Of course, all of those assets have sizable fan bases across the globe, and their marketing efforts have propelled them to the top of the creative field. But as fans of a variety of things, we also appreciated certain lesser-known movies and television shows. Here are a few TV shows, movies, and documentaries that we really liked in 2022, in honour of our enthusiasm for truly “underrated” goods.
Confess, Fletch
Admit it: Fletch is one of the most bizarre Hollywood stories of 2022. The comedy-mystery, a reboot of a well-known IP, starring a well-known leading actor in Jon Hamm in a part that plays to his talents as a performer. What more might a studio require? Consider the fact that it’s also quite good.
However, before a pathetically constrained release, it received hardly any advertisement for some strange reason. It’s the kind of little adult film that people frequently lament never being produced again, but rather than recognising this hidden gem, Paramount all but buried it. Even among those who were aware of its existence, few got the chance to watch it in a theatre.
What caused all of this to occur? I’m not sure. But I have faith that this movie will someday attract the audience that it truly deserves. When that happens, perhaps we’ll then receive the five sequels we’re due.
Outer Range
Outer Range seems to be the ideal choice for anyone who enjoys Yellowstone and wants to add some sci-fi to the mix. Josh Brolin and the rest of the ensemble worked flawlessly as a team to centre the drama on a small community with significant secrets. After a murder in the town causes a dispute between two rancher families, strange things happen, including the appearance of a huge bottomless pit and an enigmatic hiker.
Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror
Queer for Fear, a docuseries from Shudder, is one thing you definitely should watch if you haven’t already. This series is a must-read for anyone who like horror, history, or is queer. You’ll not only discover a lot about the origins of horror and the integral role queerness plays in it, but you’ll also laugh out loud and possibly cry a few times as well. You shouldn’t miss a documentary that can make you feel all of that. You won’t regret turning on this terrifyingly enjoyable journey through queer horror (which is really just a journey through horror, period).
SLASH/BACK
It can be simple to overlook a truly independent gem like SLASH/BACK in a world full of Hollywood horror and superhero-stacked blockbusters (both of which I adore dearly). However, you may currently watch Nyla Innuksuk’s fantastic debut sci-fi horror courtesy to Shudder. A group of teenage Indigenous ladies in the remote arctic community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, spend their days lamenting the absence of cool boys and attempting to fill their free time. However, they quickly come to the realisation that they are the only thing standing between their home and a terrifying alien invasion as they witness a polar bear undergoing a horrifying change. This micro-budget wonder combines Attack the Block and The Thing, and it is directed by a delightful group of rookies who give it an incredibly uncommon sense of authenticity.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek discreetly reverted to its origins with Strange New Worlds in a year where Star Wars, House of the Dragon, and Stranger Things received all the limelight. This was a return to the optimism, adventure, and vibrant colour scheme of the 1960s, not an edgier look at the future like earlier modern Trek episodes like Picard or Discovery. Unlike the elaborately serialised series discussed above, SNW produced classic “one-and-done” tales based on the original spaceship Enterprise. stories that didn’t merely pay tribute to the past, but nevertheless managed to feel current and relevant. While SNW may not have garnered the majority of media attention, it was unquestionably one of the best genre series of 2022 thanks to its strong cast and outstanding special effects.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
In the film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which also stars Pedro Pascal and Tiffany Haddish, Nicolas Cage portrays ageing actor Nick Cage. Although it did poorly at the box office, it is utterly wonderful. It’s one of those genre-defying movies that is tough to sell, despite having well-known actors and fantastic performances. What sort of movie is it then? There is no easy solution, thus I advise against posing the query in the first place. Enjoy the trifecta of My Dinner with Andre, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Mission: Impossible. It shares several similarities with Cage’s previous meta film, Adaptation, such as an escalating speed and a possible double of himself. Everybody can find something to enjoy.
It also provides answers to certain crucial queries. Can an action movie with characters still have its soul? Adult male friendships are possible? Cage’s opinion of pillows bearing his face is unknown. The return of Nic Cage is wonderful. He didn’t travel anywhere, though. Pascal’s face is wonderful to see as well. Even though I love The Mandalorian, it’s nice to watch his subtle facial reactions. a broad, giggling smile. We’re crossing our fingers that he’ll play Pedro Paskal in the sequel.
Tuca & Bertie (Season 3)
The same as previous year, Tuca & Bertie was my favourite media work that nobody else seemed to talk about. Thanks to David Zaslav, the show returned for its third and sadly final season and Lisa Hanawalt and company once again created a masterpiece of surrealist comedy with all the laughs, emotion, and imaginative beauty we have come to expect from what I consider to be the best adult animated series of all time. Tuca & Bertie was a unique series that deserved so much more. It explored themes connected to all aspects of maturity, including the difficulties of working life, the complexity of relationships, and both mental and physical health. Do yourself a favour this holiday season and visit Birdtown if you haven’t already. You’ll be reluctant to leave.
Ultraman Decker
This year’s instalment, Ultraman Decker, more than makes up for the Ultraman series’ somewhat underwhelming performance in 2021 with Ultraman Trigger. The banter and friendship among the characters have been made the main attraction by putting considerably more emphasis on them than on Trigger’s outrageously convoluted story. The way an Ultraman show always turned out. But with Decker, the bigger story points start to really take off. Given that the show is so outstanding, Trigger’s appearances on it have improved it in the past. Amazing!
Undone (Season 2)
After a three-year break, Undone season two debuted on Prime Video, providing the previous season’s many unanswered questions. (Skip the aforementioned trailer and watch the first season instead if you haven’t!) Alma, a woman who appears to be trapped in a time loop as a result of a catastrophic vehicle accident, was introduced to us in the first season. But as time passes, she notices a weird phenomenon and learns additional details regarding her father’s passing.
The adult animated series created a surreal foundation by fusing together time travel and fantasy wrapped in a plot that is about self-discovery, healing, and family. Thanks to rotoscoping, the show feels dramatically different from other shows in its subgenre. A generational trauma, family secrets, and what happens when our aspirations come true but life isn’t perfect are all interwoven into season two’s expansion of that story. You’ll want to watch the entire series in one sitting since Undone is full of suspense, humour, tragedy, and hope.
