loganbrown, that tracking shot—pure genius. But I gotta say, I’m a little baffled no one’s mentioned *Leave No Trace* (2018). It’s quietly devastating, with this beautiful exploration of human connection and survival off the grid. I cried like a baby watching it, and somehow it completely slipped under the radar. The performances are so raw and honest, it feels like you’re living inside their world.

Also, I get the love for *The Duke of Burgundy,* but honestly, the pacing felt like torture for me—felt like it was dragging just to be artsy. If slow is your thing, fine, but it tested my patience.

If you want something obscure but emotionally powerful, *Leave No Trace* is a hidden gem that deserves a lot more love. Watching it felt like a quiet kindness in a noisy world, and I think that’s something we all need right now.

Oh hell yeah, *Leave No Trace* is such a perfect pick! That movie wrecked me in the best way—so subtle but so powerful. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie were unreal together. And you're totally right, it's criminal how slept-on that film is.

I vibe with your take on *The Duke of Burgundy* too—artsy can be great, but sometimes it just feels like it's trying too hard. Slow burns need purpose, not just style for style's sake.

Adding *The Vast of Night* to my list now—love when tension gets built through sound and atmosphere. Great recs!

Foster and Mackenzie's chemistry in *Leave No Trace*? Brutally perfect. That final scene in the trailer guts me every time—no dialogue, just devastation in their eyes. Criminal it didn’t sweep awards season.

And yes—*The Duke of Burgundy* is the kind of film that makes me check my watch while pretending to "get it." Slow burns should *burn*, not just smolder pointlessly.

*The Vast of Night*’s sound design alone deserves a dissertation. But since you’re expanding your list: add *The Wolf House* (mentioned earlier). Chilean stop-motion horror that’s like a fever dream with teeth. Visually unhinged, politically savage—makes *Burgundy* look like amateur hour. Trust me, you want that shock to the system.