movie recommendations!
(But You Really, Really Should)'>Ten Eleven Indie Movies You've Probably Never Seen
(But You Really, Really Should)
All right, so here's the deal. One of the wishes over at insmallpackages this year has asked for movie recs! Specifically, recs for indie movies that people likely haven't seen, but totally should. I kind of love recommending favourite movies to people, especially lesser-known ones that I don't think people will have had on their radar. So I've leapt on that wish eagerly, and here we are! All of the movies I've listed below are ones I've genuinely loved and would really love to introduce to other people. I don't know that all of them are technically indies, but they're all smaller, lesser-known films starring Hollywood actors, so I'm hoping that's close enough. I'm also hoping that I've recommended at least some films that the wishee has never seen before! (If I'm not, do let me know. I had to cull this list down from fifteen or sixteen, so I could always pull more out of my sleeve.)
As you'll see, there's some overlap of actors here and there - I have my favourites, what can I say? I was trying to make a list of ten, but one snuck in there at the last minute. Alphabetical order, because I couldn't even hope to try and put them in some order of preference. Hopefully there'll be something in here that people will get use out of! I hope you enjoy the selection I've put together, wishee (and anyone else who checks out this post). If you take me up on any of my suggestions and would like to come back later and discuss them, please do! I'd love to have people to talk about these fantastic movies with. :)
(No massive spoilers! Don't worry. Just basic premises and my own thoughts, all the way down.)
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At Any Price (trailer)
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Zac Efron, Maika Monroe, Heather Graham
At Any Price follows the story of the Whipples, a modern farming family struggling to stay afloat in the demanding agriculture business. The family struggles with their sons' desire to leave the farm behind and an investigation that could bring down their lifestyle as they know it. Okay, listen, hear me out. I saw this at the Toronto International Film Festival last year because I wanted to spend two hours staring at Zac Efron's face (and it was beautiful), but this movie was way better than I expected. I thought I was going to be bored with all the talk of farming, but it's actually really engrossing. And the performances are excellent! Zac is not a master of dramatic acting by any means, but I really do feel like this film has his best work - the director really brought it out of him. And Dennis Quaid... oh man. He plays his character with so many more layers than you see right off the bat, and I really found him mesmerizing. This is one I totally wouldn't have seen without Zac's face, but I'm so glad I did - it's worth trying out!
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Boy A (trailer)
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan
Boy A is a based off a novel, which is a loosely fictionalized adaptation of the James Patrick Bulger case, in which two ten-year-old boys are convicted of murdering a small child. In the film, one of the boys is released and rehabilitated as an adult, given a new identity and integrated into society quite well - that is, until he starts being recognized. I will say that, hands down, this film contains Andrew Garfield's best performance to date. It had to have been a big job, getting us to empathize and care about an accused murderer, but by god, he did it. His character is layered and nuanced, and everything he does, from learning how to be an adult to trying to flirt to holding down a job to dealing with all the fallout, is emotionally-charged and captivating. And I'll warn you now: this movie gutted me. It destroys you, by the end. It's something I'm incredibly glad I watched, because it's fantastic... but I don't know that I ever want to watch it again. Don't let me deter you with that, though. It's worth the watch. Just maybe have something happy waiting for when it's over.
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For A Good Time, Call (trailer)
Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, Justin Long
For A Good Time, Call is about reluctant roommates Lauren and Katie. They can't stand each other - that is, until they put aside their differences to run a phone sex hot line out of their apartment. This was another spontaneous watch on my part, and let me tell you: it is delightful. The movie is funny and sweet, crass and heart-felt, and I loved every bit of it. The relationship between the two girls is so genuine! (Also, if you happen to like femslash, this movie has everything your shipper heart could ever want.) Another thing I really loved about the movie was how frank and honest it was about sexuality. A sex-positive movie about women's sexuality, done in a fun and genuine way? I didn't even know that existed in the world until I came across this! As outlandish as the premise is, the girls and the things they're dealing with feel real and honest, and I totally loved that. Do make sure you're watching it with someone who's comfortable with sex, though - not really a movie I'd recommend watching with your dad! :p
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The Greatest (trailer)
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Aaron Johnson
The Greatest is the story of the Brewer family and their struggle to cope and heal after losing their son, Bennett, unexpectedly and at a young age. But their grief is interrupted by the arrival of Rose, Bennett's new girlfriend... and mother of his unborn child. Okay, let me just tell you: this is the film about which I sit around and wail, "Whyyyyy does no one know this perfect movie?!" God. This movie hits me right in the gut, every time, in the most perfect way. There are sweet moments and there are sad moments, and watching this family struggle to accept Rose as a part of of their life, as another part of their lost son... it's incredibly moving. The movie gets a little sappy in parts, but I couldn't even bring myself to care because I was so invested. Everyone's acting is wonderful and each character has moments where their grief just bowls you over - and that's intermingled with a beautiful, sweet love story. Trust me on this one - it's worth seeing. This is the movie I spent six months wailing about to my sister, who didn't really care, until it was randomly on TV one night and I made her sit down and watch it. And now she wails about it with me.
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Holy Rollers (trailer)
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Ari Graynor
Holy Rollers is the story of Sam Gold, an Orthodox Jewish man living in New York. He's struggling with growing up, with his family, with women... but everything changes when a trusted friend inducts him into a new venture: smuggling ecstasy into the country for a drug cartel. I'll warn you now: this movie's a little strange. It's a little different. But it's fascinating. It's mostly a quiet film, with tons of character development and nuance, and I love that. It's an interesting look at a community I knew nothing about, and is actually based somewhat on a true story. Jesse Eisenberg is wonderful as Sam Gold, taking him through his development and growth, and I truly do believe this is Jesse's best performance to date. (And that's saying a lot, because I love him.) I can't quite put my finger on why this one's stuck with me for so long after seeing it, but it's on my mind whenever anyone asks me to recommend them a movie. It made an impression on me, that's for sure. In a very good way.
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The Iceman (trailer)
Starring: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta
The Iceman is the true story of the life of Richard Kuklinski, contract killer and family man. By the time of his arrest in 1986, he had killed up to 250 people - and no one in his family had any idea. I saw this one at TIFF last year, too, and wound up being completely blown away. Michael Shannon is terrifying as Kuklinski, and I'm being completely serious when I say that I don't think I've ever seen an actor disappear into a role as much as he did here. I didn't feel like I was watching him play a character - I felt like I was watching Kuklinski. It was chilling, and I'm still convinced he missed out on a ton of awards for this performance because nobody saw it. The movie is gripping and intense and creepy, and I totally recommend it. Plus you get Chris Evans looking this the whole time, so, you know. Good times.
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Liberal Arts (trailer)
Starring: Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Zac Efron, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney
Liberal Arts, written and directed by Josh Radnor, is the story of an aimless man in his mid-thirties who gets the chance to experience the thrill of being young again when he returns to his old college campus for a professor's retirement. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. I watched it one night when I was bored, and was kind of expecting everything to be cliched and eyeroll-worthy. But the film surprised me! It actually became more than I expected! It wasn't the story of "middle-aged dude finds love and solace in the arms of twenty-something college girl", thank god. It turned into a story of growing up, maturing, and coping with aging, along with honesty and learning when not to push yourself. I finished the film being delighted with the way it had progressed. Plus Zac Efron gets to be funny in his couple of scenes, and Elizabeth Olsen is a true gem, so I mean. Can't go wrong with that.
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Never Let Me Go (trailer)
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley
Never Let Me Go is the story of Hailsham, an idyllic English boarding school where our three leads grow up together. But when the reality of their lives is revealed to them, they have to learn how to cope with loss - and how to take hold of moments that are worth risking things for. This movie is so melancholy and beautiful - it's a quiet film, for the most part, with beautiful characters and interesting dynamics. The acting is gorgeous, and all three leads were cast perfectly. This is one of those films that just makes my heart ache - it's so easy to become attached to these characters and to feel for them as their lives change. It's definitely one I recommend watching with a couple tissues handy, if you're prone to crying like I am. It's also a wonderful adaptation of the novel it's based on - so if you like it, be sure to pick that up as well!
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People Like Us (trailer)
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer
In People Like Us, Chris Pine plays Sam, a man in crippling debt who thinks he hit the jackpot when his asshole father dies and leaves him a shaving kit full of money. Unfortunately, he discovers that the money isn't for him; it's to help improve the lives of Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) and her son - family Sam never knew he had. I saw this one on a whim and oh my god, so glad I did. Chris Pine is handsome and charming, but ELIZABETH BANKS, MAN. She is so great!!! Their two characters had a real connection, and the chemistry was fantastic. What I loved about this movie most of all was that it takes a ton of cliches and tropes... and tweaks them just enough to make them fresh and interesting. Things are just different enough to surprise you and peoples' reactions aren't always what you'd expect from these types of situations, and I loved it. Plus the ending made me get all teary-eyed. :') And I like that.
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The Way Way Back (trailer)
Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph
The newest movie on the list, The Way Way Back is the story of shy, 14-year-old Duncan, who goes on a summer trip to the shore with his mom and her new boyfriend. Having a hard time fitting in, Duncan finds unexpected friends in new places - and learns to stand up for himself. Ahhh, I love coming of age stories, and this is a great one. People learning that they have value! Friendships forged in unexpected places! Standing up for the ones you love! Found families! Duncan is incredibly relatable and a sweet protagonist, and the others surrounding him at the beach are a varied and interesting bunch. I love watching people find their place and learn that they belong, somewhere, and this movie definitely delivers on that. It left me feeling all warm and fuzzy and happy, and I don't think that feeling is overrated at all. Also, Steve Carell plays a really, really great jerk.
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50/50 (trailer)
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston
50/50 is the story of a healthy, good, unremarkable young man who discovers he has cancer - and, thanks to the people around him, tries many different ways to deal with the consequences. This film was actually written by Seth Rogen's best friend Will Reiser, a cancer survivor. When it was first released it was billed as "the cancer comedy", and I didn't really know what to do with that. But I saw it anyway, and oh man, so glad I did. I usually can't stand Seth Rogen, but this is the one film where I make an exception - he's great in it. Everyone is! The film moves back and forth between comedy and drama really well, and god, do you feel for these characters. There's so much heart here, far more than I'd expected going into it, and everything feels genuine - I guess that's what you get when it's written by someone with first-hand experience of the subject matter. This movie made me laugh and cry and I don't care how cheesy that sounds, you should freaking see it.
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(Apologies for the quality of some of the gifs - smaller movies are sometimes harder to find gifs of, and I wanted to break up the text somehow!) As I said up top - hopefully there are a couple of films in here that you haven't seen, wishee, and that sound interesting to you. I've had a lot of fun compiling this list, and I'm really excited to be able to share these with you and anyone else who pops in to take a look. Thank you for giving me the opportunity! And I hope you enjoy. :)
(But You Really, Really Should)
All right, so here's the deal. One of the wishes over at insmallpackages this year has asked for movie recs! Specifically, recs for indie movies that people likely haven't seen, but totally should. I kind of love recommending favourite movies to people, especially lesser-known ones that I don't think people will have had on their radar. So I've leapt on that wish eagerly, and here we are! All of the movies I've listed below are ones I've genuinely loved and would really love to introduce to other people. I don't know that all of them are technically indies, but they're all smaller, lesser-known films starring Hollywood actors, so I'm hoping that's close enough. I'm also hoping that I've recommended at least some films that the wishee has never seen before! (If I'm not, do let me know. I had to cull this list down from fifteen or sixteen, so I could always pull more out of my sleeve.)
As you'll see, there's some overlap of actors here and there - I have my favourites, what can I say? I was trying to make a list of ten, but one snuck in there at the last minute. Alphabetical order, because I couldn't even hope to try and put them in some order of preference. Hopefully there'll be something in here that people will get use out of! I hope you enjoy the selection I've put together, wishee (and anyone else who checks out this post). If you take me up on any of my suggestions and would like to come back later and discuss them, please do! I'd love to have people to talk about these fantastic movies with. :)
(No massive spoilers! Don't worry. Just basic premises and my own thoughts, all the way down.)
-----
At Any Price (trailer)
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Zac Efron, Maika Monroe, Heather Graham
At Any Price follows the story of the Whipples, a modern farming family struggling to stay afloat in the demanding agriculture business. The family struggles with their sons' desire to leave the farm behind and an investigation that could bring down their lifestyle as they know it. Okay, listen, hear me out. I saw this at the Toronto International Film Festival last year because I wanted to spend two hours staring at Zac Efron's face (and it was beautiful), but this movie was way better than I expected. I thought I was going to be bored with all the talk of farming, but it's actually really engrossing. And the performances are excellent! Zac is not a master of dramatic acting by any means, but I really do feel like this film has his best work - the director really brought it out of him. And Dennis Quaid... oh man. He plays his character with so many more layers than you see right off the bat, and I really found him mesmerizing. This is one I totally wouldn't have seen without Zac's face, but I'm so glad I did - it's worth trying out!
-----
Boy A (trailer)
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan
Boy A is a based off a novel, which is a loosely fictionalized adaptation of the James Patrick Bulger case, in which two ten-year-old boys are convicted of murdering a small child. In the film, one of the boys is released and rehabilitated as an adult, given a new identity and integrated into society quite well - that is, until he starts being recognized. I will say that, hands down, this film contains Andrew Garfield's best performance to date. It had to have been a big job, getting us to empathize and care about an accused murderer, but by god, he did it. His character is layered and nuanced, and everything he does, from learning how to be an adult to trying to flirt to holding down a job to dealing with all the fallout, is emotionally-charged and captivating. And I'll warn you now: this movie gutted me. It destroys you, by the end. It's something I'm incredibly glad I watched, because it's fantastic... but I don't know that I ever want to watch it again. Don't let me deter you with that, though. It's worth the watch. Just maybe have something happy waiting for when it's over.
-----
For A Good Time, Call (trailer)
Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, Justin Long
For A Good Time, Call is about reluctant roommates Lauren and Katie. They can't stand each other - that is, until they put aside their differences to run a phone sex hot line out of their apartment. This was another spontaneous watch on my part, and let me tell you: it is delightful. The movie is funny and sweet, crass and heart-felt, and I loved every bit of it. The relationship between the two girls is so genuine! (Also, if you happen to like femslash, this movie has everything your shipper heart could ever want.) Another thing I really loved about the movie was how frank and honest it was about sexuality. A sex-positive movie about women's sexuality, done in a fun and genuine way? I didn't even know that existed in the world until I came across this! As outlandish as the premise is, the girls and the things they're dealing with feel real and honest, and I totally loved that. Do make sure you're watching it with someone who's comfortable with sex, though - not really a movie I'd recommend watching with your dad! :p
-----
The Greatest (trailer)
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Aaron Johnson
The Greatest is the story of the Brewer family and their struggle to cope and heal after losing their son, Bennett, unexpectedly and at a young age. But their grief is interrupted by the arrival of Rose, Bennett's new girlfriend... and mother of his unborn child. Okay, let me just tell you: this is the film about which I sit around and wail, "Whyyyyy does no one know this perfect movie?!" God. This movie hits me right in the gut, every time, in the most perfect way. There are sweet moments and there are sad moments, and watching this family struggle to accept Rose as a part of of their life, as another part of their lost son... it's incredibly moving. The movie gets a little sappy in parts, but I couldn't even bring myself to care because I was so invested. Everyone's acting is wonderful and each character has moments where their grief just bowls you over - and that's intermingled with a beautiful, sweet love story. Trust me on this one - it's worth seeing. This is the movie I spent six months wailing about to my sister, who didn't really care, until it was randomly on TV one night and I made her sit down and watch it. And now she wails about it with me.
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Holy Rollers (trailer)
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Ari Graynor
Holy Rollers is the story of Sam Gold, an Orthodox Jewish man living in New York. He's struggling with growing up, with his family, with women... but everything changes when a trusted friend inducts him into a new venture: smuggling ecstasy into the country for a drug cartel. I'll warn you now: this movie's a little strange. It's a little different. But it's fascinating. It's mostly a quiet film, with tons of character development and nuance, and I love that. It's an interesting look at a community I knew nothing about, and is actually based somewhat on a true story. Jesse Eisenberg is wonderful as Sam Gold, taking him through his development and growth, and I truly do believe this is Jesse's best performance to date. (And that's saying a lot, because I love him.) I can't quite put my finger on why this one's stuck with me for so long after seeing it, but it's on my mind whenever anyone asks me to recommend them a movie. It made an impression on me, that's for sure. In a very good way.
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The Iceman (trailer)
Starring: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta
The Iceman is the true story of the life of Richard Kuklinski, contract killer and family man. By the time of his arrest in 1986, he had killed up to 250 people - and no one in his family had any idea. I saw this one at TIFF last year, too, and wound up being completely blown away. Michael Shannon is terrifying as Kuklinski, and I'm being completely serious when I say that I don't think I've ever seen an actor disappear into a role as much as he did here. I didn't feel like I was watching him play a character - I felt like I was watching Kuklinski. It was chilling, and I'm still convinced he missed out on a ton of awards for this performance because nobody saw it. The movie is gripping and intense and creepy, and I totally recommend it. Plus you get Chris Evans looking this the whole time, so, you know. Good times.
-----
Liberal Arts (trailer)
Starring: Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Zac Efron, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney
Liberal Arts, written and directed by Josh Radnor, is the story of an aimless man in his mid-thirties who gets the chance to experience the thrill of being young again when he returns to his old college campus for a professor's retirement. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. I watched it one night when I was bored, and was kind of expecting everything to be cliched and eyeroll-worthy. But the film surprised me! It actually became more than I expected! It wasn't the story of "middle-aged dude finds love and solace in the arms of twenty-something college girl", thank god. It turned into a story of growing up, maturing, and coping with aging, along with honesty and learning when not to push yourself. I finished the film being delighted with the way it had progressed. Plus Zac Efron gets to be funny in his couple of scenes, and Elizabeth Olsen is a true gem, so I mean. Can't go wrong with that.
-----
Never Let Me Go (trailer)
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley
Never Let Me Go is the story of Hailsham, an idyllic English boarding school where our three leads grow up together. But when the reality of their lives is revealed to them, they have to learn how to cope with loss - and how to take hold of moments that are worth risking things for. This movie is so melancholy and beautiful - it's a quiet film, for the most part, with beautiful characters and interesting dynamics. The acting is gorgeous, and all three leads were cast perfectly. This is one of those films that just makes my heart ache - it's so easy to become attached to these characters and to feel for them as their lives change. It's definitely one I recommend watching with a couple tissues handy, if you're prone to crying like I am. It's also a wonderful adaptation of the novel it's based on - so if you like it, be sure to pick that up as well!
-----
People Like Us (trailer)
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer
In People Like Us, Chris Pine plays Sam, a man in crippling debt who thinks he hit the jackpot when his asshole father dies and leaves him a shaving kit full of money. Unfortunately, he discovers that the money isn't for him; it's to help improve the lives of Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) and her son - family Sam never knew he had. I saw this one on a whim and oh my god, so glad I did. Chris Pine is handsome and charming, but ELIZABETH BANKS, MAN. She is so great!!! Their two characters had a real connection, and the chemistry was fantastic. What I loved about this movie most of all was that it takes a ton of cliches and tropes... and tweaks them just enough to make them fresh and interesting. Things are just different enough to surprise you and peoples' reactions aren't always what you'd expect from these types of situations, and I loved it. Plus the ending made me get all teary-eyed. :') And I like that.
-----
The Way Way Back (trailer)
Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph
The newest movie on the list, The Way Way Back is the story of shy, 14-year-old Duncan, who goes on a summer trip to the shore with his mom and her new boyfriend. Having a hard time fitting in, Duncan finds unexpected friends in new places - and learns to stand up for himself. Ahhh, I love coming of age stories, and this is a great one. People learning that they have value! Friendships forged in unexpected places! Standing up for the ones you love! Found families! Duncan is incredibly relatable and a sweet protagonist, and the others surrounding him at the beach are a varied and interesting bunch. I love watching people find their place and learn that they belong, somewhere, and this movie definitely delivers on that. It left me feeling all warm and fuzzy and happy, and I don't think that feeling is overrated at all. Also, Steve Carell plays a really, really great jerk.
-----
50/50 (trailer)
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston
50/50 is the story of a healthy, good, unremarkable young man who discovers he has cancer - and, thanks to the people around him, tries many different ways to deal with the consequences. This film was actually written by Seth Rogen's best friend Will Reiser, a cancer survivor. When it was first released it was billed as "the cancer comedy", and I didn't really know what to do with that. But I saw it anyway, and oh man, so glad I did. I usually can't stand Seth Rogen, but this is the one film where I make an exception - he's great in it. Everyone is! The film moves back and forth between comedy and drama really well, and god, do you feel for these characters. There's so much heart here, far more than I'd expected going into it, and everything feels genuine - I guess that's what you get when it's written by someone with first-hand experience of the subject matter. This movie made me laugh and cry and I don't care how cheesy that sounds, you should freaking see it.
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(Apologies for the quality of some of the gifs - smaller movies are sometimes harder to find gifs of, and I wanted to break up the text somehow!) As I said up top - hopefully there are a couple of films in here that you haven't seen, wishee, and that sound interesting to you. I've had a lot of fun compiling this list, and I'm really excited to be able to share these with you and anyone else who pops in to take a look. Thank you for giving me the opportunity! And I hope you enjoy. :)