Bolshoi Babylon provides an engaging and interesting (if thematically simplistic) behind-the-scenes look at one of Russia's greatest cultural institutions.
The Queen of Ireland is a powerful, moving document that acts as a time-capsule of emotion and social change. It's also the funniest film of the year.
Perhaps a few stops down from essential, but Room is still quietly devastating thanks to two sublime lead performances.
The Program is a compelling but compromised look at the life and lies of Lance Armstrong.
This is the Star Wars film that fans having been waiting for, and for everyone else this is a fine way to enter the universe and to see what all the fuss is about.
The Lobster is a unique and oddly affecting take on modern relationships, with a fine cast committing to its deadpan strangeness.
Black Mass is filled with a star-studded cast, but it is Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jimmy Whitey Bulger that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Mississippi Grind has earned a place for itself among the gambling classics with its unique angle on addiction and male friendship.
