An independent film, usually indie, is made without the assistance of a major Hollywood studio, with smaller costs and more artistic freedom for the directors. Independent films are frequently distinguished by their original storyline, unconventional viewpoints, and aesthetic expression. They are created independently of large studios and frequently released via independent distributors, cinemas, or streaming services. Independent films are frequently produced with smaller budgets and fewer resources than Hollywood productions, and they can cover a wide range of genres, styles, and issues. Here is the list of the top 10 independent films that you have to watch:
1. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins helmed the independent movie “Moonlight” in 2016. The movie explores the coming-of-age journey of a young, gay, black guy in Miami and is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” The movie received a lot of attention for its original and potent storytelling as well as for representing a perspective that is rarely seen in mainstream media. Numerous nominations and accolades were given to “Moonlight,” including various Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and BAFTA Awards. One of the top movies of the twenty-first century, it is regarded as a seminal work in independent cinema.
2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
American comedy-drama “Little Miss Sunshine” was released in 2006 and was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, and Alan Arkin are among the ensemble cast members in the movie. A dysfunctional family’s trek across the nation to enter a little girl (Breslin) in a beauty pageant is the focus of the plot.
3. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
The 1853 memoir “12 Years a Slave” by Solomon Northup served as the basis for the 2013 historical period drama film “12 Years a Slave,” directed by Steve McQueen. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup, a free African American who was abducted and sold into slavery in the nineteenth century, in the movie. The cruelty and unfairness of slavery are shown in the movie, along with Northup’s struggle to survive and win his freedom. “12 Years a Slave” won numerous honors, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was hailed for its potent performances and uncompromising depiction of slavery.
4. Get out (2017)
Jordan Peele wrote and directed the horror-comedy “Get Out,” which was released in 2017. The film tells the tale of Chris, a young African American man who discovers a dark conspiracy involving racial exploitation and brain transplantation after visiting the family of his white lover. The film received a lot of praise for its humorous perspective on racial tensions in America as well as for how masterfully Peele handled the horror subgenre. Jordan Peele received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out,” which was a commercial and critical hit.
5. The Florida Project (2017)
The movie tells the tale of Moonee, a precocious six-year-old, and her motley crew of friends who reside in a cheap hotel just outside of Disney World’s fictitious perimeter in Florida. The children’s contagious sense of adventure and youthful innocence, despite their challenging living circumstances, create a dramatic contrast to the reality of their parents’ problems with poverty and drug addiction. The stunning performances in “The Florida Project,” especially from main actress Brooklynn Prince, as well as its subtle and sympathetic depiction of American poverty, received high praise. The movie received praise for its amazing use of color and photography, which contributes to the dreamlike ambiance that represents the young characters’ imagined world.
6. Her (2013)
Spike Jonze is the writer, director, and producer of the 2013 science fiction romantic drama movie “Her.” Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is an introverted writer who falls in love with Samantha, a highly developed artificial intelligence system, who is spoken by Scarlett Johansson. The story is set in a near-future Los Angeles. The movie, which examines themes of love, loneliness, and interactions between people and technology, received a lot of attention for its engrossing performances and provocative comments on the use of technology in our lives. The movie “Her,” which was nominated for multiple awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Score, is regarded as one of the most inventive and significant movies of the twenty-first century.
7. The Witch (2015)
The movie is set in the 1630s and centers on a Puritan family that is compelled to leave their community and begin a new life in the woods as a result of a string of unexplainable and paranormal occurrences. The family members start to believe that a witch might be to blame for the unusual events and the loss of their newborn kid, which steadily heightens the tension and uneasiness in the movie. The effective use of atmosphere and sound to evoke a sense of dread and unease in “The Witch” received high praise for its adherence to historical accuracy. Anya Taylor-outstanding Joy’s performance as the family’s oldest daughter and the film’s themes of faith, family, and the fear of the unknown were highly praised for their quality.
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s post-apocalyptic action movie “Mad Max: Fury Road” was released in 2015. The story of Max Rockatansky, a loner and former cop who partners up with Imperator Furiosa, a charismatic warrior, to flee the clutches of the oppressive Immortan Joe and his army of War Boys, is told in the film, which is set in a lonely wasteland where gasoline and water are in short supply. High-speed action scenes, elaborate realistic effects, and breathtaking stunts are all hallmarks of the movie. The critically acclaimed and financially successful “Mad Max: Fury Road” is regarded as one of the best action movies of the twenty-first century.
9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson wrote and directed the comedy-drama movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which was released in 2014. The film, which is set in the imaginary European nation of Zubrowka during the interwar era, chronicles the exploits of Gustave H, the storied hotel concierge, and Zero Moustafa, his devoted lobby boy. The movie is renowned for its intricate production design, unique storytelling, and offbeat humor.
10. The Handmaiden (2016)
Park Chan-psychological wook’s suspense thriller “The Handmaiden” was released in 2016. The story of young criminal Sook-hee, who is recruited to pose as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress named Hideko, is told in the film, which is set in 1930s Korea and Japan. Identity, deception, sexuality, and power relations are just a few of the interrelated plot twists and themes that are woven throughout the movie. A lot of people applauded “The Handmaiden” for its complex plot, beautiful photography, and great acting, especially from main actresses Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri. The film’s feminist undertone and examination of gender and sexuality in a patriarchal culture were additional notable features.
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