5 Indie Sci-Fi Films You've Never Heard Of (NO SPOILERS)

[@TheBackFocus]

NOTE ABOUT SPOILERS: I thought I was being careful, but the consensus from the comment section seems to be that there are some MINOR spoilers. I certainly didn't reveal everything in these films, but I clearly went a little too far for some people's comfort. Consider that as you watch, and I'll be more careful in the future! - Brandon

[@penfold7455]

One other thing you might want to add to the sticky is what streaming services these films are on; at least in the US.

[@thesausagecontinuim1971]

high man.. thnx for the pointer, i just watched VESPER, really enjoyed it, if a lil sad and miserable lol... but it has a dark beauty for sure!!

[@AleksanderNevskij47]

In the future or in the past???

[@theplanetruth]

INFINITY CHAMBER is labeled sci-fi, but it is more a psychological thriller imo. I have watched it at least 100x

[@callmedd3494]

Aniara is one of my all-time favorites.

[@franklinritch]

Hey guys! Writer/Director of The Artifice Girl here. This was a huge and wonderful surprise! Thank you Brandon & Kenny for sharing our humble little film with such a beautiful and eloquent review! I can't wait to share this with the cast and crew. Also, I greatly appreciate you keeping the third act a secret. It goes to show how much you care about the films you discuss and the respect you have for your audience. Truly, excellent video. *** Shoutout to Things Will Be Different! Brilliant film. Michael Felker has an insane career ahead of him!

[@gregorynikolay]

Thanks to this channel (which right now is the first time I've come across them) I'm going to watch your movie which already seems very interesting to me but wouldn't have known it existed at all if it weren't for these gem spotlights. I'm so glad that creatives get a chance to shine cause of channels like these.

[@TheBackFocus]

Wow! Thank you so much for the comment! I absolutely loved the film, and I hope more people give it some love. ❤️

[@josemontilla-p5s]

Congratulations to everyone involved. I liked it a lot! PS just can't help but to mention that with mature/realistic styled sci-fi movies I always crave for some dive into at least a bit of technical stuff, like educationally esp. in this one with AI

[@inzert]

Just finished watching The Artifice Girl and it was a treat! One of the best Indie scifi films I ever watched. Coherence is an all time favorite but this may be a close second for me.

[@peabuddie]

I loved The Artifice Girl. Will watch again. Good work!

[@lastlifefilms7980]

Hey hey! Michael Felker here, writer/director of Things Will Be Different. Just wanted to say thank you so much for highlighting our film and your wonderful analysis. We only just came out a little over a month ago, and its really affirming to see our film still being discovered. Very honored to be placed amongst some really amazing sci-fi gems. Thank you also for keeping the rest of our movie vague, but still underlining the unique sci-fi elements and our specific film influences (all very on point). Also special shout out to The Artifice Girl, one of the great thought-provoking sci-fi films of our time (genuinely can't wait to see what Franklin Ritch tackles next), and the wonderfully touching time-travel film Aporia, lovingly made by Jared Moshe.

[@TheBackFocus]

Wow! Great to hear from you Michael, and thanks for the kind words. Loved your film, and it was a privilege to watch and talk about it.

[@td7723]

I can't wait to see what your next endeavor will be. I really enjoy the movies you have worked on. From The Endless to Something in the Dirt and now Things Will Be Different. Those movies are thought provoking with characters you can connect with. I'm a mathematician who believes I can solve any problem, but time is undefeated. Sir, good skill to you in the future.

[@Skreee99]

Hey Michael, I loved your movie! I especially loved the photography. That 360° turn with the changing landscape was so great!

[@robbm_chemist7441]

Damn. About to watch this after artifice girl. Super stoked. Been bummed out looking for new movies/shows instead of just rewatching Dark...now I have a two I can explore. "Things will be different" and "Artifice Girl"

[@sindaleenichols]

Hi Brandon & Kenny, Sinda (actor) from Artifice Girl here. I loved watching your video and thoughtful comments! So honored to be part of this amazing group of films. Really appreciate your spreading the word about AG, and I'm looking forward to watching the other films on your list. Keep up the awesome work.

[@TheBackFocus]

Thank you so much for the kind words :). You and the rest of the cast were fantastic in the film. All the best.

[@nealrstevens]

Sinda's performance was commanding. Such a good cast.

[@franklinritch]

🕷️👑❤

[@danielbudney7825]

Ha! Obviously a response written by an AI ... seriously, tho, you and the team added something amazing to the World. Thank you.

[@BrittMcTammany]

Thank you for highlighting our film "The Artifice Girl"

[@TheBackFocus]

It was easy to highlight a movie I truly loved.

[@franklinritch]

( @BrittMcTammany was our incredible DP and Colorist for this film. 🙌 )

[@Skreee99]

It's so good! I really loved it!

[@Deletirium]

My favourite indie scifi film is Coherence. I think it's achieved some cult notoriety now, but it was relatively unknown when it came out. It was so effective at creating an Other-based sense of creepiness, all simply based on glowstick colours, and a shoeatring budget. That's pure story writing magic.

[@charlieosko4151]

Coherence was amazing!

[@endorphinparametric4132]

It is far better than the films here (those I've seen). I would also recommend "Another Earth".

[@reezlaw]

I second that! Coherence is awesome!

[@targard.quantumfrack6854]

I always pair it with "Triangle" when I show it to someone. And then, there is "+one" a shameless copy of "Coherence", and if it isn't a copy, it's a shameless film.

[@LeadSurge3000]

🙂 *I watched Coherence after hearing Patton Oswalt sing its praises. Looking fwd to a few of these, too!* 🙂

[@dagrimmreepa]

Holy shit. I'm a lifelong scifi fan and i thought i had watched everything. I have seen none of these, and im at a loss for how i missed em. Thanks for this list, you've given me 5 brand new stories to chew over!

[@migledauksaite659]

As a lithuanian, I’m so happy that you liked Vesper 🇱🇹

[@jessvex]

Even though it’s animated, I’d add “Scavengers Reign” (HBO and Netflix). It’s amazing both with the visuals and story - a modern sci-fi masterpiece imo.

[@pvtpain66k]

I second this. It's stories are awesome.

[@Keith_Rothwell]

thirded

[@blenderpanzi]

forthed

[@davidf2244]

Don't watch if depressed. It gets under your skin. I'm critical. 8.5/10 easy. So good.

[@onyinyechiejiofor1376]

hopefully we get that second season. the trailer the creators made was so good.

[@douglaswaterson7107]

Quick mention for The Endless (2017) - low budget, acting is variable quality, but it has a great high-concept setup and plays it out beautifully.

[@KatorNia]

If you liked this, you have to watch more of Moorhead & Benson's work. "Resolution (2012)" & "Synchronic (2019)" in particular, are said to be set in the same universe.

[@culinarynerd]

Spent an afternoon once watching for the first time Resolution followed by The Endless... What an amazing day!

[@kevinlakeman5043]

That'a a brilliant piece of work by Moorhead and Benson.

[@endorphinparametric4132]

Wonderful film. Also recommend "Synchronic"... fantastic. Both easily reward a second viewing.

[@lizardog]

Great film. I also think Resolution is genius.

[@tbgelectr0]

Aniara is written by Harry Martinson and gave him the nobelprice in 1974. The orignal is written as poems.

[@geckovonparsley8200]

I saw a stage play of it once. It originally being poems makes sense. I remember it being somewhat dreamlike.

[@KonstantinZilberburg]

i wonder if that gave inspiration for the Avenue 5

[@JoeFiorelloFilms]

@@KonstantinZilberburgI got recommended Aniara after binging Avenue 5 and totally could see it being like a spoof of the doomsday off course concept. Great flick. Got in my head and ended up picking up the original poem in English translation

[@geraldmartin7703]

Aniara is also a Buger Blomdahl opera, premiered in 1959. I have the suite somewhere in my L.P. collection.

[@FredrikBswe]

Fun fact. To honour Harry there is a place in his native municipality, Sollentuna, that is called Aniaraplatsen (Aniara square). And parts of the movie was filmed right next to it in Sollentuna centrum (shopping mall). Look at 13.03 in this youtube clip and you will see that. I was there yesterday. Everytime i am there i am thinking about the movie that really is fascinatingly uncomfortable to watch.

[@DarthEd77]

I really liked "I Am Mother", an Australian sci-fi movie from 2019. It was on Netflix.

[@TheBackFocus]

Another gem. 💎 I loved that one.

[@PLively]

I agree. The trailer hooked me and I added it to my watchlist, but then, it took me months before I felt like actually watching it. When I did I felt stupid to have postponed it. A splendid film

[@TobyLawnjockey]

Didn't know it was from Oz. Raised by wolves, mined a similar vein.

[@DITTOE]

So good!

[@walterfredrickson3887]

Myself too…

[@Brismo7]

Prospect (2018) was an amazing indie science fiction movie. Check it out, I was pleasantly surprised.

[@chrisnotaperson8127]

I caught this in theaters

[@santmat007]

Prospect was great... Very unexpected scenes and plot twists... and the future famous Pedro Pascal is in it.

[@VanBurenPhilips]

Came to recommend Prospect too, I loved it :D

[@Brismo7]

@@VanBurenPhilips Hell yeah!

[@torq21]

Best Star Wars movie in years!

[@ADavid42]

Scavengers Reign is an animation series that closely ressembles Vesper. The world is heavily inspired by Moebius' art, while the individual plotlines each address human nature, faults and all. It's mostly about adaptation to a non-logical biological environment, the acceptance - or not - of the way it functions. Plus it's pretty, with space for whimsy. Mature.

[@martindoyle2446]

Scavengers Reign is a stunning animation series. One of the best/fresh sci-fi series I've seen in many years.

[@conmadben]

That was wokeism infested crap.... Every white guy was either a evil or just stupid, evey women was empowered and gay. It was painful to watch. And the world was uninteresting too. Would not recommend to anyone.

[@miveso]

Good one. I clicked thinking that surely I'd seen all five, but you've dived for some pearls here.

[@joePARKS]

same

[@nicopoisonwood4171]

Just for those who would like it. Thanks for the movie suggestions The Back Focus #5 0:55 Aporia #4 3:40 Things will be different #3 6:37 Vesper #2 10:15 Aniara #1 14:10 The artifice girl

[@TheBackFocus]

Thanks, we put those in the description to make the chapters in the video, but for some reason, they’re not showing up. Working to fix it.

[@yw1971]

@@TheBackFocus Add 'Pandorum'. If not here then in another list

[@blazewinters2593]

@@TheBackFocus Maybe you could pin the list to the top? It's just a thought

[@uabpsab]

My two absolute favorites in this genre are Time Trap,2017 and In the Shadow of the Moon,2019. These 2 are very low budget but still amazing!. Not sure The Thirteenth Floor,1999 qualifies due to bigger budget but it's not often discussed and it is fantastic!

[@CynanRees]

Agreed... Timetrap is superb! Lots of great suggestions here.

[@chrisclark7285]

Totally hit the comments to recommend Time Trap. Really fun movie.

[@philfedora495]

+1 for Timetrap.

[@meryplays8952]

very good indeed

[@starshiptrooper428]

Agree Thirteenth Floor is hugely underappreciated. It was unlucky to release at the same time as The Matrix - so completely overshadowed.

[@78deathface]

The Artiface Girl deserves way more attention. I thought about that movie for weeks afterward, I still think about it.

[@mdp720]

For me, the scariest part isn't the morality of using AI. It's the implication that if someone with good intentions could create that project to get the FBI's attention, then someone with bad intentions could create one to indulge predators instead. I just saw a news report about a guy who got arrested for deepfaking CP, and his clients were usually relatives or family friends of the girls he was deepfaking. The problem is, I'm not sure if those people broke any actual laws because there isn't enough regulation for AI yet. But they should definitely be put on a watchlist and the families should be alerted.

[@babagalacticus]

apropos "THE ARTIFICE GIRL", robin wright & al pacino take on this subject from a different angle in "THE CONGRESS". it's actually a bit mind boggling.

[@tdeo2141]

@@babagalacticus is The Congress a sci fi movie as well?

[@lonnynettnay8889]

@@babagalacticus "The Congress" has Harvey Keitel not Al Pacino. I think you might mean "Simone/S1m0ne" with Al Pacino and Catherine Keener.

[@peabee4758]

Europe Report is worth a watch if you like hard sci-fi. The low budget worked in its favor to give quite an authentic look. And excellent job on this list. Each movie definitely appears to be worth the watch. Especially if you're tired of typical Hollywood fare. Much thanks for the list.

[@C-man553]

Excellent.

[@guyjackson132]

I saw it ("Europa Report") at the distributor's screening as a guest of Bear McCreary (his first film OST).

[@grahamrich3368]

Agreed! Europa Report is first class!!

[@guyjackson132]

@@peabee4758 One thing I would change would be to edit a new trailer for the movie. Magnet made it seem like a run-of-the-mill "horror movie set in space".

[@GiantDwarf2718]

IMHO it is a run-of-the-mill horror movie set in space... Like many such movies it uses the pseudoscience and space stuff as unexplainable plot devices. Granted, the making has some nice aspects to it, but I appreciate the fact that the movies in this video were selected mostly due to their writing.

[@DavePlaysStuff]

A recommendation from me for a suuuuper low budget sci-fi would be The Vast of Night (2019) - some of the shots they pulled off (with like, remote controlled cars, iirc) are incredible.

[@TheBackFocus]

Dude, The Vast of Night is INCREDIBLE. I didn’t include it on the list because I actually assumed more people knew about it.

[@anonymes2884]

"The Vast of Night" is, for me, one of those indie movies that's both clearly low budget but also so creatively made, it genuinely wouldn't be improved with another $100 million. (and like e.g. "Evil Dead", I can see it inspiring indie filmmakers for years to come)

[@KillerTurtleSquirtle]

Great film. Doesn't feel low budget at all.

[@markfaby3130]

It's a really good movie.

[@wanderandquestion5286]

​@@anonymes2884Seriously, no offense intended, but how is this clearly a low budget movie? Agreed, it was made with a budget under $1 million, but the acting, cinematography, special effects, and production are all first-rate. My favorite movie of the last 10 years.

[@theterminaldave]

Wow, impressed you watched Aniara TWICE, I'm happy to have seen it, but there's no way i could watch it a second time. That hopelessness was intense.

[@gretacarinae3372]

Uhhh yeah, watching it twice is crazy (I definitely haven't seen it roughly 20 times and absolutely love it)

[@uh8myzen]

I've watched it like six times. I love that movie for its hopelessness.

[@Maegnys]

As a Swede, I don't think I can watch it because the acting is atrocious or tha way they say their lines. No one in Sweden talks like that. And that is a problem with many if not most Swedish films. The actors don't sound like real people but like actors saying lines from a script. It's filmed theatre and film and theatre is different. Or should be.

[@theterminaldave]

@Maegnys interesting perspective, this could be turned into a Broadway play probably, as I understand what you mean when it comes to the suspension of disbelief when it comes to the two mediums

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

Yeah just a sek... "hopelessness" but different and what kind of animal humanity is, can also be found in Blindness [2008]

[@NickRoman]

Well, for one thing, you are a phenomenal movie critic. I can't imagine being able to explain movies and what I think about them at this level.

[@grahamrich3368]

Agreed!

[@shardsofcontent4829]

Two indie favourites that come to mind are “Primer” (2004) and “Pi” (1998). Both are standout genius works with low budgets.

[@TheBackFocus]

I’ve watched Primer like 10 times, and I always have fun digging into the different timelines. What’s amazing is that the film seems designed to confuse the viewer and put them on the same playing field as the idiots messing with the timelines, but underneath it all, it’s actually thought out to every meticulous detail.

[@AlbertBalbastreMorte]

@@TheBackFocus can you recommend any video or resource that explains all the timelines?

[@andwari4645]

@@AlbertBalbastreMorte Just google "Primer Timeline" in google. There are some very good illustrations.

[@guyjackson132]

Check Nacho Vigalondo's "Timecrimes".

[@KatorNia]

Thumbs up for "Pi"! 👍🏻

[@goodsound4756]

I only knew "Vesper" before, so interesting collection. I add "Vivarium" from 2019 into the mix.

[@libbybaker86]

Same here. I liked vespa but haven't seen the others

[@TheFatwelder]

There was an episode of 'Out of the Unknown' series from 1966 called 'Tunnel under the world', that had the same storyline as Vivarium. Based on the Frederik Pohl novel from the 50s.

[@tdeo2141]

I felt the “imprisonment” feeling in Vivarium but I needed to see how it would end.

[@ascendingrules]

Vivarium is very creepy and unsettling.

[@goodsound4756]

@ascendingrules Yes, some uncanny valley

[@uberdonkey9721]

1. Aporia 2. Things will be different 3. Vesper 4. Aniara 5. The Artifice Girl Thanks. Only saw the Artifice Girl, which was very good and well written.

[@michaelespinosa9168]

I loved “Oxygen” the French wake up in a pod movie and the Circle where a group of people wake up in a circle and vote as one dies every sixty seconds that plays out in real time. Both excellent.

[@paulsande]

Can’t agree with you more! What an under-rated film.

[@lonnynettnay8889]

What year did "The Circle" come out? I can't find anything that looks like a sci-fi movie.

[@MartinPeel]

@@lonnynettnay8889 been meaning to watch it myself, 2015 according to the interwebs

[@awr2217]

Very cool list. Here's a few indie sci-fi picks I would recommend in no particular order. *Another Earth *Monsters *Upstream Color *High Life *Predestination *Never Let Me Go

[@roban9999]

I am a fully grown, emotionally stable, 57 year old man. Never Let Me Go had me shedding real tears by the end. This is NOT typical behavior for me. Such a powerful story.

[@Norp-i7m]

I love Upstream Color, and I hated Never Let Me Go. I want them to fight back in Never Let Me Go, and they don't.

[@awr2217]

@Norp-i7m Hi, Maybe this might change your mind. The young people in this movie were also genetically engineered not to fight back and be violent.

[@bcarr1122]

Yes, "Upstream Color" is a work of genius.

[@endorphinparametric4132]

An excellent list! I found "High Life" tedious and ridiculous, but can get behind all the others you mention.

[@AndreasViklundOfficial]

As a fan of indie films and science fiction, I ended up watching "The Artifice Girl". And I have to say thanks for not spoiling act 3. Best recommendation I have got in a long time.

[@djbeema]

Not a film but a show recommendation, although I don't even know if it's on Max anymore, is Raised by Wolves. The one caveat being that season 2 ends on a cliffhanger, and then unholy devourer of shows Zazslav cancelled it like he did with every other good sci-fi show on HBO Max. So if you're okay with that, it's an incredible, bizarre and unique sci-fi story that is just batshit insane in the best way sometimes

[@C-man553]

Yes!

[@dominey]

@@C-man553This was one of the few shows I’ve seen where the crazier it got, the more I liked it. The last few episodes were especially insane. Apple TV should pick it up!

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Season 1 was awesome. Season 2 was somewhat of a letdown for me. Disappointed that it was canceled, though.

[@TobyLawnjockey]

I got the DVD from my local library. (Always a good source of obscura..please return items).

[@tdeo2141]

@@TobyLawnjockey yes, and everyone please be careful with the materials. About a third of the items I borrow have scratches and they ruin the movie 😕

[@alexplorer]

My own recommendation: Monsters (2010). It was Gareth Edwards' first film, well before Godzilla or Rouge One. It never seems to get mentioned, so I gather it remains below the radar. A lot of the elements of Vesper remind me of it, such as the rural environments full of otherworldly hazards. It has a simple enough premise that I'd describe it more as a character piece than a story-driven film, but it's also about a changing world. There's a bit of the "iceberg" approach to the story-telling here as well, where we're following characters with no special knowledge and make no major discoveries; we're just seeing this new world through the eyes of regular folks. Great score by Jon Hopkins (Look up the main theme; it's on here). The behind-the-scenes stuff is worth checking out afterward if you have the physical disc, if only to see how comfortable Edwards has always been with effects and how seamlessly he incorporated them. It's a masterclass in how to film actors without the CGI becoming intrusive (i.e., He doesn't rely on green screen environments).

[@endorphinparametric4132]

Agree. His best film. Godzilla could have been good before the studio decided to killed off the best characters. From then it's been pop trash.

[@dot23X]

Is rouge one that film where an evil empire is destroyed by nanobots embedded in an alien lipstick?

[@mossadon]

A good list well reviewed. Here are some recommendations: Black Hollow Cage. 2017. This for me is up there with Soviet era and older European Sci Fi. It is the world it is pretending to be. It is simple and beautiful and jus a lil odd. It's not a perfect film but for me, does exactly what it sets out to do. It's a rainy long winters night movie....Just give yourself to it. Think of it as a long Twilight Zone episode. Cargo. Not the 2017 Martin Freeman film....The Swiss/German 2008 slab of Sci Fi is a much slept on gem that seems to have slipped under most fans radar. The English dub leaves a lot to be desired so i highly suggest the original German language and subs. Earth is fucked and people are buying their way to the planet Rhea. This is a spaceship based...thriller? The sets and FX are excellent and put bigger budget Hollywood to shame. Terminus. 2015. This is a low budget, filmed in Australia but supposed to be America film that is actually far better than it should be. It seems at times to be a SyFy movie but keeps skirting away to be a solid B movie due to the actors being that bit better and the story being intriguing. Ex soldiers and family make a discovery during hard times that hints towards something miraculous and mysterious that, if they can understand it, may just save them from a very bleak future. Prodigy. 2017. One of the best child actor roles i've ever seen outside of Hollywood/mainstream. Savannah Halliday as Ellie, the Prodigy of the title, gives a palpable, chilling and very real performance of a very... troubled...child under investigation by a small team of experts. A very tight film, well cast over all and shot in a few rooms/lab. Ellie puts Eleven/Stranger Things to shame. An excellent, grounded outing into "Powers" territory. The Blackout. 2019. Russian alien invasion Sci Fi that at times feels like a Japanese film. It has that ...flare and self belief of Asian cinema that borders on schlock...but doesn't quite go over the top. Jus a great Army Vs Aliens film not half as serious as the films above in this list. Save Yourselves ! 2020. One of my favorite alien invasion films. I frickin love this quirky black comedy. Two geeky Brooklynites drive out to the countryside and a nice cabin house to try get away from tech overload and reconnect with each other....and things start to get a bit weird. This low budget film has great heart and excellent pace/beats. It's silly in all the right places and manages a great level of "Huh?" right up until the biggest WTF? at the end. Branded. 2012. This film is not easy to find any more....but worth it for fans of the weirder Twilight Zone/Outer Limits kinda sci fi. It's a strange film about products and branding and the power of marketing...with a very weird twist. A very strong cast with some big names that just seemed to...disappear from shelves. Was it too close to The Truth? I hope not! >Looks worriedly above my head< Worth sailing the high seas to find....if you can even find it there !- Seven different sci fi slices of cinema to seek out and see. I hope you enjoy which ever ones you track down.

[@TheBackFocus]

Dude, thank you for this list. I don’t recognize any of the titles, so I’ve got a fresh supply!

[@jeg101233]

Dude! I love you!

[@4stringbloodyfingers]

well.... who's running this joint?! hhahahaha

[@dexterford8094]

Branded (2012) is available on the high seas courtesy of YIFY.

[@EmmaFrostRules]

Spot on about Aporia. Just finished it. I loved it. Thank you so much. Looking forward to more videos.

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

You definitely should check my top 5 list of indie sci-fi gems: 1. Primer (best time travel ever put to the screen; Nolan was so jealous he copied the concept in Tenet); 2. Coherence (Unscripted masterpiece, one of a kind); 3. Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (I still haven't figured out how they pull that off; you should try it); 4. The Man From Earth (my fav flick ever, three incredible plot twists); 5. Timecrimes (Cronocrimenes) (Neat, effective, fun) Cheers!!!

[@TheBackFocus]

Seen all these (Primer I watch like once a year lol) except for Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes. You’re not the first to recommend that one, I should check it out

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

@@TheBackFocus same here, lol... About the seventh time watching Primer, I thought I nailed it...(still I missed a couple things). Nice, your brain will go like...wait a minute! Cheers !

[@joePARKS]

Loved Timecrimes

[@billtodd2194]

Hopefully you've also seen Predestination? It and Primer are my top 2 time travel movies. Not really indie, but small enough no one I suggest it to has ever heard of it. Timecrimes is also way up there.

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

I liked Timecrimes, but I'm not a fan of Primer.

[@_whatthefacts_]

Nice job mate, you delivered! Vesper and The Artifice Girl are now on my to watch list.

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Me too.

[@a_hsalem6314]

I really enjoyed watching The Artifice Girl. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. The young actress was amazing. The back story was so fascinating, it kept me invested in the story. I highly recommend this one.

[@gbjbaanb]

If you like Time Travel ones, most are pretty rough but... "Mega Time Squad" is fun, "Predestination" is awesome, and "The History of Time Travel" is essential, try to keep up when it starts but you'll love it when you realise what's going on. There's also "Coherence" that starts a little boring but by the ending it goes full in on the premise. "Cosmos" (2019) - 3 amateur astronomers detect unusual signals, the entire film is just them 3 getting excited at the idea it might be space aliens. Well acted. For others, I saw a real indie called "Cargo" (2009) that was the crew's first film. It was decent. I'd also recommend "Salyut-7" (2017) as just brilliant.

[@everettharris967]

I have to give rare thanks to the algorithm, this was excellent. I love indie sci-fi and I'm adding all of these to my to-do list.

[@checkcheck16]

It's a more occult but "He Never Died" is the number one under-appreciated film in my catalogue. Very great to go in blind. Funny, demented, surly violent and a refreshing take on old lore.

[@ward9306]

Henry rollins was great

[@Glowbox3D]

Great list. Really well produced and written. I've seen several of these, but most I haven't, and these are exactly the types of films I seek out when wanted to nerd out on a sci fi film. Thank you.

[@RationalistRebel]

I completely agree with your take on The Artifice Girl. It's fairly simple and bare-bones in its execution, effectively a "stage play" shot at some nondescript locations. Yet, its writing and acting punch far higher than its budget would imply. I haven't heard of Vesper or Things Will Be Different, I'll definitely check them out. The time travel plot reminds me a bit of Enter Nowhere (2011). Another bare-bones indie film based on a small cast, basic locations, and a simple premise that becomes much deeper you'd first assume. The acting was decent and the plot has some nice twists to keep you guessing for awhile. Another is Triangle (2009), though it plays with time in a very different way. Triangle has a much larger scale, an abandoned ocean liner adrift at sea--not sure how they pulled that one off. It's honestly a bit rough around the edges. The acting is...good enough, and the plot takes awhile to piece together, though for reasons that will become apparent towards the end. The payout is really worth it though. Well, until the third act anyway. It feels needlessly tacked on, but it's sort of wraps things up. It's still worth checking out nonetheless. The other from your list I'd seen was Aniara. I think your first take was the right one. It looks fairly polished on the surface, but overall the plot is too thin for the runtime. With better editing to trim some of the pointless repetition and tighten up the tension, it could be a decent film. As it stands...I'd pass.

[@Mrjudsonjames]

Thankyou SO much for no spoilers, it means I’m genuinely interested in seeing ALL of these movies now!

[@matiasdevaglia4541]

"Vesper" is a jewel of science-fiction filmmaking. I recommend it to anyone interested in the genre. "Aniara" is a very good film, but also emotionally devastating. Approach it with caution and stop watching it if you feel you can't take it anymore, because every time you think things can't get any worse... they do.

[@spiderliliez]

I Origins by Brit Marling and Mike Cahill was so amazing. ❤

[@guyjackson132]

And "Another Earth".

[@TheBackFocus]

@@guyjackson132 LOVE Another Earth.

[@guyjackson132]

@@TheBackFocus Ever since "The OA" - I've watched several of Marling's/Batmanglij's collaborations. Even sat about 5 feet away from them at a public screening of 2 (we were only supposed to see 1) episodes of "The OA" on a theater-sized screen but, sadly - could not meet them as they had to run off somewhere. "The OA", "Another Earth", "Sound Of My Voice", "I Origins", "The East" and the recent "A Murder At The End Of The World". And her role in the UK police dramedy "Babylon".

[@MattRoadhouse]

Everything Brit !!

[@DavidSanchez-rs5bw]

Excellent list and better video without spoilers. Can’t thank you enough for actually listing the movies in the description. Loved it!

[@onyinyechiejiofor1376]

Another banger list! Your channel is becoming a favorite of mine I find your videos put me at ease. Anyways… I have 2 recs off the top of my head: Mars Express & Automata. Mars Express is a really punchy French animated cyber punk noir. The plot is generic but the detail of the world and the animation are top tier. Automata is super super under the radar. It came out around the same time as Chappie, and while that saw some buzz Automata slipped under the cracks. Its also got a generic story about the laws of robotics and treatment of sentient robots as an allegory for oppression (sort of like Mars Express) but again the world feels very lived in and its a fun watch for a sci fi fan. I’ll throw in Z for Zachariah as an honorable mention.

[@mdp720]

I really liked Mars Express. The biomechanical robot design is fantastic and it has some great world-building.

[@murdockscott]

@@onyinyechiejiofor1376 I second the recommendation for Automata, it surprised me.

[@babagalacticus]

'AUTOMATA' did indeed get short shrift & antonio banderas is in excellent form. i wouls add 2023's "THE MACHINE" which was unfortunately overshadowed by "EX MACHINA" but which i personally actually enjoyed more. british production.

[@inkasaraswati7625]

I really liked Automata, I agree it is underrated.

[@davidstephenson3615]

So far seen The Artifice Girl and it was FANTASTIC. Great pick! Looking forward to the others. Hidden gems people! Deserve to be seen!

[@bdi7518]

The Platform & The Platform 2. Perfect SciFi

[@andrewkb5211]

Thank you for these brilliant reviews, without spoilers. Will definitely check these out, they all look good. Subscribed. 👍🙂

[@shoyahaaruni]

"you've never heard of" actually true for once

[@malachiXX]

Here are a few favorites that I have enjoyed over the years..... Cargo (2017) Martin Freeman, The Superdeep (2020) Melina Radulovic, The Girl with All the Gifts (2016) Sennia Nanua Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014) Jay Gallagher (Guilty Pleasure)

[@tocsa120ls]

That Disney spent more on a failed hotel than the creators did on these 5 movies should infuriate everyone who cares about movies...

[@Micheal.Espinola]

These look like a brilliant selection of sci-fi storytelling. I really enjoyed your presentation of them, and look forward to giving them all a watch!

[@blenderpanzi]

So Aniara is basically the same plot as Avenue 5, except its not a comedy?

[@TheBackFocus]

Never seen Avenue 5!

[@jeg101233]

@@TheBackFocus Its a must watch! Highly recommend it! Thanks for the video!

[@babagalacticus]

MOS DEF not a comedy; swedish bleakness, think INGMAR BERGMAN on a death run in deep space. DO NOT watch it if you have been having suicidal ideations though; i'm serious as cancer.

[@geolawie]

They're both cruise liner type space ships that get lost in space, yeah, though Aniara's story gets deeper and darker than Avenue 5

[@minstakatten9023]

It's based on the poems of Harry Martinson, who got a nobel prize in literature 1974 much because of them.

[@slimyelow]

I am thrilled to see these. Thanks so much for the titles. My move well is about to dry up.

[@jamesbunt6846]

"Never Let Me Go" from 2010 for me is the best Science Fiction movie that no one has seen. Stars Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley. A group of children at a boarding school discover the dark secret of why they are there and what that means for their future. Saying anything more really will give away too much, I wouldn't recommend watching the trailer either, as it artfully ruins the climax. Early film festival reviews said how it was bringing crowds to tears, and I thought yeah, yeah, sure, sure, cut to me inconsolable in a sold out showing at TIFF.

[@stephenpalmer9375]

The original Novel by Kazuo Ishiguro is really good as well.. although I would say the 'dark secret' is revealed surprisingly early on, and concentrates more on the effects on ethics involved. But yeah, with that cast, the direction by Romanek and a great script adaptation by ALex Garland, I don't understand why it isn't better known

[@anonymes2884]

@@stephenpalmer9375 I dunno, I think it's fairly well known (the book won plenty of awards for instance, including, y'know, a Nobel prize for literature :), was well reviewed at the time etc. Not mainstream maybe but here in the UK at least, I bet most film/book/sci-fi fans know of it. "Spares" by Michael Marshall Smith is, IMO, a good take on the same idea BTW (I remember feeling that slight resentment of the long-time sci-fi fan when the novel of "Never Let Me Go" was released to quite a lot of acclaim, partly because it was by a "literary" author and thinking "Yeah, I really enjoyed this one _about 10 years ago_ when it was called 'Spares'" :).

[@stephenpalmer9375]

@@anonymes2884 i wonder if it is because of the very British Cast that it's maybe more well known on our side of the pond. I'll have to check out "Spares", so thanks :)

[@evildrganymede]

jeebus, I watched Never Let Me Go once and thought it was absolutely amazing but it is one of those films I could never watch again (I got the DVD though, just to have a copy). It is *brutal*, but so well done!

[@charlieevergreen3514]

“Tau” is a good film about relating to AI as a dangerous caretaker, maybe? And “The Void” is probably not really a sleeper, but is a pretty great modern Lovecraftian film. Thanks for the video! You actually informed me of films I hadn’t caught! Amazing.

[@NunSuperior]

Prospect (2018). Tense low budget thriller. Pedro Pascal.

[@TheBackFocus]

Yes! Solid movie.

[@wallywest4274]

The Vast of Night was a great surprise. Well worth checking out.

[@marksstudio]

Well done. Without doubt one of the finest Sci-Fi film review sites I have ever seen, and I had to subscribe.

[@aristideau5072]

Predestination is constantly ignored on various top 10 or, videos like yours, sci-fi movies that you may have missed. Probably because it is an Australian film (with mainly US actors) but Australian actress Sarah Snook provides a killer performance. This film really deserves more appreciation.

[@Kthomasritchie]

Predestination brings new meaning to the term "Go fuck yourself".

[@danielitovv]

Predestination is a very very good movie, but I don´t know if it is an indie movie...

[@KatorNia]

Amazing movie, probably the best time travel related mindF* ever! 👍🏻

[@endorphinparametric4132]

It's a fun film that I recommend constantly. Just because it's not on this list doesn't make it "ignored". I have 100 films I would recommend to an SF fan. So if I mentioned only five I'd be "ignoring" 95% of them.

[@guest_informant]

Thanks Brandon. I was a fan in the No Small Parts days, but haven't seen any content for a while. This made me watch The Artifice Girl and I'm really glad I did. Top notch indie film making.

[@narc212]

Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes

[@blenderpanzi]

Second that!

[@TheBackFocus]

Never heard of it. Added!

[@naiknaik8812]

that one is peak

[@etiennebrownlee4071]

I just watched watched Aporia, and I love it.. It was so suspenseful and fascinating. A cautionary tale about never messing around with time.

[@Earthcrosser]

Thanks. All of these are interesting but you said NO SPOILERS. When you started giving a lot of info on APORIA, I stopped it and just scanned thru all the titles. Again, thanks for introducing these but you gave too much info for me to stop watching your vid.

[@TheBackFocus]

Understood. I’ll err more on the side of caution in future vids.

[@datman6266]

Vesper is a gem indeed, others I haven't seen yet, great video!

[@klausvonshnytke]

Jesus, man! What does the NO SPOILERS means to you?

[@TheBackFocus]

No more than you might get from watching the trailer. I did my best to show enough of the films in order to talk about them, but hide enough so the entire thing isn’t ruined.

[@klausvonshnytke]

@@TheBackFocus I do appreciate your work in researching and reviewing niche sci-fi, a genre I like a lot, but I think you revealed too much of the plot. Especially in the first segment. It doesn't bother me personally. I will enjoy a good movie even if I know how it ends. But... sometimes less is more.

[@Keith_Rothwell]

@@TheBackFocus And you did great! Thank you!

[@TheBackFocus]

You’re not the only one to voice this, so I’m thinking I did overstep a bit. I’ll be more selective in the future!

[@adrianscarlett]

This comment needs pinning.

[@ScottWDoyle]

Wow. Such thoughtful takes on 5 movies... none of which I had heard of. You have a new fan.

[@passion_proh-jects]

Wasn't expecting 2b surprised by any of these titles. Of the 4 I've seen, No 1 has the most sudden detail changes - 1 in particular that caught me way off guard. Thank you for this cerebral, enjoyable and thought provoking list!

[@GiantDwarf2718]

Thanks for the list and excellent analysis! I appreciate your sharing of your personal emotional response. It seems you favor movies that are well written, which is unfortunately hard to find in the vast ocean of available movies out there... I think this is my first time watching any of your videos, but I made sure to subscribe early on while watching it, as the same can be said about good YT content. Keep it coming!

[@devonhammond6471]

Great list! I actively hunt down sci-fi and mind-f movies and had only heard of Artifice Girl, these gems are pretty hidden!

[@FoggyStillness]

I really appreciate your commentary on these 5 SciFi flicks. Your insightful, well-written/spoken and very personally expressed thoughts really drew me in. I'm looking forward to watching the 2 that I had not seen before (Things Will be Different, The Artifice Girl). Thanks very much. Be Well,

[@theMonkeyMonkey]

Fantastic recommendations, and brilliant reviews. That's a great job you've done.

[@jessegravatt41]

Radius (2017) is free on YT. Nice simple concept that is well acted and has a pretty satisfying conclusion. Look forward to watching all 5 of these!

[@MichealWhiteetihWlaehciM]

Just finished The Artifice Girl! What an incredible film. I just recommended it along with 2 other films you suggested. Thank you 👍🏿

[@davidcompton741]

Loved the Artifice Girl. Thanks to the channel for highlighting it. Really like the investigation of AI and human crossover combined with sentience, feelings and created programming reminiscent of Objectives and priorities like Asimov's laws. Will be watching again.

[@celeph]

Thanks so much for these recommendations. I haven't seen or heard of any of these, but they all look super interesting. On my watchlist now - can't wait to catch up soon!

[@bartuslongus]

Thank you very much for this great list! Very good (for me spoiler-free-enough) summary and critique of the movies! Loved that. Looking forward to watching them asap.

[@MG-bs5mr]

I know you couldn't put every single good indie film on the list but I can't help but feel that I've got to mention Cosmos. Yes a wee bit of a slow burner but I really enjoyed it.

[@roaming-aus]

Vesper was a film I came across and I was absolutely blown away. Such a surprise and a start to finish treat.

[@wanderlking8634]

I like a reviewer who can report their feelings of both not liking/feeling uncomfortable but also liking that it made them feel something. People are complex, and our reactions to movies can be as well.

[@mdp720]

Worth mentioning that Things Will Be Different is written & directed by Michael Felker, the editor of all of Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead's films. So it has a similar look and feel, and there are even some clues that it takes place in the same universe.

[@EmmaFrostRules]

New to your channel. Liked this list. You are spot on about Vesper.a true hidden gem. I'm about to start Aporia. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[@Cabochon1360]

Wow, really interesting stuff! I look forward to watching these.

[@terryterryd]

This is a great recommendation video. I love the sound of all of these, and I will be watching them. Thanks ❤

[@acosarismo]

I was blown away by Artifice Girl - a brilliant script, well-executed! I'd try to work 2018 Freaks & 2017 Radius into this list.

[@TheJayRoth]

Great video. You've provided me with 3 solid films that I am going to watch for sure. I'm so tired of the run of the mill mainstream streaming garbage films. Thank you a million.

[@blinddog1212]

Great list! Aporia/Vesper/Aniara are awesome and you gave me some new watchlist ideas. Thanks! Subscribed.

[@RaRa21260]

Artifice Girl in number one place is well deserved. I was so glued to this movie...amazing job.

[@Verb130]

Knocked it out of the park with this attempt at film recommendations. Well done.

[@DrNothing23]

"The Quiet Earth". 1985, New Zealand, Post Apocalyptic 3 character slow burn. Brilliant film... EDIT: Neil DeGrasse Tyson calls it one of his favorite Sci-Fi films.

[@EricVanWinkle]

I genuinely want to see these. Added a few to my watch list and keeping this in my watch later. Great picks! I'll even give Anaria a strong maybe.

[@Skreee99]

I saw four of the five movies and they are all excellent! Aporia is still on my list. I have SO much time for smaller movies with interesting scrips. Much love to everyone involved in these five movies.

[@Juohmaru79]

Artifice girl, what a hidden gem! Interesting list,i'll check out the rest suggestions. One movie i would suggest in the same vein is Infinity Chamber, well made low budget sci-fi. Also the plot of Aporia reminded another little known gem, Time Lapse.Keep it coming, cheers!

[@anonymes2884]

Not _that_ recent but "The Infinite Man" (2014) was a fun Australian sci-fi indie IMO. And I feel like most indie sci-fi fans know this one (and it's even less recent :) but i'm always going to recommend "The Man from Earth" (2007). Both movies really understand how to do sci-fi on a budget.

[@1dariansdad]

I had forgotten about The Artifice Girl. I saw and was mesmerized. There was some weakness given the lack of really great direction but the story and the acting were spot on.

[@EmmaFrostRules]

I've watched Aporia and Things Will Be Different. Both were solid recommendations. About to start Aniara and I'll have completed your list. Looking forward to more videos.

[@destiny-theseries]

I love this list. I'm going to check all of these out. Subscribed!

[@JRKyt00]

If the films reviewed are as enjoyable and intelligent as the reviews...wow! I look forward to viewing each of them.

[@RobinHogg-j4d]

One low key time travel film i enjoyed is Triangle. I would be remiss if i didnt cheekily and thoroughly recommend the streaming series Dark.

[@TheBackFocus]

Triangle has some good, kind of terrifying moments. Dark… man, I fell off after the second season. Kenny and I did have fun making a recap of seasons 1 and 2 though. It’s one of the videos we did for IMDb I’m most proud of. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXNi4iNoaqggdEsi=J96YY22V9qAV8cKu

[@guyjackson132]

​@@TheBackFocus I recommend that IMDB recap to friends who've seen "Dark"! I knew your voice sounded familiar...

[@NickRoman]

It took me three tries with a few months between before I got hooked on Dark, but once I did, I found it to be the most engaging and thought provoking sci-fi shows/movies in a long time for me. I think I watched it three times. There's just so much to connect together in that show. I definitely also needed to go look for relationship maps and time-line chronologies between runs through watching the whole series. It was quite a unique show.

[@RobinHogg-j4d]

@NickRoman I nearly gave up around the end of S2 iirc, the complexity was getting a bit much, but I'm glad i continued as it all came together. I will rewatch it again, it will probably make for a better experience.

[@mehediofbd]

I've watched Vesper last year. I was speechless. Loved that movie. I really love any sci-fi movie with alien environment and Vesper excels at that.