Photo credit ( Pixabay )

Film has always been the ideal setting for strong and emotionally impactful dramas, as long as it remains a fundamental artistic medium for more profound and thought-provoking works of art. Several flawless plays, both original and adaptations, have been masterfully brought to the big screen by cinema, yielding some of the best movies ever made.

The current age, however, has produced a good number of noteworthy dramas as well, ranging from huge crowd-pleasers like Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer to award-winning movies like The Father and Parasite. However, for every notable drama in recent memory, there has also been one that failed to establish itself and draw a crowd. Many dramas have the same or even greater resonance and are just as captivating, but they haven’t gained nearly as much popularity.

10

“The Return” (2020)

Ben Affleck in the Warner Bros. Pictures image of “The Way Back”

The Way Back tells the story of former basketball all-star Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck), who is battling addiction and going through a very difficult time in his life after losing his family. Jack accepts an invitation to take over as coach of a losing basketball team at the high school he formerly attended in an attempt to salvage his soul and enthusiasm for life.

One of the most significant cinema releases prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic was The Way Back, which opened in early March 2020 and effectively ended any chance the movie had of being well-known. Although there was some engagement once it went digital, it never attracted the same level of excitement as a traditional release. The movie had a lot of really good points, including a fantastic lead performance by Ben Affleck, so it’s unfortunate that it was released with such bad luck.

9.

“Passing” (2021)

The narrative of Passing centers on Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson), a black woman coping with the ongoing consequences and challenges of her identity while living in 1920s New York City. When she reunites with her childhood friend Clare Kendry (Ruth Negga), who has spent the last few years passing for white, her life takes an unexpected turn.

Under the direction of the underappreciated Rebecca Hall, Passing respectfully and expertly examines the complex and multifaceted subject of race, particularly in New York City prior to the Civil Rights Movement. The central relationship and chemistry between Irene and Clare, which are brilliantly portrayed by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, are a big part of what keeps the tale moving. The movie’s black-and-white images complement these ideas as well, giving it a unique look that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

8

“Nine Days” (2020)

Nine Days tells the tale of Will (Winston Duke), a solitary guy who lives in a house in the middle of nowhere, somewhere between life and death, much like purgatory. Will interviews groups of human souls in order to enable one to pass into the next phase of life and be born, while the others vanish eternally.

Nine Days explores the complexities of life and what it means to be genuinely living in it via the lens of its original premise. The movie uses conversation to address its philosophical conundrums, perfectly utilizing its smaller scale to highlight the beauty in even the most minute details of existence. Although the idea of Nine Days can be challenging, those who are prepared to give it a shot and immerse themselves in its peculiar universe will be rewarded.

7.

“The Most Epic Beer Run of All Time” (2022)

The Greatest Beer Run Ever, directed by Peter Farrelly, is a follow-up to his Best Picture-winning film Green Book that tells the amazing true story of Zach Efron’s character, John “Chickie” Donohue. Chickie, filled with courage and driven by a desire to help his buddies who are serving in the Vietnam War, goes to Vietnam to personally deliver beer cans as a token of gratitude for everything they have done. Chickie quickly learns that life on the front lines of battle is not as glamorous as he had thought.

The Best Beer Run Ever strikes a better mix between humor and political critique than much of Farrelly’s previous work. It’s by no means the greatest Vietnam War movie, but it does have enough real charm and humor from its characters to make for an extremely watchable movie. The movie distinguishes itself as one of the greatest original films for Apple TV+ because of its heart and passion.

6.

“A Single Evening in Miami.” (2020)

The true account of the night that four iconic African Americans—Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, and Malcolm X—met at the Hampton House in February 1964 is told in One Night in Miami. Their conversations have a long-lasting effect and have the power to change the course of segregated Southern history.

Even though One Night in Miami was well-received by critics when it first came out, the movie tragically did not continue to be discussed in public in the months that followed. The movie was most famously overlooked for Best Picture and Best Director, Regina King’s first-ever directing honors, at the Oscars. The movie is a significant achievement in filmmaking, with several outstanding and impactful performances. Despite essentially being an extended dialogue in a single room, it manages to keep the audience interested.

5.

“The Aftermath” (2021)

In The Fallout, Jenna Ortega plays Vada, an ordinary adolescent girl whose life abruptly and irrevocably changes after a catastrophe at school. Alongside classmates Mia and Quinton following the catastrophe, Vada develops an unforeseen close bond with them as she works to make sense of everything and deal with its aftermath.

The movie deals with the sensitive and challenging subjects of PTSD and depression in young people who have experienced a tragedy; these are subjects that are often misunderstood or oversensationalized. Ortega’s tragic and realistic lead performance lends a tremendous degree of sympathy to the narrative, which is what keeps it together. Viewers gave The Fallout a lot of positive feedback, but award organizations were not nearly as understanding and completely ignored it in the 2021 season.

4

“Mothers in Parallel” (2021)

The plot of Parallel Mothers centers on two single women who unexpectedly become pregnant, meet, and develop an odd friendship in the hospital. Unexpectedly, unrepentant middle-aged Janis and terrified teenage Ana discover that there is a greater connection between their pregnancies and offspring than they initially thought.

Parallel Mothers is a brilliant melodrama that uplifts and intensifies the genre. Pedro Almodóvar directs it with precision, and all of the performances are outstanding. The standout performance belongs to Penélope Cruz, whose outstanding acting skills elevate Janis and her hardships to unprecedented levels. Pedro Almodóvar’s Parallel Mothers is a must-see film because it is filled with poignant moments and unexpected turns that leave the audience with unforgettable memories.

3.

“Emergency” (2022)

In the movie Emergency, best friends from college Kunle and Sean are getting ready for a big night out when they find an unconscious woman in their living room, throwing a wrench in their plans. Before determining that taking her to the hospital on their own is the wisest course of action, they soon find themselves debating the advantages and disadvantages of calling the police.

The movie relates its plot as a snowball rolling down a hill; the stakes and tension are low at first but gradually build in comedy and intensity until they reach a horrifying breaking point. Unlike other comedy thrillers, Emergency’s startlingly abrupt transition from comedy to dread highlights the film’s strong themes of friendship and race. It’s like Superbad meets The Hate U Give—an odd combination that nevertheless manages to work.

2.

“Oh my God, please” (2021)

C’mon C’mon tells the tale of Johnny, a middle-aged single radio journalist who travels the nation interviewing kids and teenagers about their lives and aspirations for a project. Johnny’s intentions are abruptly altered when he is entrusted with the care of his young nephew, Jesse. Together, they forge a strong connection and traverse the nation.

C’mon C’mon, which starred Joaquin Phoenix in his first appearance after winning an Academy Award for his role as the Joker, had an unexpected reputation to uphold. Phoenix gives an unprecedented performance in the movie, which is further enhanced by his capacity to portray strong emotions. With a strong and poignant pair at its core, the movie addresses the significance and influence that relationships and life events have on kids, a topic that is rarely explored.

1.

“Mass” (2021)

Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, and Mass

Mass is about two bereaved parent couples who have scheduled a time to meet and have an honest and difficult conversation about the catastrophe that has bound them together forever. The quartet tries to work through a lot of really painful and emotionally damaging subjects and emotions as they deal with the fallout from the tragedy.

In Mass, a single conversation in a small, isolated room conveys a terrible, tearful story—a superb illustration of how little is more when it comes to emotionally charged cinema. With the help of several flawless performances, Mass explores one of the most profound and sinister subjects of the day and emerges from it feeling optimistic about the future of humanity. The movie demonstrates the enduring value of socially conscious and dramatic filmmaking in contemporary culture.