Best-Reviewed Movies 2015 – Limited Release

Critics Consensus: Led by incredible work from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, Room makes for an unforgettably harrowing -- and undeniably rewarding -- experience.

Synopsis: Held captive for years in an enclosed space, a woman and her young son finally gain their freedom, allowing the boy to experience the outside... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers

Directed By: Lenny Abrahamson

Critics Consensus: Gracefully assembled and ultimately disquieting, Timbuktu is a timely film with a powerful message.

Synopsis: A Malian cattleman (Ibrahim Ahmed) and his family face the wrath of Islamic fundamentalists after a tragic accident.

Starring: Ibrahim Ahmed, Toulou Kiki, Abel Jafri, Fatoumata Diawara

Directed By: Abderrahmane Sissako

Critics Consensus: Smarter, fresher, and funnier than a modern vampire movie has any right to be, What We Do in the Shadows is bloody good fun.

Synopsis: Vampire housemates (Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh) try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster (Cori Gonzalez-Macuer)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonny Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer

Directed By: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: On paper, GETT: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem might seem less than thrilling, but on the screen, it delivers two hours of nonstop, tightly wound, brilliantly acted drama.

Synopsis: An Israeli woman (Ronit Elkabetz) fights for three years to obtain a divorce from her devout husband (Simon Abkarian), who refuses to grant his permission... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ronit Elkabetz, Menashe Noy, Simon Abkarian, Gabi Amrani-Gur

Directed By: Ronit Elkabetz, Shlomi Elkabetz

Critics Consensus: As riveting as it is sad, Amy is a powerfully honest look at the twisted relationship between art and celebrity -- and the lethal spiral of addiction.

Synopsis: Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.

Starring: Tony Bennett, Pete Doherty, Salaam Remi, Nick Shymansky

Directed By: Asif Kapadia

Critics Consensus: Seymour Bernstein's genuineness shines so brightly in Seymour: An Introduction that viewers will forgive debuting director Ethan Hawke's reverent treatment.

Synopsis: Pianist Seymour Bernstein, who gave up performing for teaching, discusses his passion for music and his philosophy of life.

Starring: Seymour Bernstein, Ethan Hawke

Directed By: Ethan Hawke

Critics Consensus: Tense, complex, and drenched in atmosphere, Phoenix is a well-acted, smartly crafted war drama that finds writer-director Christian Petzold working at peak power.

Synopsis: After undergoing reconstructive surgery, a concentration camp survivor (Nina Hoss) tries to find out if her husband (Ronald Zehrfeld) betrayed her to the Nazis.

Starring: Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld, Nina Kunzendorf, Michael Maertens

Directed By: Christian Petzold

Critics Consensus: 45 Years offers richly thought-provoking rewards for fans of adult cinema -- and a mesmerizing acting showcase for leads Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.

Synopsis: As their 45th wedding anniversary approaches, a woman (Charlotte Rampling) learns that her husband (Tom Courtenay) was once engaged to someone else.

Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay, Geraldine James, Dolly Wells

Directed By: Andrew Haigh

Critics Consensus: A small, insightful feature with a deceptively thoughtful thesis, Iris adds a bittersweet postscript to director Albert Maysles' filmography.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Albert Maysles pays tribute to nonagenarian Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, longtime interior designer and outspoken champion of eclectic fashion.

Starring: Iris Apfel, Naeem Khan, Mickey Boardman, Linda Fargo

Directed By: Albert Maysles

Critics Consensus: Powerfully directed and acted, '71 stays true to its fact-based origins while remaining as gripping as any solidly crafted action thriller.

Synopsis: A young British soldier (Jack O'Connell) must find his way back to safety after his unit accidentally abandons him during a riot in the streets... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack O'Connell, Paul Anderson, Sean Harris, Richard Dormer

Directed By: Yann Demange