Hidden Gems: The Best Indie Movies of 2025 (So Far) | Kinolime Podcast Episode 14

Danny Murray and Meara Owen-Griffiths discuss their favorite, lesser-known independent films from the 2025 slate to highlight excellent original stories that have not received enough attention. The discussion follows a chronological look at five specific films: "Sorry, Baby": Described as a bleak comedy-drama that feels similar to The Worst Person in the World, this film by first-time writer/director Eva Victor was praised for its atmospheric quality. Despite receiving great reviews, it suffered from a very limited release, which the speakers attributed to the current industry trend of deprioritizing mid-budget or non-awards-season films. "Vulcanisadora": Directed by Joel Petrius, this film is characterized as a buddy comedy that shifts into a bleak, intimate examination of a man struggling to find his place in 2025. The film is presented as a thoughtful answer to the question of what happened to the great buddy comedies of the 2000s. "Meanwhile on Earth" (or "Pondon Satam"): Directed by Jeremy Clappin, this atmospheric French sci-fi drama focuses on an absent character. Although it had earlier appearances, the speakers consider it a 2025 release due to the timing of their access to it. "Ephus": This directorial debut by Carson Lund explores the intangible beauty of baseball and the quiet, tender moments of community among men who struggle to communicate their emotions directly. It depicts the final game ever played on a field before it is destroyed. "Universal Language": This film is described as a surreal, zany, and visually beautiful story set in an imaginary version of Tehran located in Canada. It is noted for blending the styles of filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Abbas Kiarostami while maintaining genuine emotional resonance.