Lost Girls (2020)

When Mari Gilbert's daughter disappears, police inaction drives her own investigation into the gated Long Island community where Shannan was last seen. Her search brings attention to over a dozen murdered sex workers.

Strong, realistic true crime drama focused on the victims and their families amid a botched investigation;  enhanced by solid direction and extraordinary performances.

Excalibur (1981)

Merlin the magician helps Arthur Pendragon unite the Britons around the Round Table of Camelot, even as dark forces conspire to tear it apart.

From memory: Highly stylish, very well produced and violent presentation of the saga is fascinating to watch, although it's an uneven mixture of mythology and realistic staging.

Halliwell*: "Curiously pointless retelling of a legend with unexplained flashes of realism and bouts of gore alternating with romance and modern wisecracks. Of mainly visual interest."

Maltin***1/2: "Eccentric but spellbinding, sexually rendition of the King Arthur by a stylish filmmaker working at the peak of his powers...Magnificent production values."

Hereditary (2018)

After the family matriarch passes away, a grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences, and begin to unravel dark secrets.

Standard horror yarn uplifted by professional direction and a good cast - and by generously alluding to the better classics of the genre.

Miller's Crossing (1990)

An advisor to a Prohibition-era crime boss, tries to keep the peace between warring mobs but gets caught in divided loyalties.

Highly referential (and entertaining) neo-noir thriller, splendidly staged and cast and full of the Coen Bros' dark humour.

Halliwell**: "Sombre, solidly made thriller, directed with a macabre skill."

Maltin**1/2: "Moody, stylish, and pretentious take on gangster films...Dense and dour, it's almost doggedly off-putting at first, but gets more involving as its serpentine story unfolds. Some bravura moments..."

Perrier's Bounty (2009)

A gangster named Perrier looks to exact his revenge on a trio of fugitives responsible for the accidental death of one of his cronies.

Violent crime drama with some very black humour is watchable thanks to a good ensemble and lively direction.

Maltin***: "Dark humor cleverly softens the intensity of violent acts, which - one is ashamed to admit - generate a lot of laughs. Entire ensemble shines."