The new year is here, but some challenges remain stubbornly familiar. Those extra 10 pounds are still hanging around despite your renewed commitment to regular exercise, and the weather hasn’t exactly been inspiring. Thankfully, movies continue to offer a perfect escape. This weekend, you can head to the theater to watch Gerard Butler in action with Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, or experience a quirky musical biopic, Better Man, featuring a CGI monkey as English pop star Robbie Williams (yes, you read that right).
If you’d rather stay in and relax, Max has an impressive lineup to keep you entertained. We’ve picked three underrated films from their collection that, while not classics, are definitely worth your time. After all, a cozy movie night sounds much better than another round at the gym, doesn’t it?
Citizen X (1995)
Few things are more unsettling than watching a serial killer movie, especially one based on a real-life murderer. These films often delve deep into the dark corners of human nature, leaving viewers with an eerie sense of unease. Among the hidden gems in this chilling subgenre is a little-known 1995 HBO movie that’s just as gripping as The Silence of the Lambs or Zodiac—and arguably just as haunting.
Set in 1982, the story begins with the discovery of a body on a Soviet farm. Soon after, seven more bodies are unearthed nearby, forcing authorities to face a horrifying reality: a serial killer is at large. The intense manhunt that follows is spearheaded by Viktor Burakov (Stephen Rea) and Col. Mikhail Fetisov (Donald Sutherland), who ultimately track down the killer, Andrei Chikatilo (Jeffrey DeMunn). The film masterfully captures the chilling true events surrounding one of history’s most infamous criminals.
What makes Citizen X truly compelling is not just the identification of the killer but the unsettling exploration of how government bureaucracy and forensic failures allowed Andrei Chikatilo to evade justice—even after being apprehended and questioned. As a member of the Communist Party, Chikatilo was shielded by high-ranking officials who refused to accept the possibility of his guilt, enabling him to claim more victims. The film powerfully depicts the determination of investigators Viktor Burakov and Mikhail Fetisov, who relentlessly pursue justice despite facing resistance and obstruction from their own system. Their unwavering efforts ensure that Chikatilo is ultimately stopped, showcasing both the human cost of systemic failure and the courage needed to overcome it.
Citizen X is streaming on Max.
Edge of Darkness (2010)
Mel Gibson, once the iconic star of the Lethal Weapon series and the Oscar-winning Braveheart, has shifted his focus in recent years, now directing action thrillers like the upcoming Flight Risk. Among his notable performances in the last two decades, Edge of Darkness stands out as one of his strongest. Directed by Martin Campbell, the filmmaker behind the widely acclaimed James Bond film Casino Royale, Edge of Darkness offers a gripping conspiracy thriller. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Campbell’s Bond masterpiece, it delivers solid suspense and showcases memorable performances from Gibson and co-star Ray Winstone.
The story follows homicide detective Thomas Craven (Gibson), whose life takes a devastating turn when his daughter, Emma, is brutally murdered in front of him. Overcome with grief, Craven clings to a lock of her hair, only to discover it’s radioactive—a clue that leads him into a dark conspiracy. As he delves deeper, he uncovers Emma’s investigation into Northmoor, a company secretly manufacturing dirty nuclear bombs. Determined to uncover the truth, Craven joins forces with British fixer Darius Jedburgh (Winstone) to expose those behind Emma’s murder and halt Northmoor’s deadly operations.
Edge of Darkness is streaming on Max.
On Chesil Beach (2018)
Saoirse Ronan stands out as one of the finest young actors of her generation, with an impressive four Oscar nominations earned before the age of 30—an undeniable testament to her talent and the respect she commands in the industry. While films like Lady Bird and Little Women have garnered widespread acclaim, one of her lesser-known performances in On Chesil Beach deserves more recognition. This poignant yet imperfect adaptation of Ian McEwan’s 2007 novella captures Ronan’s nuanced brilliance.
In On Chesil Beach, Ronan portrays Florence, a young bride navigating the early days of her marriage to Edward, played by Billy Howle. Set in 1962 England, the film explores Florence’s sexual inexperience and the societal taboos that leave her isolated and unable to express her fears. As the couple embarks on their honeymoon at the titular seaside location, they are forced to confront their expectations of one another and grapple with the challenges of communication and intimacy. The film’s quiet, emotional depth is anchored by Ronan’s compelling performance, making it a hidden gem in her filmography.
On Chesil Beach unfolds at a deliberate pace, lingering perhaps a bit too long before arriving at its central conflict—a pivotal revelation from Florence’s past that hinders her ability to fully connect with her new husband. However, the film ultimately finds its stride, culminating in a poignant and satisfying conclusion. Saoirse Ronan shines throughout, delivering a nuanced performance that transcends the occasional pacing issues and anchors the story with emotional depth.
On Chesil Beach is streaming on Max.