4 Obscure Films Worth a Watch

With the vast splintering of the modern digital streaming world into a plethora of platforms and services, even obscure films can be found in the recesses of your Netflixes or Prime Videos. Some are hidden gems, and others are hidden for a reason. So despite relatively easy access to them, obscure watches tend to remain buried beneath the blockbusters and the classics. It’s always good to bring some attention to films that haven’t been lionised to nearly the extent they warrant, and if just one person reading this were to watch the films that I’ve listed here, I’d consider it a win because that’s one more viewer of a film greatly deserving of it. I’m not expecting any cult resurgences, but a few more pairs of eyes would certainly be welcomed, should you come across them.

Stations of the Cross (Dietrich Brüggemann, 2014)

This 2014 German film is composed of only fourteen scenes. Fourteen stationary long takes reminiscent of Jesus’ path to Golgotha make for a bleak watch to say the least. Rife with religious allusions and imagery, the film follows teenage Maria on her treacherous journey of faith in a world full of temptation and distraction. What really sets this film apart is the character simply called ‘Mutter’. I don’t exaggerate when I say she may be the most evil, most horrid antagonist I’ve ever seen in film. I cannot emphasize enough just how hateful and despicable a character she is. Pair a controlling mother with a vulnerable fourteen year old, and you get a really horrifying film.

Buddies (Arthur J. Bressan, Jr., 1985)

Arguably one of the only films ever to take a real holistic, truthful approach to AIDS, Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. crafted a truly impassioned film that follows David, a gay man who volunteers for a ‘buddy scheme’ which places him with Robert, another gay man dying from AIDS. The friendship that arises is genuine and heartfelt, and rather than deal with the physical symptoms or complications of the disease, Bressan instead takes a lens to the psychological fallout and bonding between the central characters. There was only one way the film was ever going to end, yet that foreknowledge never detracted from its powerful emotional core. In fact, it probably amplified it.

Timecode (Mike Figgis, 2000)

Featuring actors that are now known as being prominent Hollywood figures such as Salma Hayek, Kyle MacLachlan and Stellan Skarsgård, this wacky production features FOUR simultaneous one-takes. The entire film was shot on four cameras with no cutting whatsoever, and includes various different locations and characters. Despite its outlandish technical feat, the film still manages to feel like a film; imbued with humour, and carried by an engaging plot and great characters.

Pink Wall (Tom Cullen, 2019)

Tom Cullen’s feature debut, which premiered at LFF 2019, came in the form of a romance starring his real-life partner and Emmy winning actress Tatiana Maslany opposite Jay Duplass. Its non-linearity keeps you guessing as to the state of the turbulent relationship which is beautifully portrayed by the lead actors. It’s a fairly standard romance on the surface, but the passion and verisimilitude that is deeply infused in the seams of the production sets it apart in a way comparable to Comet, another fairly obscure romance, directed by Sam Esmail.

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