SLC-S25/W3-Movie Snapshots|Hidden Gems
[all images here are screenshots from Google]
Sometimes, when you stumbling on a movie you've never heard before, you are eager to see and know what's it is about, and when you finish watching the movie, you ask yourself, why it wasn't given it's due recognition.
That right there is what we call a hidden gem. Not every great film makes it to the top or even win awards, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the hype.
So for this week’s SLC, I would talk about 5 underrated movies I’ve personally watched — ones that gave me chills, made me think, or just stayed in my mind long even after I was done watching.i would also share my opinion on why I think they weren't given the proper attention or recognition, and how we can also start to look at these type of movies differently and appreciate them better
Mention 5 lesser-known or underrated movie you have seen before
THEY ARE:
[screenshot from Google]
Plot Summary: This one is a deep, and straightforward film. The story centers around a man; a university professor who gathers his colleagues around one evening to reveal a secret about himself; the secret of his existence; how he has been alive for 14,000 years. The entire movie takes place in one room, as his friends react, question, and try to wrap their heads around his unbelievable story.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: No explosions. No flashy effects. Just pure storytelling. It’s so underrated because it's an indie movie ( a movie produced outside the big movie studios in the world; Marvel, Warner Bros, Disney, etc), no big-name actors, no hype, and zero marketing budget. But the idea? Brilliant! It makes you question religion, science, history, and the nature of truth.
What Can Be Done: This kind of story should be adapted for stage plays, or even a modern-day remake with better production and strong online promotion could make more people discover it, because since it is an indie movie, produced outside the big studios like Disney, marvel and the likes, it has little or no recognition.
[screenshot from Google]
Plot Summary: A rebellious foster kid and his grumpy foster uncle go missing in the New Zealand bush, this sparking a nationwide manhunt. The genre of this movie is funny, heartwarming, and full of twists you never expect, keeping you glued to your seats.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: The movie directed by Taika Waititi before he became a big shot in Hollywood, this film stayed under the radar, and was unnoticed because was produced in New Zealand and didn’t get wide global release, and so it did not gain the due recognition it should have. But the bond between the boy and the uncle is touching and also hilarious.
What Can Be Done: International streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, hulu, and even prime video can feature this on their top picks. Even social media push and review of some scenes from the movie would really help this reach more people, as most people rarely watch movies that are not recommended by these international streaming platforms, as they feel it would not be as thrilling as the ones they see there.
[screenshot from Google]
Plot Summary: A dinner party goes weird when a cosmic disturbance / anomaly causes multiple universe (multiverse) to collide. After a while, the guests then started to realize that there are other look-alike versions of themselves outside their house.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: This is another low-budget sci-fi (Science fiction) thriller that delivers beyond expectation. It barely has any CGI or special effects, but the writing, suspense, and creativity in this movie are next-level. Because it’s so intellectual and minimal, it didn't get enough love that most marvel, Warner Bros and even Disney movies would have gotten.
What Can Be Done: Sci-fi movie lovers need to start recommending this one more in YouTube shorts and even on Reddit.
[screenshot from Google]
Plot Summary: A Japanese anime film that explores bullying, disability, and redemption. It follows a boy who once bullied a deaf girl in school and now tries to make amends.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Even though anime fans know this film, many people outside that world have never heard of it. It touches such deep emotional themes — depression, forgiveness, and self-worth — but didn’t blow up like mainstream anime such as Naruto or Demon Slayer.
What Can Be Done: More non-anime lovers need to give this a chance. Schools can even include it in character education. It also needs to be dubbed in more languages and shown on platforms like Netflix or even national TV.
[screenshot from Google]
Plot Summary: This is a modern-day Huckleberry Finn adventure. A young man with Down syndrome runs away from a care home to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. He teams up with a troubled guy also on the run.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s heartfelt and funny, but it got overshadowed by big releases. Plus, many people underestimate movies featuring people with disabilities, so it didn’t trend much.
What Can Be Done: We need to normalize inclusive storytelling. More awards, social campaigns, and maybe even school awareness projects can shine a light on films like this.
Discuss your reasons for saying these movies you have mentioned are lesser known or underrated movies
| Why Are These Movies Underrated? |
|---|
There are many reasons a good movie gets lost:
Low budget or poor marketing
Foreign language barrier
Too deep or “intellectual” for mainstream tastes
No big-name stars
Bad timing of release (competing with top blockbusters)
In Nigeria, many people just go for popular or trending movies, mostly action, comedy or romance. But if we take time to explore these underrated movies, we’ll discover that hidden gems sometimes gives us the type of deep emotional connection that other top movie don't give.
What do you think can be done to make these movies better known or valued more
| How Do We Make Hidden Gems Shine? |
|---|
Of a truth, not everyone has time to scroll endlessly looking for a good movie. That’s why most of us rely recommendations but others. So here's what we can do to make those hidden gems shine:
Social Media Recommendations: Instead of posting only Hollywood blockbusters, scenes or quotes from lesser-known movies can be shared to promote them and also for people to learn as they tell more stories than most of these blockbusters.
Watch Parties: A small viewing session can be organised among friends or online groups where people can vote for these hidden gems to watch them together.
Blogging/Vlogging: Sharing them on platforms (like on Steemit) or a YouTube channel, reviewing these kinds of movies helps push them forward.
Subtitles/Dubs: Many underrated movies are in languages people don’t understand. More subtitle translations can help them reach new audiences.
Support Indie Creators: Attend local film festivals or stream independent films when you can. It’s one way to encourage creativity outside the big studios.
Conclusion
One thing I’ve learned from watching these movies, it's that popularity doesn't equal quality. Some of the most unforgettable stories I’ve experienced came from small, quiet films made with big hearts.
From a dinner table mystery in Coherence, to the gentle soul of The Peanut Butter Falcon, these films prove that cinema isn’t just about box office numbers. It’s about connection, emotion, and truth — even if it comes in a low-budget package.
So the next time you’re scrolling through your movie app, instead of picking the top trend, scroll down and you may as well find yourself a hidden gem.
I invite @imohmitch @mr-peng @promisezella to participate in this contest
https://x.com/Samuel62685837/status/1940439245287752114?t=BdZaqtdb_pF-DYWF81DdLg&s=19
Thank you for participating in this challenge of season 25.
Curated by: @ashkhan