The world of independent film is vast and creative, and 2022 has been a big year for successful indie movies in theaters and on streaming. If you’re a big fan of indie films or have never seen one, we have a guide for you on some of the best recent indie movie releases.
What is an indie film?
An indie film, short for independent, is a movie that is produced without a major studio or company. Usually, indie movies are filmed with a lower budget vs. the crazy budgets of Hollywood blockbusters. Sometimes, independent films have a specific kind of style, and sometimes they don’t.
4 Indie movies in theaters
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
As one of the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy, an adorable one-inch sea shell named Marcel (Jenny Slate) finds his life turned upside down when he goes viral on the internet. Follow Marcel as he meets colorful characters along his journey to find his long-lost family. The A24 film is based on several short films centering on the cute shell. Audiences everywhere love this heartful and tear-jerker story about finding connection and where you belong.
go see MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON! now!
— regular non-evil person (@ElsieKFisher) July 14, 2022
marcel the shell with shoes on is one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time. i didn’t expect a movie about a shell to make me sob like a baby
— carla garcia (@carlakgarcia) July 8, 2022
The world is on fire but I saw Marcel the Shell with Shoes on tonight and it was so lovely.
I’m always grateful for movies but these last few years, I’m especially grateful for the escape from reality they provide.
— Kaleigh Rangel (@kaleighrangel) July 15, 2022
I can’t stop thinking about Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Movie of the year for me!
— Allysa (@Figueroni) July 11, 2022
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Still booming at the box office more than 100 days after its release, Everything Everything All At Once is A24’s newest sci-fi adventure. The movie is an action-adventure comedy about finding peace amid chaos. Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) is an exhausted Chinese American woman who is having a really, really bad day. In a journey through space and time, she will find love, friendships, and secrets worth protecting—all while trying to pay her taxes.
finally got to watch everything everywhere all at once pic.twitter.com/rg8TNL8cUl
— 👑 (@amenably) July 8, 2022
Me when I finished watching Everything Everywhere All At Once pic.twitter.com/83tESjiIWO
— dimitri & dedue’s ordained minister 🦁🛡️ (@goldendagger_) July 10, 2022
if you didn’t like everything everywhere all at once… that actually is a dealbreaker for me and it’s nonnegotiable
— em 🍓 (@uhhmmily) July 10, 2022
Just saw Everything Everywhere All At Once (finally). I think I have been permanently changed.
— Lakyn thee Stylist (@OgLakyn) July 8, 2022
Brian and Charles
Brian and Charles challenges the concept that robots don’t feel. It follows Brian (David Earl), a lonely inventor with a knack for building wacky contraptions, attempts to build the world’s first intelligent robot by equipping a broken washing machine with various mechanical parts. What follows is a humorous and entirely heartwarming story about friendship, family, finding love, and letting go.
oh man. this is simultaneously the funniest and most heartbreaking movie of the year. watch Brian and Charles.
cabbage pic.twitter.com/sNQt0JWo94
— Noah ⎊ (@NoahIsAHuman) July 11, 2022
Quick doodle of new favourite film #brianandcharles Just wonderful, like a Beano movie. Should be a kids book or animated series. pic.twitter.com/yguFk7Duc0
— HappyToast ★ (@IamHappyToast) July 10, 2022
Brian and Charles is a delight of a film. Eccentric and lovely. pic.twitter.com/CCITz5c6Cr
— Sean Mason (@seanmason) July 15, 2022
Go and watch Brian and Charles immediately. That was so endearing and wonderful 🥰
— Charlie (@Charlanardo) July 15, 2022
Both Sides of the Blade
Both Sides of the Blade is a passionate love triangle directed by Claire Denis. Sarah (Juliette Binoche) and Jean (Vincent Lindon) are an inseparable couple. Their love is unconditional, strong, and never died down. But one morning, Sarah has an unexpected meeting with François (Grégoire Colin), who introduced her to Jean.
oh man Both Sides of the Blade is so sick
— eddie (@ipod_video) July 17, 2022
juliette binoche is unbelievable in the new claire denis film “both sides of the blade”… still processing her character and her acting. like… unparalleled. really. geez.
— ck (@ckhasthoughts) July 10, 2022
BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE: a slow burn romantic melodrama that is one of Denis’ most focused works. Terrific, expressive performances by both Binoche and Lindon.
— ckoh 고승범 (@ckoh) July 16, 2022
BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE lowkey a banger, some of the politics are handled a bit clunky but the domestic disputes are impeccable, the beautiful line of unhinged yet tender yet funny yet cruel
— SAINT JESSICA DUNN ROVINELLI (@jdr____llc) July 15, 2022
5 Indie movies on streaming
Cha Cha Real Smooth
In this heartwarming story of unconventional love and bravery, 22-year-old Andrew (Cooper Raiff) has no future except the one he’s determined to make for himself. His job as a motivational dancer at the local bar might not fit on his resume, but it can get him close to single mom Domino (Dakota Johnson). Andrew discovers a new dream future, even if it wasn’t his original plan. The cast also includes Brad Garrett, Leslie Mann, and newcomers Vanessa Burghardt and Evan Assante.
Audiences are loving this fresh romantic take on the coming-of-age genre.
Highly recommend Cha Cha Real Smooth on Apple TV+ if you’re looking for a great take on the coming-of-age + rom-com genre
— Neil Balthazar (@NeilBalthazar) July 18, 2022
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a perfect film. I almost never re-watch things but as soon as I finished watching it I wanted to experience it all over again
— Jen (@jenjenjennnnn) July 18, 2022
im in love with dakota johnson’s character in cha cha real smooth that was a really enjoyable and her character is everything ever
— s (@sexwithkneepads) July 17, 2022
cha cha real smooth is a borderline perfect movie and the girls that get it get it like idk what to tell you!!!
— 📼 (@autisticabeds) July 16, 2022
Master
Regina Hall, Amber Gray, and Zoe Renee star in the thriller Master. The film follows three women who are drawn together by their shared desire to shape their destinies at an elite Northeastern university. While struggling to resolve the mystery of a series of racist attacks, each woman must decide where the real danger lies — in ghosts from their past or in the present?
Many viewers were horrified not just by the ghostly moments but by the harsh reality of racism within college systems.
Watching Master starring Regina Hall, and as a person who attends a PWI, Jasmine’s experiences are very mirroring, and that’s the scary part to me 🧎🏽♀️ pic.twitter.com/a40Ykg5tUH
— janay 🐮 (@spelledjanay) July 14, 2022
i just finished watching master and it was one of the most intense and terror-inducing films i’ve seen in a long time, the two lead performances by regina hall and zoe renee were incredible!
can’t wait to see X tomorrow and i hope to see umma soooon https://t.co/tLQTd3Ig2E
— bethany (@fiImgal) March 19, 2022
Still thinking about Master by Mariama Diallo and how elegantly Regina Hall and Zoe Renee carried this film. pic.twitter.com/GkldKvOu2U
— blkwmndirectors (@blkwmndirectors) January 29, 2022
I really enjoyed MASTER on Prime. Regina Hall is excellent, and I found the story to be insanely unsettling and haunting. I highly recommend it! pic.twitter.com/ezzi3zJ3ff
— Amanda (@LivnDeadGrl87) April 2, 2022
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
This comedy-drama tells the story of Nancy Stokes (Emma Thompson), a retired English teacher who embarks on a post-marital sexual awakening after the death of her husband. Nancy meets sex worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack). Together, they find a surprising human connection.
Just watched Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Emma Thompson is brilliant in it.
‘I think what it did for me, certainly, was it made me re-recognize the waste of time that non-acceptance of one’s body is. It’s a waste of our time.‘
Ain’t that the truth.
— Deets (@AD_Amin) July 9, 2022
If you haven’t seen ‘good luck to you, Leo Grande’ I would highly recommend. Emma Thompson was amazing and I’m now in love with @DarylMcCormack so wins all round. The caretaking and use of consent in this film is beautiful. Pleasure matters!
— Monique Eleanor (@Monique_Eleanor) July 15, 2022
We went to the cinema last night and watched ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’. It is a very good sex positive film, really refreshing take on sex work and focus on older women’s sexual pleasure.
— Alex Cheney (@AlexC93) July 15, 2022
The way “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” consciously and consistently embeds explicit consent is a welcome breath of fresh air 😌💜👏 pic.twitter.com/KNZaLNqzf3
— 💜𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 | 𝐔𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐚ú𝐥💜 (@Callie_Calz) July 15, 2022
The Sky is Everywhere
High school is hard enough without the grief of loss and complicated love. Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman), a musical prodigy, struggles with overwhelming grief following the sudden death of her older sister. She becomes drawn to a new boy at school, Joe Fontaine (Jacques Colimon). However, Lennie’s complicated relationship with her sister’s devastated boyfriend Toby (Pico Alexander) starts to affect Lennie and Joe’s budding love. Through her vivid imagination and honest, conflicted heart, Lennie creates a song of her own.
The Sky is Everywhere is such a beautiful movie 🥺🤌🏾
— Chioma or Jane (@ChiomaKJane) February 13, 2022
The Sky is Everywhere is the most charming movie about grief that I have ever seen. Such a god damn delight.
— Dave Rhinna (@MetalDave815) February 11, 2022
The Sky Is Everywhere is a perfect movie, I mean, I loved the clothes, the atmosphere of the movie in general, and it’s a great sad story, I appreciated
— Greek Mermaid 🇬🇷 (@orsaliamar) February 27, 2022
When you love a novel as much as I love @jandynelson’s The Sky Is Everywhere, watching the movie of the book can be nerve wracking. Spoiler alert: I loved it! Congrats to all involved, especially the young actors, who were incredible!
— Kellye Preorder Dad’s Girlfriend & Other Anxieties (@kelcrocker) February 13, 2022
After Yang
After Yang raises the question: what if we can’t rely on technology to bring us comfort? In the not-too-distant future, when the world is divided by wealth and resources and humans are synced to the grid, a father (Colin Farrell) searches for a way to repair his daughter’s beloved companion. As he discovers that life has passed in front of him and reconnects with his wife and daughter across a distance, he realizes that the most precious things are those you take for granted.
Finally watched After Yang and my heart will need 3-5 business days to recover
— Scarlet (@escarlettes_) July 15, 2022
Just rewatched AFTER YANG again. The way this scene is simultaneously such a beautiful father-son bonding sequence and also packs in sucg a crushing heartbreaking exploration of the diaspora experience of feeling an outsider outside to one’s culture is so fucking incredible. pic.twitter.com/imI90A7Sik
— Reel and Roll Films – FYC Yeoh, Quan, Hsu (@reelandroll) June 16, 2022
After Yang really gave us everything. The score, the set design, the editing, the cinematography, the writing, the acting, that Colin Farrell shirtless scene. Everything.
— Kyle Unger (@ungerkyle) July 12, 2022
I saw Kogonada’s sci-fi drama After Yang (2021). It’s a pensive slow burn with interesting concepts about A.I., robotic feelings, and adopted families. Colin Farrell is phenomenal as is Malea Emma Tjandraeidjaja. Justin H. Min & Haley Lu Richardson are moving. The end is abrupt. pic.twitter.com/29fE6MCfCZ
— Matthew D’Souza (@OceanSage771) June 22, 2022
I saw Kogonada’s sci-fi drama After Yang (2021). It’s a pensive slow burn with interesting concepts about A.I., robotic feelings, and adopted families. Colin Farrell is phenomenal as is Malea Emma Tjandraeidjaja. Justin H. Min & Haley Lu Richardson are moving. The end is abrupt. pic.twitter.com/29fE6MCfCZ
— Matthew D’Souza (@OceanSage771) June 22, 2022
3 Indie movies coming soon
Bodies Bodies Bodies
This cleverly twisted comedy follows a group of rich 20-somethings who plan a hurricane party at an isolated family mansion. But when a party game goes awry, the fun begins to turn sinister and real friendship is put to the ultimate test. Rachel Sennott, Amanda Stenberg, Pete Davidson, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Lee Pace star.
Tbh “bodies bodies bodies” looks like the first good horror movie in a long time that isn’t like a remake or sequel 🫣
— Togepi (@spicyspade) July 14, 2022
ONE MORE WIN TO A24!
A24’s new movie ‘BODIES BODIES BODIES’ opens with a huge 96% on Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 pic.twitter.com/0DNjqrxEKz
— The Hollywood Handle (@hollywoodhandle) July 6, 2022
Barbarian & bodies bodies bodies are probably gonna be interesting movies
— R∆$H3iD (@growuprasheid) July 15, 2022
just saw the trailer for bodies bodies bodies and dude I don’t remember the last time I felt this excited for a movie
— femcel thot 💜 (@ocia_bear) July 15, 2022
What will unfold when the film hits theaters on August 5, 2022?
Emily the Criminal
Aubrey Plaza stars as Emily, a down-on-her-luck woman, in this thriller/crime film. When she gets involved in a credit card fraud scam and winds up saddled with debt, she has deadly consequences to worry about.
While we love her comedy roles, we’re excited to see Aubrey Plaza in a more serious, action-packed movie.
Resurrection
Rebecca Hall plays Margaret, who is a woman caught between her past and her present. The difficulty of raising a child alone and facing responsibilities has made her take life very seriously, and it has become an everyday routine with its share of joys and sorrows. But all these changes in her life became devastating when David (Tim Roth) bursts into her house for an unannounced visit, carrying endless horrors.
Will Margaret survive the fear of her past? Find out when Resurrection hit theaters on July 29.
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