In a world brimming with cinematic gems, some movies manage to stand out not just for their storytelling, but for the unique emotions they evoke. Whether it’s the comforting embrace of a timeless romance, the dark humor of crime gone awry, or the poignant exploration of human relationships, these films capture our imagination and keep us coming back for more. These are my top picks for hidden gems currently on OTT platforms.
1. Moonstruck (Prime Video)
Directed By- Norman Jewison
Written By- John Patrick Shanley
Starring- Cher, Nicholas Cage. Danny Aiello, Olympia Dukakis, and John Mahoney
Moonstruck is a romantic-comedy film about an Italian American woman who is down on her luck. After her first husband’s death, she think she’s cursed but accepts to settle down with Johnny Cammareri only if they follow tradition properly. While Johnny leaves to tend to his dying mother in Italy, the woman forms an intense romantic connection with Johnny’s estranged brother Ronny. There is something very lovely and comforting about Moonstruck. I keep revisiting the movie again and again for its simplicity and charm.
2. In Bruges (JioCinema)
Directed By- Martin McDonagh
Written By- Martin McDonagh
Starring- Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell
In Bruges is a black comedy. It follows two hitmen, Ray and his mentor Ken who are sent by their employer to stay in Bruges after Ray accidentally kills a young boy while murdering a priest. In the middle of their stay, Ken gets a call by their mentor to murder Ray as he finds killing an unforgiveable crime. The rest of the movie follows Ken’s heartbreak over seeing his friend spiral due to his regret and with his inability to kill him.
3. Snatch (Netflix)
Directed By- Guy Ritchie
Written By- Guy Ritchie
Starring- Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, Stephen Graham, Brad Pitt, and Jason Statham
Snatch is a black comedy by Guy Ritchie. The movie features an ensemble cast and is set in the London criminal underworld. The plot contains several intertwined plots. One plot deals with two boxing promoters who get embroiled with a ruthless gangster and another plot deals with the search for a stolen gem. Snatch is a proper guys movie I have ever seen. It is very funny though especially because Brad Pitt stars in it as an Irish traveler with a thick accent. Totally worth a watch.
4. Banshees of Inisherin (Disney+ Hotstar)
Directed By- Martin McDonagh
Written By- Martin McDonagh
Starring- Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan
The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 Irish tragicomedy written, directed, and produced by Martin McDonagh. Set in the 1920s on a remote fictitious island, the film follows two lifelong friends who find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship. The movie was nominated for several Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. If you are looking for something truly unique and different, then this is the movie to watch. From McDonagh’s script to the acting everything is perfect.
5. Dream Scenario (Prime Video)
Directed By- Kristoffer Borgli
Written By- Kristoffer Borfli
Starring- Nicholas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, and Dylan Baker
Dream Scenario is a black comedy that tells the story of a mild-mannered well-meaning man who starts to appear in the dreams of people around the world. Dream Scenario is an inventive, cringy, and wonderfully twisted film that makes you feel unclean as you watch it. Nicholas Cage gives an excellent performance and truly makes you feel sorry for the protagonist.
