Under the radar can mean different things to different people. I certainly don’t want to presume that I know about more movies than you. I don’t know you! But I’m around enough to see which movies are being advertised more than others, so this is my list of movies that I think you are less likely to know are coming this month than let’s say the next Captain America film or even the Monkey, which I have seen lots of standees for at movie theatres. Hopefully at least one of these makes your list of movies that you might end up seeing that you hadn’t known about before. This is listed in chronological order.
The Gorge
What: The Gorge is a sci-fi film about two elite snipers posted on either side of a gorge to guard against whatever may come out of it. It’s the ultimate blend of genres with hints of sci-fi, horror, action and romance.
Why: The main aspect that draws me to this movie is that it is directed by Scott Derrickson whose filmography includes The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, Doctor Strange, and The Black Phone.
Who: It also stars Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver, all of whom I generally love in their movies.
When: Valentine’s Day 2025
Where: Apple TV+
Cleaner
What: Cleaner is an action thriller that follows a window cleaner at a building where hostages are taken at a gala under threat of a massacre. The cleaner ends up being a highly trained ex-soldier who learns one of the hostages is her brother and she takes things into her own hands.
Why: Because I love dad films. And maybe you do too. Yes movies like these are a dime a dozen but not all of them are directed by the guy who made Casino Royale. One of my favourite movies of last year (Rebel Ridge) was a dad film, so I’m gonna advocate for the ones that sound like they can stand out from the pack.
Who: It stars Daisy Ridley who hasn’t done a ton of work since the last Star Wars trilogy as well as Clive Owen, who I always like.
When: 21 February 2025
Where: Theatres
The Last Breath
What: The Last Breath is a survival thriller where some deep-sea divers try to rescue a crew mate trapped at the bottom of the ocean. Think along the lines of The Shallows mixed with The Meg (minus the goofy tone).
Why: This film is actually a dramatic adaptation of a documentary made by the same director about a true story. The documentary named Last Breath came out in 2019, garnering critical and audience acclaim (93% critic score and 89% audience score). I don’t know the last time I’ve seen a documentary be turned into a dramatized movie by the same person and that alone really intrigues me. I am also terrified of the deep ocean so these movies just affect this primal fear part of my brain.
Who: It stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Djimon Hounsou, among others.
When: February 28 2025
Where: Theatres
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
What: I mean. You see the poster right? Do I really have to elaborate? Okay fine, it follows Daffy Duck and Porky Pig as they work together to stop a secret alien plot to take over the world. Did the plot really sway you one way or the other?
Why: It’s a Looney Tunes movie and that’s enough for me honestly. After what happened with the Coyote v ACME movie, I’m gonna do my best to go watch this movie to make sure that type of stuff doesn’t happen anymore and that there is an audience for this content still. I grew up on Looney Tunes and it still holds a place in my heart. The film has had a rocky journey of its own but in early screenings so far, it has garnered good reviews with a 92% tomatometer score.
Who: Honestly, these aren’t names I really know but if you are curious, feel free to go check out the Wikipedia page.
When: February 28, 2025
Where: Theatres
My Dead Friend Zoe
What: The movie follows a U.S. veteran who keeps seeing the presence of her best friend who died in combat. She then heals from her trauma while taking care of her grandfather who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This also is based on the true story of what one of the writers of the film went through.
Why: It won the Audience Award at South by Southwest and boasts a 100% tomatometer score as well. This is what many would refer to as Oscar-bait and that’s not a slight at all. I think this could be a really cathartic movie for many to experience. We all need a little tearjerker every now and then.
Who: It stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman.
When: February 28, 2025
Where: Theatres
