Manchester by the Sea
Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler
A depressed uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies.
Why you'll love it
A deeply emotional story about grief and redemption as a man returns to his hometown after a family tragedy.
The Florida Project
Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe
A single mother and the manager of a roadside motel do their utmost to maintain the innocence of a six-year-old girl's life.
Why you'll love it
A vibrant portrayal of childhood and poverty, focusing on a young girl living in a budget motel near Disney World.
Lady Bird
Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts
A fiercely independent teenager tries to make her own way in the world while wanting to get out of her hometown of Sacramento, California, and to get away from her complicated mother and recently-unemployed father.
Why you'll love it
A poignant and humorous look at the turbulent bond between a mother and her daughter during the senior year of high school.
Moonlight
Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes
A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.
Why you'll love it
A coming-of-age story that explores identity, family, and love through the life of a young black man.
The Shape of Water
Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon
At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Why you'll love it
A unique love story set against the backdrop of the Cold War, exploring themes of isolation and acceptance.