2024 has come with a slew of films that have delighted audiences, whilst promising more to come. From Dune: Part Two to the highly anticipated Challengers, 2024 seems to be yet another year when film fans can expect to find some of their favorite franchises flourishing while being clued into exciting new releases.
In the indie world, these selected films have had the privilege of debuting to that much fanfare. By revisiting beloved classics like Frankenstein or exploring niche enclaves of dramatic enjoyment, these stories have exceptionally illustrated relatable yet enthralling narratives. For anyone in search of a refreshing addition to their current movie diet, these are some of the best indie films 2024 has to offer so far.
10 Cat Person
As many have come to realize, Cat Person is anything but a romantic comedy. Emilia Jones stars as Margot, a 20-year-old college student who begins a relationship with Robert (Nicholas Braun), a frequent visitor to the theater she works at. As the relationship persists, Margot soon learns that Robert is not at all who he seems, contributing to the ever looming dangers of dating that women and femmes are often conscious of.
The Perils of Modern Dating Explored
Based on a viral short story penned by Kristen Roupenian, many have conceded that the film adaptation is quite a departure. The film begins as a saccharine romance for anyone unaware of the power dynamics involved before veering into uncomfortable territory. With the red flags placed in the narrative and an active conversation about stalking and predatory relationships, Cat Person lands as a perfectly fine film. However, many have noted that when the film strays away from Roupenian’s original plot, Cat Person loses its footing.
9 Cuckoo
One of the longest-teased films in recent memory, Cuckoo sees 17-year-old Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) leaving America to live with her father in the Alps. In spite of the positive connotations that come with the Alps, her trip is anything but relaxing or exciting. Gretchen is subjected to haunting visions and strange appearances that prompt her to further investigate her family’s connection to the bizarre occurrences.
A Highly Anticipated Horror-Comedy to Remember
Early reviews of the film have described it as a whirlwind, with Hunter Schafer making a strong case for joining the ranks of the decade’s burgeoning scream queens. With its most puzzling elements being both amusing yet frightening, the film reportedly does away with conventional horror tropes in favor of a memorable piece, one that requires the audiences to step outside their preconceived notions of what a horror film can look like. A theatrical release in the United States is currently slated for August 9.
Cuckoo
- Release Date
- August 9, 2024
- Director
- Tilman Singer
- Runtime
- 1hr 42min
8 All of Us Strangers
Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal star in the sentimental drama All of Us Strangers. It’s a story that touches on childhood, romance, and memory. Adam (Scott), a screenwriter based in London, breaks away from his responsibilities and runs into a man named Harry (Mescal) who transforms his night from a dreary, puddle of insubordination into an interesting escapade. The film is a loose adaptation of the 1987 Japanese novel Strangers, which was originally written by Taichi Yamada.
A Heartwarming Piece With a Hint of Magic
All of Us Strangers stands as one of the more recent examples of successfully conveying themes of grief, love, and maturity through Adam and Harry’s story. Through fantastical means, the film faithfully illustrates the complex yet identifiable methods of coping with coming out as a queer person and the light that provides solace in an otherwise anxiety-inducing decision.
7 The Taste of Things
The Taste of Things focuses on a budding romance between a passionate gourmand named Dodin (Benoît Magimel) and a chef named Eugénie (Juliette Binoche). Set in 1889, the film follows the shared bond between the two, documenting their love for cuisine as well as each other in a manner that makes audiences all the more appreciative of the love in their lives and the food that feeds their souls.
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A Delectable, Historical Romance
The love story within The Taste of Things is all consuming, savory, and profound. Best represented by the documentation of cuisine preparation, the breathtaking cinematography, and performances from both Binoche and Magîmel, the audience has no choice but to fall in love with Dodin and Eugénie, both apart and together. The attention to detail highlights the shared dedication to the craft and to each other, making for an exceptional romance that might make a misanthrope believe in love again.
The Taste of Things
- Release Date
- February 14, 2024
- Director
- Anh Hung Tran
- Cast
- Juliette Binoche , Benoît Magimel , Patrick d’Assumçao , Emmanuel Salinger
- Runtime
- 2hr 15min
6 The Beast
The Beast finds Léa Seydoux and George MacKay in a bleak, science-fiction romantic drama that envisions a world where emotions are illegal. Gabrielle (Seydoux) makes the decision to rid her DNA of such strong feelings through a machine that sends her back to her past lives. Divided into three years, Gabrielle soon meets Louis (MacKay) and acknowledges the deep connection she has with him, seemingly remembering him fondly. As she sits in the balance of two extremes, Gabrielle travels from the past to the future in hopes of better understanding her emotional capacity.
A Fascinating Odyssey Through Time
With an intriguing premise, The Beast succeeds in enticing audiences. However, the true appeal of the film lies in its pacing. Dedicating the beginning to building this seemingly unfamiliar world from the ground up, The Beast sets a sturdy foundation for the eventual evaluation of the human heart: its power and its significance. WIth stellar performances from Seydoux and MacKay, The Beast stands as an uneasy, uncertain, yet mesmerizing piece.
The Beast (2024)
- Release Date
- February 7, 2024
- Director
- Bertrand Bonello
- Cast
- Lea Seydoux , George MacKay , Guslagie Malanda , Dasha Nekrasova , Martin Scali , Elina Löwensohn , Marta Hoskins , Julia Faure
- Runtime
- 146 Minutes
5 Civil War
One of the most recent releases of the year, Alex Garland’s Civil War, finds a small group of journalists documenting the Second American Civil War. Unlike most films entertaining the possibility of a civil war, the A24 focuses less on the enabling factors behind the conflict and more on the actual fighting and consequences of said conflict.
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An Intense, In-Your-Face Omen of a Near Future
Controversial use of AI aside, Civil War is a perfectly fine film that takes pride in its most intense moments, winning big at the box office in the process. Interrogating modern ethics of journalism and human morality, Civil War actively engages with contemporary tensions across party lines and envisions what could transpire in the near future, even if the predictions presented veer into unpredictable territory. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the film is the performances, especially Kirsten Dunst, whose portrayal of coveted journalist Lee Smith strengthens the overall story, offering a moving coverage of the carnage before her.
Civil War
- Release Date
- April 12, 2024
- Studio
- A24, DNA Films
4 Immaculate
Immaculate is a front-facing horror film that chronicles the journey of Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney), a devout nun from the United States who moves into a reclusive Italian convent and soon becomes affected by bizarre visions that lead her to a startling truth about her newfound home. In addition to starring, Sweeney also serves as a producer, with Michael Mohan of The Voyeurs directing.
A Mysterious, Macabre Surprise
Falling in line with most religious horror films, Immaculate manages to provide the audience with a familiar yet well-written horror film. However, Cecilia’s story itself is the most appealing factor in the film. Alongside Sweeney’s spectacular acting and Cecilia’s strong character development, the film reveals itself as more than a simple frightening piece, but rather, an intriguing examination of Cecelia’s metamorphosis, culminating in a fascinating finale.
Immaculate
- Release Date
- March 22, 2024
- Director
- michael mohan
- Cast
- Sydney Sweeney , Simona Tabasco , Álvaro Morte , Benedetta Porcaroli , Dora Romano
3 Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding is an exciting romantic thriller that focuses on the connection between a bodybuilder and a gym manager with ties to a shadowy organization. Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy O’Brian) hit it off pretty quickly. However, information about both of their backgrounds rises to the surface, complicating their growing connection. As the film progresses, the late 80s romance turns into a gory thriller that does right by the story’s intentions.
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A Gritty, Action-Packed Love Story for the Ages
Love Lies Bleeding has been likened to Lynchian and Coen-esque films and for a slew of great reasons too. The references do not engulf the film as a whole but instead enhance the story of Lou, Jackie, and their loved ones. In its most surreal moments, the film grounds itself in its earnest and dark moments. A queer romance with just the right amount of action, Love Lies Bleeding is a must-see film for anyone who enjoys a great, action-packed love story that will undoubtedly stand out among the best films released in the 2020s.
Love Lies Bleeding
- Release Date
- March 8, 2024
- Director
- Rose Glass
- Runtime
- 1hr 44min
- Tagline
- Revenge gets ripped.
2 Priscilla
Priscilla sees director Sofia Coppola lift the lived experiences of Priscilla Presley from the pages of her memoir. Starring Cailee Spaeny as the titular icon and Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley, the film chronicles the former’s early life and the previously shrouded feelings and experiences that would define her marriage to the rock star. If you missed its original release, Priscilla has since made its streaming debut on Max in February.
A Mesmerizing, Biting Biopic
Priscilla understands the power of a muted performance. Spaeny masterfully captures the doe-eyed innocence of a teenage girl as well as she captures the pain and resentment of a disillusioned, adult woman. Despite the dreaminess of the cinematography and soundtrack, Coppola’s take on Priscilla’s memoir is anything but a Cinderella story. Instead, it stands as a succinct documentation of the perils of possessive lovers, and a woman’s careful navigation towards greater autonomy.
Priscilla
- Release Date
- November 3, 2023
- Runtime
- 1hr 53min
1 Problemista
Problemista stars SNL writers Julio Torress and Tilda Swinton in a whimsical tale about immigration and intellectual property. Alejandro (Torress) is a Salvadorian designer who spends most of his early adulthood in New York City. Hoping to find a sponsor before his work visa expires, Alejandro is soon hired by an eccentric soul well versed in the art world (Swinton). Throughout the film, the two make the most of their otherwise stressful situations, leading to a monumental breakthrough. In addition to starring, Juilo Torres also wrote and directed this film.
A Bright Breath of Fresh Air
The use of absurd or surreal humor to highlight often overlooked truths about the world is not a foreign concept. Problemista, however, makes the most of its humorous and mind-bending moments. Much like the toys that Alejandro prides himself on designing, the film is nothing short of original and exciting. With an earnest tale about modern day labor exploitation, theft, and xenophobia, Problemista stands strong behind its major themes and benefits from contributing to the growing dialogue around these core topics.
Problemista
- Release Date
- March 13, 2024
- Director
- Julio Torres
- Runtime
- 98 minutes