January has come and gone, and hopefully so have your Christmas decorations. If not, you're neighbors may be seeing red — but isn't everyone, with Valentine's Day just around the corner? If you're still looking for that perfect person to spoil you on February's official day of love (you have a couple weeks yet), swipe right on the next Tinder profile, and take them out for a true test-run with one of Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics' recommendations.
Steve Walker
"The World Before Your Feet," not rated
The beautiful eccentricities that make up the five boroughs of New York City — from random fig trees to Jean-Michel Basquiat's headstone — are examined in this documentary about Matt Green's years-long vow to walk its every block.
"Shoplifters," R
- In this Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film, a Japanese family of grifters, gamblers and thieves forms indelible bonds until a twist begs the question: What really defines a family?
"The Favourite," R
- Ten Oscar nominations went to this delightfully vulgar, lavishly designed romp from director Yorgos Lanthimos that stars Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone as ruthless ladies-in-waiting vying for the attentions of a mercurial Queen Anne, played to the hilt by Olivia Colman.
Cynthia Haines
"The World Before Your Feet," not rated
- One man gives up his traditional life for an 8,000-mile trek through the streets of New York City. Matt Green spends his nights couch surfing with friends and strangers while exploring every nook and cranny of the city.
"Shoplifters," R
- The "resourcefulness" of a Japanese family of small-time crooks comes into question after they take in a beleaguered young girl they find in the cold.
"On the Basis of Sex," PG-13
- Based on a true story, Felicity Jones plays Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she builds a legal career marked by cases aimed at overturning a century of gender discrimination. Mimi Leder's drama comes as the associate justice of the Supreme Court celebrates 25 years on the bench.
