Chicago Film Experts Highlight 10 Must-See 2025 Movies You Overlooked

As the holiday season approaches, film enthusiasts are seizing the opportunity to catch up on the cinematic offerings they missed throughout the year. Chicago filmmakers and critics have identified ten must-see films from 2025 that have not received the attention they deserve. Below is a curated list of these overlooked gems, all available for online viewing.

10 Must-See Movies from 2025

• The Age of Disclosure – Directed by Dan Farah, this film debuted at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in March. It features interviews with Air Force pilots and scientists discussing unidentified aerial phenomena, constructing a narrative filled with provocative claims and explorations of a decades-long cover-up.
• Anniversary – Starring Kyle Chandler and Diane Lane, this gripping drama is penned by Lori Rosene-Gambino. It weaves a fictionally charged narrative centered on a Georgetown University thesis that incites a national movement, challenging familial and societal norms.
• The Baltimorons – This holiday-themed comedy by Jay Duplass intertwines themes of connection and redemption on Christmas Eve. With charm and humor, it follows two characters as they navigate personal challenges and bond during an extraordinary dental appointment.
• Birdeater – A notable Australian indie directed by Jack Clark and Jim Weir, this unsettling narrative blends horror and deep emotional undertones during a bachelor party weekend. The film interrogates stereotypes while revealing hidden truths among friends.
• Bob Trevino Likes It – This heartfelt comedy features Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, exploring the emotional journey of a young Kentucky woman. Written and directed by Tracie Laymon, the film is inspired by her own life experiences and offers a touching narrative about finding hope in unexpected connections.
• Grand Theft Hamlet – Blending high art with low culture, this innovative film by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane reimagines Shakespeare’s classic within the expansive universe of the video game “Grand Theft Auto.” It offers a unique look at the intersection of gaming and theater during the COVID lockdown.
• Invader – This 70-minute thriller directed by Frank V. Ross delves into the paranoia of urban life. It follows a Chicago woman navigating a disorienting and tense night after getting off a late bus, capturing the essence of fear and uncertainty.
• Materialists – Featuring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, this rom-com directed by Celine Song critiques modern dating dynamics within high-end scenes. Its keen observations about relationships challenge traditional narratives, prompting audiences to consider the material aspects of love.
• Sorry, Baby – Eva Victor’s directorial debut presents a poignant character study of a struggling grad student, informed by Nabokov’s “Lolita.” Victor’s film offers a thoughtful exploration of personal challenges and societal expectations.
• Twinless – This dark comedy follows the unlikely friendship of two men at a support group for those grieving their late twins. The screenplay navigates complex themes and offers humor amidst sorrow, leading to a surprising resolution.
• The Ugly Stepsister – A transgressive take on the traditional Cinderella tale, this film by Emilie Blichfeld explores themes of societal expectations, marrying for wealth, and the dark side of beauty. It offers a fresh, albeit gory, perspective on familiar narratives.

Many of these films have slipped through the cracks due to shorter theatrical release windows and a lack of studio marketing efforts. Such productions reveal the diverse landscape of independent cinema that Chicago’s vibrant theaters aim to showcase. As audiences look to expand their film horizons, these must-see movies from 2025 provide perfect options.

For those interested in discovering more of what the city has to offer, local independent cinemas continually curate intriguing selections and retrospectives throughout the year.