The Messenger (2009)

An American soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer.

A study of various people and their ways of coping with loss, grief and bonding convinces mainly through its excellent ensemble of characters and some memorable scenes.

Maltin***1/2: "Episodic, but moving look at the different ways people deal with anger, pain, repressed emotions, and grief...Foster and Harrelson are first-rate, along with a fine ensemble who often have just moments to create their performances."

The Neon Demon (2016)

 

 

When an aspiring model moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.

 

Visually gorgeous and mesmerizing tale that takes its view of the beauty industry to a morbid and slightly ironic extreme. 

The Ruins (2008)

A group of friends whose leisurely Mexican holiday takes a turn for the worse when they, along with a fellow tourist, embark on a remote archaeological dig in the jungle where something evil lives among the ruins.

A silly premise is good for some unsavory scenes, but otherwise this is standard horror fare.

Maltin**: "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS meets THE DESCENT...Gory scenes will have you squirming in your seat, although watching the characters take themselves too seriously is more funny than scary."

Donnie Darko (2001)

A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident.

Highly idiosyncratic and fascinating drama about adolescent otherness with a fantastic twist; at times quite reminiscent of David Lynch's work.

Halliwell***: "An engaging, darkly comic look at growing up in suburbia; lurid and deliberately confusing in its circular narrative, it is also bracingly original."

Maltin**: "Writer-director Kelly has ambitious and interesting ideas, but the film builds to an unsatisfying conclusion."