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.
Hitting the ground running and never pausing for breath, the riveting and riotous 11 Minutes is a triumph for writer/director Jerzy Skolimowski.
The Lobster is a unique and oddly affecting take on modern relationships, with a fine cast committing to its deadpan strangeness.
Mississippi Grind has earned a place for itself among the gambling classics with its unique angle on addiction and male friendship.
