Crime productions are among the sine qua non of the silver screen. Especially the morally grey characters, the never-ending action dose and the endless journeys in pursuit of the killer/criminal always know how to keep their charm hidden. In our Best Underrated Crime Films article, we take a look at the most important examples of these films.
The Best Underrated Crime Films of Recent Years
While iconic productions such as No Country For Old Men remain at the top of crime film lists, many works that may have been overlooked in this field have met with audiences in recent years.
Detective films and crime productions sometimes experience moments when they do not get the recognition they deserve both from critics and at the box office. Especially with the rise and diversification of digital broadcasting platforms, more crime dramas are broadcast every year than ever before. This situation makes it inevitable for some stories to be forgotten in the corner.
In this list, we’re rounding up some of the best crime dramas that have been released recently and have gone under-appreciated.
I Care a Lot (2020)
I Care a Lot is the story of Marla Grayson, a court-appointed legal guardian who uses her powerful position to defraud elderly clients and drain the financial resources of those under her care. Things get complicated when it becomes clear that the family of Marla’s latest target, Mrs Peterson, is linked to a secret criminal organisation.
Written and directed by J Blakeson, the Netflix film stars Oscar-nominated actress Rosamund Pike, known for the Wheel of Time series and Gone Girl. Pike is accompanied by Peter Dinklage, one of the stars of Game of Thrones.
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Capone (2020)
Starring Tom Hardy in the lead role, the film tells the story of the famous gangster Al Capone after his release after a 10-year prison sentence. Focusing on the last years of Al Capone’s life, the biographical drama successfully portrays the troubled moments of a crime leader who becomes increasingly paranoid due to health problems.
Although Capone has a very different fiction than the first story that comes to mind when it comes to a life story depicting one of the world’s most recognisable gangster figures, it manages to make its name shine with its attitude that does not shy away from anything while bringing the character’s last years to the audience.
Chugyeokja (2008)
In our list of recommendations that we started with pure Hollywood productions, it’s time to move on to South Korean productions. Chugyeokja (Fatal Pursuit), Na Hong-jin’s first experience on the silver screen, succeeded in making the director’s name known to the masses. Although he later made a name for himself with horror productions, Na Hong-jin proved how skilful a director he is when it comes to detective films.
Chugyeokja is about a disgraced ex-cop who runs a small gang of prostitutes and finds himself in a race against time when one of his women disappears. Successfully incorporating the dark elements expected from South Korean crime cinema, the production also challenges clichés.
The Devil All the Time (2020)
Based on the novel of the same name by American writer Donald Ray Pollock, The Devil All the Time is an overlooked gem despite its strong cast.
Following the stories of a series of sinister characters, the film is set in Knockemstiff, a provincial town in Ohio full of corruption and brutality.
The film, which stands out with its dark and gloomy theme, allows its problematic characters to languish in nightmarish environments. Starring Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgard and Robert Pattinson, the film centres around a young man dedicated to protecting those he loves.
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Holy Spider (2022)
Based on a true story, Holy Spider tells the story of a journalist who goes into the dark depths of Iran’s holy city of Mashhad to track down criminals.
Holy Spider successfully analyses not only the real-life crimes that took place in Iran in the early 2000s, but also the social norms and system that led to the upbringing of a killer.
Directed by Ali Abbasi, the cast of the film includes Alice Rahimi, Diana Al Hussen and Soraya Helli.
Emily the Criminal (2022)
Following the story of Emily, who is trying to pay off her student debts, the film tells the story of Emily, who cannot find a job due to a minor criminal record in her past and seeks the solution in the criminal underworld.
Starring Aubrey Plaza, the production stands out with its remarkable portrayal of the transformation of classic crime stories in the modern age.
The production, directed by John Patton Ford, meets the audience on the Apple TV+ platform.
Windfall (2022)
The film Windfall tells the bizarre story of a thief who robs the holiday home of a famous technology billionaire. When the owner and his wife arrive at the holiday home for a last-minute getaway, things go very wrong for the thief and an interesting confrontation takes place.
Windfall takes a simple premise and manages to present its story in a fun and exciting drama. Starring Jason Segel, Lily Collins and Jesse Plemons, the film is appreciated for constantly finding ways to be energetic and engaging.
What other crime productions do you think have been overlooked recently? Share them with us in the comments!
