Nightingale (2015, dir. Elliot Lester)

This is a miniscule budget, one-character film designed to showcase David Oyelowo's acting chops.  He received accolades for embodying Martin Luther King Jr. in 2014's "Selma".  Here he plays a psychologically-troubled man who's madness rapidly escalates over the course of the one and half hour HBO film. The film takes place entirely in his home which he has shared with his recently deceased mother.  The film alludes to the fact that he played a hand in her death though we never learn the exact circumstances.

Were it not for the energized, impressive performance by Oyelowo, this would be an instantly forgettable character study.  But somehow the lead actor puts forth an incredible, visceral show.  Oyelowo captures the downward spiral of madness in a astute, precise manner and makes the viewer truly sympathize with his plight despite his supposed transgressions.

This is an example of a film that is elevated by the performances contained within it.