Stream These Underseen Gems From The 2010s While In Self-Isolation

By Cody Dericks 

​​Any avid movie watcher knows that consuming films sometimes involves performing a unique type of triage. We separate movies into “watch in theaters”, “watch at home” and “watch one day when I have a ton of free time”. Well, with a lot of us stuck at home in self-isolation, whether voluntary or not, it’s finally a good time to watch those movies we were saving for wisdom teeth recovery or an extreme blizzard. I’m here to help you narrow down your selection by showcasing some underseen movies from the last decade that you can stream at home. These movies won’t necessarily serve as a distraction from everything going on today; the only thing that unites them is that they are all readily available on streaming and are all excellent.

​Annihilation

Remember what I said about these movies not serving as a distraction? If you’re looking for a reprieve from a planet seemingly perched on the precipice, this movie isn’t what you should be watching. But if you want to escape into a world of fully-realized and seemingly-plausible science fiction featuring stunning visuals, “Annihilation” is the place to find them. Writer/director Alex Garland’s perfect unity of tone helps the film maintain its moody, atmospheric feeling for the entirety of its runtime.
 
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video & Hulu

Colossal

A light and charming science fiction comedy, “Colossal” tells the story of a woman (played by Anne Hathaway), whose life is stuck in seemingly every possible way, who suddenly finds herself mysteriously and unintentionally able to control the movements of a giant monster that’s terrorizing Seoul. Funny yet shockingly grounded, the movie ultimately becomes a surprisingly empowering tale that can serve as a pick-me-up to anyone who watches it.
 
Where to stream: Hulu

​The Fits

This unbelievably unique film focuses on a young girl with dreams of making a name for herself in her local dance team. Soon after she joins the team, strange things start to happen to some of her fellow dancers. Mysterious and engaging, “The Fits” is small in its scale but huge in its ambitions.
 
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video & Kanopy

​God’s Own Country

This small British film is one of the most intensely sensual and passionate queer-focused films of the past decade. The romance between the two leading men is both intense and tender, as they learn from each other that a relationship between two men can encompass many different emotions – none of which needs to be shame. Be prepared to be swept away to the unbelievably picturesque hills of Northern England in this beautiful and moving romantic tale.
 
Where to stream: Netflix, Hoopla, and Kanopy

​​The Handmaiden

Similarly, “The Handmaiden” is an incredibly lush and erotic film that covers many genres: it’s a psychological thriller, a sweeping romance, an epic historical drama, and an unexpected dark comedy all at the same time. Combine this ambitious tone blending with jaw-droppingly beautiful cinematography, costumes, and sets, and you’ll find that “The Handmaiden” is both highly watchable and impactful in its storytelling.
 
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video

​Her Smell

If you’re looking for a cathartic, emotional purging in these mentally trying days, check out “Her Smell.” Anchored by a never been better Elisabeth Moss, this movie is an uncomfortably intense exploration into the erratic behavior of a rock musician. One of the more impressive storytelling feats here is that the film is broken up into five long scenes that play out seemingly in real-time, which allows both the performances and the filmmaking to feel beyond life-like.
 
Where to stream: HBO and Kanopy

​Obvious Child

This may be one of the funniest movies of the last decade. Unflinchingly real, “Obvious Child” tells the story of an up-and-coming comedian (a painful Oscar snub for Jenny Slate) who finds herself facing an unexpected pregnancy. The film doesn’t necessarily strive for poignancy but finds it nonetheless. Watch it while FaceTiming with your closest friends!
 
Where to stream: Netflix, Hoopla, and Kanopy

​Support The Girls

The very definition of a slice of life, “Support the Girls” offers a glimpse into a day in the life of a manager of a Hooters-adjacent bar and what she must do to make it through a typical shift. Regina Hall gives an incredible performance as the bar’s manager, and we see all the trials and tribulations, both mundane and outrageous, that she must conquer at her job. It’s an escapist and inspiring romp.
 
Where to stream: Hulu

Have you voted on our Best of the 2010s Community Awards yet? Voting closes Saturday so make sure you do! What movies have you been watching during your self-quarantine? Let us know in the comments section below or on our Twitter account.

You can follow Cody and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @codymonster91