I have always loved going to the movies. From the endless snacks (mostly the ones I sneak in lol) to arriving extra early to see all the previews of new films–going to the movies always feels like an extra special occasion.
Being able to see a movie in the theatre might pale in comparison with the never-ending forms of streaming. We don’t always have the ability, time or funds to see a film in person, and it’s even harder to keep up with what movie is coming out. This has hurt the film industry over the decades, making it more vital to support whenever we can.
Here are just a few independent films from 2024 that you might have missed in theatres, from horror to fantasy. There are some that give the unexpected, and ones that will definitely tug on those heart strings.
This Horror/Fantasy takes us back to the 90’s to follow Owen, an isolated teenager living in the suburbs. Mysterious events start to occur when one of his classmates introduces him into an eerie late night TV show called the Pink Opaque. This 1 hour 40 minute film is a unique psychological thrill that gives a cocktail of visuals, twists, and perspective on growing up and gender identity.
It’s interesting to see Owen connect with a piece of media (that he thinks) is an escape from navigating his real life. We get a sense of nostalgia with hues of color, dream-like sequences, cheesy tv scripts and 90’s animation. I would say this movie leans more towards fantasy than traditional horror (as it’s not super scary), but it does have a mysterious air that is suspenseful.
What I loved so much about this film is that it doesn’t follow the typical format for a movie – the dialogue is very vague and the events feel slow-moving. It’s a movie with a gradual elusive build, but definitely well- worth the reveal in the end.
On Max & Prime Video
Writer and director Julio Torres (Los Spookys, Fantasmas) stars in this film as Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who moves to New York City. In this Comedy/Drama, his true passion of working for Hasbro has been put on hold, as he only has a month to find a sponsor before his work Visa expires. He meets a relentless eccentric woman named Elizabeth, played by Tilda Swinton (Constantine, Doctor Strange). In exchange for sponsorship, she has given him the monumental task in honoring her frozen (yes, frozen) partner’s unusual artistry.
This comedy is packed full of whimsical and colorful imagery, which gives humor despite a difficult and overwhelming experience. Alejandro has to not only battle the monster that is immigration and existing in NYC, but also an unpredictable Karen. The film is a great piece to uniquely portray the immigrant experience, and the unfortunate lengths people have to endure to make enough money to survive.
Running time 1 hr 44 mins. On Max & Prime Video
Colman Domingo (Rustin, Euphoria) portrays the real life person, John “Divine G” Whitfield, who was imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a crime he didn’t commit. The film follows Divine G and a group of men in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Maximum Security. The men are planning to put on a performance, when they are joined by Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (played by himself) who is initially hesitant and skeptical of the program. Through the therapeutic power of the arts, the men are able to share their unique stories despite their circumstances.
This piece portrayed Black and Brown men in the prison system with an element of hope and wonder not seen in other films with the same subject matter. While we don’t forget where the characters are, we get to see them have moments of freedom and creativity through their vulnerability. The program allows them a space to reflect on their life choices, and what could be their potential decisions if they are to be released.
What’s also really captivating about this film, is we get to see cast members played by several people who were once formerly incarcerated, and alumni of the program.
Running Time 1 hr 47 min. On Max & Prime Video
Chaotic pranks, home videos, 2000 nostalgia, and the early days of Myspace are all featured in this coming-of-age comedy drama, Dìdi (弟弟). Set in the summer of 2008, 13-year-old Taiwanese American adjusts to the awkwardness of navigating friend groups, crushes, and family relationships. While making juvenile videos with his friends, Chris Wang (often called Dìdi (弟弟), Mandarin for “younger brother”) starts feeling the stress of being unpopular start to weigh on him. Creatively through skateboarding antics, chat room interactions, and all too familiar bickering with siblings–we get to see a glimpse of what it’s like being a young high schooler growing up online.
While very light–hearted and silly, this film also takes an emotional take on more serious subjects like loneliness and cultural identity. We see the intense effect of social media and how it creates feelings of inadequacy in young people. What’s really unique about this film is that there’s also emphasis on other characters like his mother, an immigrant who has the dream of being a successful artist. By the end, Didi realizes how much his family truly loves him, despite the changes he’s going through and the lack of confidence he feels.
Running time 1 hr 36 min. On Prime Video & Youtube
The intense feeling of falling in love, heartbreak, and holding on to a past life is all displayed in this Romantic-Drama, All We Imagine As Light. Set in Mumbai, two nurses living together each come to an emotional crossroads in their life. Prabha, serious and introspective, receives a gift from her husband in Germany whom she hasn’t heard from in over a year. Anu, lively and adventurous, has a relationship with a Muslim man, keeping a secret from her family and the people around her.
This film is full of visuals – not only to display two Indian women’s search for love and contentment, but also the vibrancy of the city’s culture and people. The story is told through scenic stills and bittersweet poetry. We see the power of loneliness and yearning for happiness, as well as the resilience of working-class people in Mumbai. Although it’s a slow burn and requires a lot of patience from the viewer, it’s incredibly worthwhile if you especially enjoy films of the arthouse style.
Running time 2 hr 3 min. On Prime Video
In a time when the world is bleak–a great movie has the unique power to make us feel a sense of comfort.
When’s the last time you saw a movie that really stayed with you? Feel free to share some of your favorite films you’ve seen recently, or ones that you really enjoyed over the years. Thank you for reading.