The Lobster (2016) 
Director:Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hr 59 min

I already wrote about this film in a previous issue, but I give “The Lobster” all of my praise. One of the only films this entire year that felt original. With a fresh, science fiction concept, and a fantastic, character driven script, “The Lobster” created a wonderful moviegoing experience that was much needed in the otherwise disappointing summer of 2016. The film is set in a world where being single is against the law, and those that are single are moved into a hotel where they have 40 days to find a new partner. Although it at first sounds like a badly written documentary, the catch is that after the 40 days are up, the people are turned into the animal of their choice and released into the wild. With captivating performances from Colin Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and many more, “The Lobster” is sure to be of interest to anyone tired of the same old superhero movie.

The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hr 32 min

Although this film was technically released in 2015 at Sundance, it saw a wide release in spring of 2016. Good horror movies are hard to find and “The Witch” is one of the best out there. Following a Puritan family in the 1600’s moving out to the middle of the woods, the world of “The Witch” is completely immersive. From using the puritan vernacular to authentic clothing, the atmosphere is perfect. The film gets under your skin from the very first scene with its’ eerie score and jolting editing. The film shines with wonderful performances among the whole family, led by Harvey Scrimshaw as Caleb. As the plot progresses the secret and sinful motivations of the whole family. The film is not just a horror, but also a character study and period piece of this puritan family in this treacherous situation.  I would strongly recommend this film to anyone who tires of bad horror movies filled with cheap jump scares.

Green Room (2015)
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Starring: Antonin Yelchin, Joe Cole
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hr 15 min

First, a warning, “Green Room” is not for the feint of heart, the “R” rating should not be taken lightly. This is one of the most brutal films I have ever seen, however, the violence seems to be a necessary evil to portray the gritty world this movie is set in. The film follows a down on their luck punk rock band on the east coast. Living gig to gig, the band has to take a show at what they find to be a skinhead compound in Oregon. Upon finding a body in the band’s’ dressing room after the show, the band is held hostage by the skinheads, led by Darcy Banker (played by Patrick Stewart).  The film is just electrifying. The main character and bassist in the band (played by the late Anton Yelchin), does a great in his frantic reactions, as the true horror of the film is found in putting yourself in the situation that the band is in, and Yelchin is the perfect man to connect to. The film is very gritty and violent, but it creates a wonderfully dark tone.

Photos from IMDb.