3 Movies Like MadS (2024)

As far as LGBTQIA+ stories go, 20,000 Species of Bees isn't the best at talking about its themes of identity and acceptance in a way that doesn't come off as clunky. But even with its on-the-nose dialogue and inconsequential subplots, director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren gives everything the warmth and the softness it needs to feel sincere despite everything. And no matter what, the film is always drawn back to the lead performance by Sofía Otero, who provides such a vivid image of this young trans girl's interior life that the world around her character begins to feel either more suffocating or more beautiful to behold.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Ane Gabarain, Itziar Lazkano, Martxelo Rubio, Miguel Garcés, Patricia López Arnaiz, Sara Cózar, Sofía Otero

Director: Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren

Is this the most thrilling head-scratcher we’ve seen in a while? No. Is it a rousing take on the feminist cause? Not really. But what Wicked Little Letters lacks in intrigue and relevance, it more than makes up for in entertainment value. Not that anyone needs convincing, but here Colman and Buckley further prove why they’re some of the most in-demand actors right now. They’re raw and fiery and hilarious, energizing every scene with their limitless energy. They make the film a breeze to watch, so if you’re looking to pass the time with enjoyable performances, Wicked Little Letters makes for a solidly entertaining watch.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Actor: Adam Treasure, Alisha Weir, Anjana Vasan, Cyril Nri, Edward Judge, Eileen Atkins, Gemma Jones, Grant Crookes, Hugh Skinner, Ian Drysdale, Jamie Chapman, Jason Watkins, Jenny Galloway, Jessie Buckley, Joanna Scanlan, Jonny Sweet, Laura June Hudson, Lolly Adefope, Malachi Kirby, Olivia Colman, Paul Chahidi, Richard Goulding, Susie Fairfax, Tim Key, Tim McMullan, Timothy Spall

Director: Thea Sharrock

Rating: R

Based on a bizarre true story, Woman of the Hour follows Cheryl (Anna Kendrick), a struggling actor, and Rodney (Daniel Zovatto), a serial killer, as they participate in a dating game show. Part of the film is about the tense cat-and-mouse chase that happens between the two, but other parts are less tight. There are flashbacks and flashforwards to Rodney’s other exploits, as well as a subplot about one of the victim's friends seeking justice. Then underlying everything is a potent message about the misogyny that ran rampant in the 1970s. Feminism is supposed to be the throughline that ties everything together, but an imbalance in tone and a clumsy attempt to jam as many stories as possible results in a film that feels sorely undone. It’s admirable that Kendrick, who’s made her directorial debut with this movie, has decentered the focus from the serial killer to the female victims. I’ve had about enough of true crime outings romanticizing the killer. Kendrick is a promising director to be sure. But if only the narrative were tighter, then the film could’ve been memorable, too, instead of just meaningful.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Actor: Andy Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Autumn Best, Bonnie Hay, Daniel Zovatto, Darcy Laurie, David Beairsto, Denalda Williams, Dylan Schmid, Geoff Gustafson, James Yi, Jason Simpson, Jedidiah Goodacre, Jessica Chaffin, Jessie Fraser, Karen Holness, Kathryn Gallagher, Kelley Jakle, Matt Visser, Matthew Kevin Anderson, Matty Finochio, Max Lloyd-Jones, Michael Adamthwaite, Michael Jonsson, Nancy Kerr, Nicolette Robinson, Pete Holmes, Rob Morton, Taylor Hastings, Tony Hale

Director: Anna Kendrick

Rating: R