The Paragon
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
The Paragon is a delightfully quirky and offbeat comedy from New Zealand that will keep you laughing while tugging at your heartstrings. The story follows Dutch, a former professional tennis player who peaked at a mere No. 347 in the world. After a hit-and-run incident leaves him with a limp, Dutch embarks on a mission to track down the culprit, who was driving a Toyota Corolla. Along the way, he meets Lyra, a mysterious woman with a striking appearance and even more striking claims—she has psionic powers and knowledge of multiple dimensions, including the intriguingly named "avocado dimension." The duo’s banter is both funny and absurd, with Dutch’s grounded skepticism clashing hilariously with Lyra’s otherworldly revelations.
As the story progresses, Dutch finally locates the Corolla’s driver, but this is when The Paragon takes a surprising and darker turn. The film explores the ripple effects of life’s choices and accidents, posing existential questions about how one person’s misfortune might inadvertently benefit another. The script is inventive and clever, but what truly sets the film apart is its heart. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of What We Do in the Shadows, The Paragon is a charming, off-kilter gem that will leave you both entertained and thoughtful.
The Silent Planet
Rent or buy it on most major platforms.
Jeffrey St. Jules’s The Silent Planet is a slow-burning, atmospheric thriller that takes place in a desolate, isolated world. The story centers on Theodore, a lonely convict sentenced to work on a massive penal colony that doubles as a planet. His days are filled with mining ore, while his nights are spent watching old sitcoms in his cramped habitat. This routine is disrupted when another convict, Niyya, arrives on the scene. Niyya claims she was wrongly accused of terrorism, while Theodore’s own past is murkier, blurred by the lines between reality and the stories he tells himself.
Their tense cohabitation becomes a psychological game of cat and mouse, with each character’s true motives hanging in the air. Niyya’s assertion that “it doesn’t really matter here” whether something is fact or fiction takes on deeper significance as the story unfolds. The film’s claustrophobic focus and striking Newfoundland locations add to its unease, making The Silent Planet a gripping and pensive exploration of truth, identity, and human connection.
Hostile Dimensions
Stream it on Fandango at Home or the Roku Channel.
Hostile Dimensions is a microbudget sci-fi comedy that follows two young filmmakers, Ash and Sam, who are trying to bounce back from a disastrous movie project. Their luck seems to change when they stumble upon mysterious found footage of a woman named Emily disappearing through a free-standing door. Intrigued, they drag the door back to their home, unleashing a series of bizarre events that lead them to explore multiple planes of existence.
The film has a refreshingly amateurish charm, with Ash and Sam bumbling their way through the mystery like a modern-day Bill and Ted. Their interactions with a physicist, who delivers hilariously vague explanations, add to the humor. The real treat, however, is the array of strange dimensions they uncover, including a hauntingly empty amusement park called “Pandamonium.” Director Graham Hughes, who also made Death of a Vlogger, is carving out a niche for himself in low-budget, offbeat storytelling. Hostile Dimensions is a quirky, lighthearted ride that fans of cult cinema will appreciate.
Elevation
Stream it on Max.
Elevation is a sci-fi thriller with a clever premise and old-school B-movie charm. The story takes place in a world where Reapers—mysterious, indestructible killing machines—have appeared out of nowhere to wipe out humanity. These invaders have one peculiar weakness: they refuse to venture above 8,000 feet. This quirk allows survivors in mountainous regions like Colorado to find refuge, albeit temporarily.
Enter Will, played by Anthony Mackie, a man living in the mountains with his ailing young son. When his son needs oxygen filters, Will embarks on a perilous journey to lower elevations, accompanied by Nina, a scientist with theories about the Reapers. The film’s tension builds as they navigate treacherous terrain, with the Reapers always lurking in the background. A standout scene involving a chairlift escape will particularly delight skiers, but Elevation offers something for everyone. Its efficient pacing and grand concept make it a fun, adrenaline-fueled ride. The ending leaves the door wide open for a sequel, and fans of B-movies will likely be eager for more.
With You in the Future
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
With You in the Future is a heartwarming and quirky Mexican romantic comedy that combines time travel with questions about love, regret, and the consequences of altering the past. The story follows Carlos and Elena, a couple on the brink of a messy divorce. Just as they’re about to split, Cupid intervenes, sending them back to the 1990s—specifically to the time of a pivotal date at a Maná concert that changed their lives.
In an attempt to spare themselves future heartache, the older Carlos and Elena try to prevent their younger selves from falling in love. They encourage Young Carlos to pursue a wealthy woman named Cristina and Young Elena to focus on her music career instead of marriage. But as they meddle with the past, they begin to realize just how special their relationship once was. The film explores themes of love’s value, asking whether short-term happiness is worth the risk of long-term pain. With its lighthearted humor and a touch of magic, With You in the Future is a charming exploration of what might have been—and what truly matters.
Conclusion
These five films represent a diverse range of genres, styles, and tones, offering something for every kind of viewer. The Paragon and Hostile Dimensions deliver laughs with their offbeat humor and quirky premises, while The Silent Planet and Elevation provide thrills and suspense through their intense, atmospheric storytelling. With You in the Future, meanwhile, tugs at the heartstrings with its romantic and introspective take on love and regret. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, mystery, or a feel-good romance, these films are sure to entertain and leave a lasting impression.
