Overlooked gems of 2025: four films worth streaming now
The awards season dust has settled, leaving a trail of glittering ceremonies and well-deserved recognition. But amidst the fanfare for the blockbuster titles, a few compelling films quietly slipped through the cracks. Now, with a little streaming exploration, you can uncover these hidden treasures of 2025—films that deserve a second look.
A descent into body horror with 'together'
Michael Shanks, the Australian filmmaker known for his visceral explorations of the human form, returned with Together, a film starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. The narrative unfolds with a chilling premise: a couple, seeking respite in a remote countryside home, find their idyllic retreat shattered by unsettling physical transformations triggered by water from a nearby cave. The performances are taut, the practical effects unsettlingly effective. While Together didn't achieve the widespread acclaim some might have anticipated—perhaps overshadowed by the year’s more prominent releases—it’s a tense, gripping experience readily available on MGM+.
'Hind': a harrowing true story
Kaouther Ben Hania's Hind offers a stark and profoundly moving counterpoint. The film recounts the desperate attempt to rescue a six-year-old girl trapped in a car in Gaza during the 2024 conflict. While it garnered significant critical praise and even earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, it ultimately fell short of awards night glory. But don’t let that deter you; Hind is a vital and unforgettable cinematic experience, now streaming on Movistar Plus+ and Filmin. The film’s strength lies not in spectacle but in its unflinching portrayal of human resilience amidst unimaginable circumstances.
Park chan-wook’s darkly comic detour
Park Chan-wook, the visionary director behind the brutal masterpiece Oldboy (2003), surprised many with No Other Option. This Korean thriller, adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s The Ax, marks a shift towards darkly comedic territory. Lee Byung-hun, gaining international recognition through Squid Game, delivers a compelling performance as a middle-aged man abruptly fired after 25 years of service, launching him on a desperate quest for employment. It’s a sharp, cynical, and frequently amusing exploration of modern anxieties. MUBI is the platform to seek it out.
'The bad guys 2': a sequel that surpassed the original
While K-Pop Warriors reigned supreme as the animated hit of the year, and Zootropolis 2 secured its place as a stellar Disney sequel, The Bad Guys 2 quietly achieved something remarkable: it outperformed its 2022 predecessor. The reformed crew of misfits returned with a bold new scheme, facing off against a formidable new adversary: the notorious “Bad Dames.” The film’s blend of action, humor, and surprisingly poignant character development resonated with audiences – a testament to the enduring appeal of these unlikely heroes. Catch it on SkyShowtime or Movistar Plus+—a reminder that sequels can, indeed, surpass expectations.