Films like The Smell of Us.

The Smell of Us (2015) reads as Heavy, measured, measured drama, inventive in texture. Nihilistic, intimate, cold. Every film below is ranked by distance across the same twelve hand-scored axes — with what it keeps, and where it walks away. Not a genre dump.

John and the Hole (2021) poster
1. John and the Hole2021

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Essential Killing (2010) poster
2. Essential Killing2010

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Cannibal (2013) poster
3. Cannibal2013

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

Most Beautiful Island (2017) poster
4. Most Beautiful Island2017

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace; trades toward a airy, open telling.

Magic Magic (2013) poster
5. Magic Magic2013

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace; trades toward a airy, open telling.

In Fear (2013) poster
6. In Fear2013

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

The Rover (2014) poster
7. The Rover2014

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Canyons (2013) poster
8. The Canyons2013

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace; trades toward a airy, open telling.

Holiday (2018) poster
9. Holiday2018

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Silent House (2010) poster
10. The Silent House2010

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace; trades toward a airy, open telling.

Come Out and Play (2012) poster
11. Come Out and Play2012

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

Boys Cry (2018) poster
12. Boys Cry2018

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the patient, unhurried pace — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

These are The Smell of Us’s neighbours — where are yours?

Rate five posters and the same twelve axes read you — then tonight’s pick comes from your own centre of taste.

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