Independent films often fly under the radar, but they can be some of the most impactful and thought-provoking movies out there. With the rise of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to discover these hidden gems. In this article, we’ll explore 20 independent films that you might have missed but need to see.
Introduction to Independent Films
Independent films are movies that are produced outside of the major film studio system. They often have lower budgets and are made with more creative freedom, which can result in unique and innovative storytelling. Independent films can be found in a variety of genres, from drama and comedy to horror and sci-fi.
Benefits of Watching Independent Films
There are many benefits to watching independent films. For one, they often offer a fresh perspective on the world. Independent films can tackle topics that mainstream movies might shy away from, such as social justice issues or unconventional relationships. Additionally, independent films can provide a platform for new and emerging talent, both in front of and behind the camera.
Types of Independent Films
There are several types of independent films, including:
- Low-budget films: These films are made with a limited budget, often using guerrilla filmmaking techniques to keep costs down.
- Art house films: These films are often more experimental and avant-garde, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
- Indie dramas: These films focus on character-driven stories and often tackle serious issues like relationships, identity, and social justice.
20 Hidden Gem Independent Films
Here are 20 independent films that you might have missed but need to see:
- The Big Sick (2017): A romantic comedy-drama based on the real-life courtship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily.
- Moonlight (2016): A coming-of-age drama that follows a young black man as he navigates his identity and relationships in Miami.
- The Florida Project (2017): A drama that follows a young girl growing up in a motel near Disney World, exploring themes of poverty and childhood.
- Get Out (2017): A horror film that combines social commentary with traditional horror elements, following a young black man as he discovers a sinister plot by his white girlfriend’s family.
- The Lobster (2015): A dystopian romantic comedy that follows a man who must find a mate within 45 days or be turned into an animal.
- Ex Machina (2014): A sci-fi psychological thriller that follows a young programmer who is invited to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot.
- The Invitation (2015): A thriller that follows a man who reconnects with his ex-wife and her new husband at a dinner party, but things take a dark turn.
- A Ghost Story (2017): A romantic drama that follows a ghost who haunts the house he shared with his wife, exploring themes of love, loss, and time.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017): A psychological horror-thriller that follows a surgeon who forms a bond with a sinister teenage boy.
- Lady Bird (2017): A coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows a high school senior as she navigates her relationships and identity.
- The Duke of Burgundy (2014): A romantic drama that follows a romantic relationship between two women in a mysterious, isolated world.
- Frances Ha (2012): A comedy-drama that follows a young woman as she navigates her post-college life, exploring themes of identity and relationships.
- Morris from America (2016): A coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows a young African American boy who moves to Germany with his father and learns to navigate a new culture.
- The One I Love (2014): A romantic comedy that follows a couple on the brink of breaking up, who discover a way to access alternate versions of themselves.
- Coherence (2013): A mind-bending sci-fi thriller that follows a group of friends whose dinner party is disrupted by a series of strange events.
- The Signal (2014): A sci-fi thriller that follows a group of friends who uncover a mysterious signal that leads them on a dangerous journey.
- Under the Skin (2013): A sci-fi film that follows an alien who disguises herself as a human woman, exploring themes of identity and humanity.
- The Guest (2014): A horror-thriller that follows a soldier who introduces himself to the family of a fallen comrade, but his true intentions are sinister.
- It Follows (2014): A horror film that follows a young woman who is pursued by a supernatural entity that takes on the form of different people.
- A Dark Song (2016): A horror film that follows a grieving mother who rents a remote house in order to perform a ritual to contact her deceased son.
Why You Should Watch Independent Films
There are many reasons why you should watch independent films. For one, they often offer a unique perspective on the world. Independent films can tackle topics that mainstream movies might shy away from, such as social justice issues or unconventional relationships. Additionally, independent films can provide a platform for new and emerging talent, both in front of and behind the camera.
How to Find Independent Films
There are several ways to find independent films. You can check out film festivals, such as Sundance or SXSW, which showcase new and emerging talent. You can also look for independent films on streaming services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. Additionally, you can check out local art house theaters, which often show independent films.
Tips for Watching Independent Films
Here are some tips for watching independent films:
- Be open-minded: Independent films often push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, so be prepared for something new and different.
- Read reviews: Check out reviews from critics and other viewers to get a sense of what to expect from the film.
- Watch with an open mind: Don’t go into the film with preconceptions or expectations – let the film speak for itself.
Conclusion
Independent films are a treasure trove of unique perspectives, innovative storytelling, and emerging talent. By watching independent films, you can discover new favorite movies and support the next generation of filmmakers. So why not give some of these hidden gems a try? You never know what you might discover.
Call to Action
Start exploring the world of independent films today. Check out some of the films on this list, or look for independent films on streaming services or at local art house theaters. You can also support independent filmmakers by attending film festivals or donating to crowdfunding campaigns.
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Hidden Gems: 20 Independent Films You Might Have Missed
Meta Description
Discover 20 independent films that you might have missed but need to see. From romantic comedies to horror thrillers, these hidden gems offer unique perspectives and innovative storytelling.
Keywords
- Independent films
- Hidden gems
- Movie recommendations
- Film festivals
- Streaming services
- Art house theaters
- Emerging talent
- Unique perspectives
- Innovative storytelling
Semantic Keywords
- Low-budget films
- Art house films
- Indie dramas
- Guerrilla filmmaking
- Social justice issues
- Unconventional relationships
- New and emerging talent
- Film festivals
- Streaming services
- Local art house theaters
Geo-Specific Keywords
- Sundance Film Festival
- SXSW
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Local art house theaters in [insert city or country]
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