Jules’ Journal: Just The Beginning; 6 Niche Film Recs To Kick Off 2026

Newly appointed Section Editor Juliette Allen introduces Jules’ Journal, where she ventures into all things Film & Television.  

Hello Grapey readers and welcome to the first issue of 2026. Welcome to my new segment entitled Jules’ Journal where I plan to have a lot of fun this year. If you, like me, enjoy getting film ‘recs’, then look no further! I present to you some of my more niche recommendations to check out. I also wanted to briefly talk about the word Niche and how it relates to film recommendations, because what I think is deemed niche could differ to what someone else classifies it as. Is a film ‘niche’ because it’s indie? Because it’s a different language? Because it’s older? Because it doesn’t feature Hollywood A-listers? Or because it’s just underrated? All these questions I think are valid reasons to deem a film ‘niche’. What classifier I have used in terms of the following films is predominantly based on how many people haven’t watched or even heard of these gems. This is why I think you should consider watching them. So grab a snack and enjoy!

1. Fruitvale Station (Dir. Ryan Coogler, 2013)

“You Shot Me.. I got a daughter” —Oscar Grant

I would like to make a confession: I didn’t discover this film myself; I actually watched it after hearing it was Billie Ellish’s all-time favourite movie. This was according to her yearly Vanity Fair interview and I got curious. What I can say is, Billie has got taste! Fruitvale Station is a beautifully poignant true story starring a young Micheal B. Jordan. The film centres around social justice and racial discrimination. Indeed, this film was ahead of its time in addressing America's continuing crisis of police brutality towards people of colour. The Black Lives Matter Movement occurred in 2020 with mass advocacy both nationally and globally. Michael B. Jordan gives an incredibly nuanced performance as a guy earnestly trying to make a better life for himself and the people who depended on him. You know what tragically happens to him from the very beginning, and you can’t help wanting a different ending, but that’s how the story truly ends. It holds those responsible accountable and demands justice.

Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5

2.  Imagine Me & You (Dir. Ol Parker, 2005) 

“Don’t forget me.” —Luce  “I won’t remember anything else.” —Rachel

An absolute staple in my household as a daughter of a WLW couple. Indeed, my parents and I deem this film as the only authentic and tender representation of a sapphic couple to avoid the typical death or fetishised tropes that come with this type of film genre in the early 2000s. Imagine Me & You introduces a quaint love tale about two unsuspecting women who were not prepared for their feelings for each other. Nonetheless, they meet at one of their own weddings. The film boasts fairly well-known actors such as the handsome Mathew Goode, Lena Headey and many others who bring the film to life. Of course, it’s not perfect and has some aged themes but still gives audiences a feel-good positive romcom that is oh so charming.   

   Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5

3. Little Fish (Dir. Chad Hartigan, 2020)

“I was so sad the day I met you, I can’t remember why.” —Emma

Prepare yourself people because this is not the last you’ll see of Jack O'Connell's filmography; I am just obsessed with him… and his work, obviously ;) Little Fish is a dystopian film that portrays a pandemic environment, eerily similar to the time in which this film came out but instead, but with a virus that causes memory loss and the result of complete pandemonium. The protagonists Emma, played by the amazing Olivia Cooke and  Jude, of course played by  Jack O’Connell. The couple battle the throes of the virus, highlighting the power that memory and knowledge have in being so central to all our relationships. It’s a thoughtful and very visually dynamic film.

Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5

4. Beach Rats (Dir. Eliza Hittman, 2017)

“I don't really know what I like.” —Frankie 

Now, before you accuse me of watching this movie purely for Harris Dickinson, you would be correct! BUT, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot too ;) Beach Rats, a Sundance Film Festival premiere film, displays a gritty Indie drama that explores Frankie’s (Harris Dickinson) sexual identity. Frankie is a man of few words in the film, but the editing, the camera work and the acting in this film make sure that the viewer knows exactly how he is feeling and what's going through his mind. The film instead has a strong focus on the cinematography around him in Brooklyn and, of course, the beach. 

Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5

5. Phone Booth (Dir. Joel Schumacher, 2002)

“ Come on, Stu! Don't you get the game yet?” —The Caller

This one is a bit rogue, but nonetheless a classic action thriller where you can’t help feeling really worried for the main character. Phone Booth is a good film if you're in a nostalgic mood—at least in terms of seeing a real life phone booth that actually works. Admittedly, it's an older film. Colin Farrell’s character, Stu, starts out with a fairly arrogant and dishonest personality that quickly falters after he picks up the phone and chaos ensues. This gripping tale is supported by several well-known actors who further entice audiences, such as Katie Holmes, Forest Whitaker, Keifer Sutherland and many more. The film doesn't stray from the one location for its entirety, further adding to the suspense and feeling of hopelessness for Stu as he faces possible imminent death. I recommend taking breaks to ground yourself at points during the film, it’s good to remember you're not trapped in a phone booth. 

Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5

6. The Man With The Iron Heart (Cédric Jimenez, 2017)

"Power needs men in the shadows, keeping the most important secrets."

If you, like me, love war/historical films, this one is for you! Is it yet again a film featuring Jack O’Connell? Yes… but that’s besides the point! You know a guy is serious when Hitler nicknames someone ‘The Man With The Iron Heart’. The Man With The Iron Heart (Alternatively Titled: Killing Heydrich) is a compelling watch about Heydrich’s assassination in WW2 by two men from the Czechoslovak Resistance (Jack O’Connell and Jack Reynor). Heydrich was the leader of Czechoslovakia under Nazi rule and the brains behind the Final Solution. The film itself is split in two parts; the first being Heydrich’s ascent to power, and the latter on the Czech resistance fighters plot to kill him. Other wonderful performances including Rosamund Pike and Mia Wasikowska were the cherry on top. It is a thoroughly engaging film that I think deserves its flowers.  

Jules Rating:  🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️/5