Welcome to the alternative. At BEYOND THE FRAME, we look at films that are situated at a unique historical and cultural moment. These films are underrated, despite containing multitudes of value and meaning. Instead of writing these films off as cult classics, BEYOND THE FRAME seeks to unpack what makes these films so special.
This is the last video store. This is the overlooked hotel. This is the forgotten archives. This is the final arthouse cinema.
This is BEYOND THE FRAME.
-
This Is Not a Film (2011) dir. Jafar Panahi
READ MORE: This Is Not a Film (2011) dir. Jafar PanahiThis barebones documentary, filmed while Jafar Panahi was banned from making films by the Iranian government, is a testament to what one can do with limited resources and strict censorship.
-
The Secret Agent (2025) dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho
READ MORE: The Secret Agent (2025) dir. Kleber Mendonça FilhoWagner Moura proves himself as one of the finest actors working today in this subversive and darkly comedic take on the 1970s Brazilian dictatorship crackdown.
-
The Exile (1931) dir. Oscar Micheaux
READ MORE: The Exile (1931) dir. Oscar MicheauxIn this pre-code film, divergent paths of African-American success in the time of Jim Crow collide, even if the film can’t overcome the technical challenges of its time.
-
Audition (1999) dir. Takashi Miike
READ MORE: Audition (1999) dir. Takashi MiikeThis influential horror film is not only grisly, but insightful as to one of the true horrors of the everyday–the fear of human connection.
-
Marty Supreme (2025) dir. Josh Safdie
READ MORE: Marty Supreme (2025) dir. Josh SafdieTimothée Chalamet is dynamite playing a conniving little shit table tennis player in this new thriller from Josh Safdie.
-
Battle Royale (2000) dir. Kenji Fukasaku
READ MORE: Battle Royale (2000) dir. Kenji FukasakuThe father and son duo who crafted this story deserve a special award for creating one of the most accurate depictions of high school ever.
-
Nouvelle Vague (2025) dir. Richard Linklater
READ MORE: Nouvelle Vague (2025) dir. Richard LinklaterRichard Linklater’s chronicling of the production of Breathless is certainly charming, but it can’t quite escape its period. One thing I’m always worried about when I’m writing reviews is how…
-
The Mirror (1997) dir. Jafar Panahi
READ MORE: The Mirror (1997) dir. Jafar PanahiIn this sneakily subversive slice-of-life drama, Jafar Panahi chronicles one girl’s journey to get home–in more ways than one. Once I heard that It Was Just An Accident (2025) won…
BEYOND THE FRAME 