2024 has been a year full of surprises for independent and arthouse cinema, with a selection of films that have explored complex and original themes, experimenting with innovative narrative forms and visual styles. The selection presented in this article draws on several authoritative sources, including the Sundance 1, Cannes 4, and Venice 6 film festivals, film magazines such as Filmmaker Magazine 7 and IndieWire 7, and film critics 7. The goal is to offer a complete and stimulating overview of the independent and arthouse film landscape of 2024, with particular attention to originality, artistic value, emotional impact, and critical success.
In this article, we will explore 30 films that have distinguished themselves for their ability to tell authentic and engaging stories, to experiment with cinematic language, and to address issues of great social and cultural relevance. For each film, we will provide a brief introduction, an analysis of the most interesting aspects, and a personal commentary, accompanied by the link to the official trailer on YouTube.
A Real Pain
“A Real Pain” is a 2024 comedy-drama film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, starring Eisenberg himself and Kieran Culkin. The two play David and Benji, cousins who embark on a trip to Poland to honor the memory of their recently deceased grandmother, using the funds she left them in her will. The journey, however, turns into an opportunity to confront the tensions and conflicts in their relationship, against the backdrop of family history and the trauma of the Holocaust 8.
The film stands out for its ability to balance humor and drama, with brilliant dialogue and moments of great emotional intensity. Eisenberg’s screenplay is attentive to the psychological nuances of the characters and the complexity of their relationship, while the direction creates an atmosphere suspended between melancholy and irony 10. Eisenberg, of Jewish origin and with Polish ancestors, wrote the film starting from a personal reflection on the difficulty of reconciling his own “daily challenges” with the historical trauma of the Ashkenazi Jews, victims and survivors of the Holocaust 12.
“A Real Pain” is a touching and original film that addresses important themes with delicacy and intelligence. The performances of Eisenberg and Culkin are extraordinary, and Eisenberg’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to address complex themes such as grief, identity, and memory, with a touch of humor and great sensitivity 14.
Anora
“Anora” is a 2024 film directed by Sean Baker, starring Mikey Madison as Ani, a young Brooklyn sex worker who impulsively falls in love with and marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The fairytale, however, is threatened by the arrival of his parents, determined to annul the marriage 15.
The film is a bold and original reimagining of the Cinderella story, set in the Russian-American community of Brighton Beach. Baker directs with his realistic and engaging style, capturing the energy and vitality of an often invisible world. The director was inspired by an anecdote from a friend about a young Russian-American bride who was kidnapped to be used as collateral, and by his work as a wedding video editor, including those of Russian-American couples in New York 17.
“Anora” is a surprising and moving film that addresses important themes such as social class, immigration, and sexuality with intelligence and sensitivity. Mikey Madison’s performance is extraordinary, and Baker’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional love story with realism and authenticity, and for its multifaceted representation of the world of sex work 19.
The Brutalist
“The Brutalist” is a 2024 drama film directed by Brady Corbet, starring Adrien Brody as László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who, after surviving the Holocaust, emigrates to the United States to rebuild his life and career 21.
The film is an ambitious and complex work that explores the themes of immigration, trauma, and the American dream. Corbet directs with a visually powerful and evocative style, capturing the atmosphere of the post-war period and the fragility of the American dream. Initially, the planned cast for the film included Joel Edgerton and Marion Cotillard in the lead roles, but they were later replaced by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones 22.
“The Brutalist” is an intense and moving film that addresses important themes with depth and sensitivity. Adrien Brody’s performance is extraordinary, and Corbet’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an epic and personal story with a unique visual style and great attention to detail 24.
Dahomey
“Dahomey” is a 2024 documentary directed by Mati Diop, which chronicles the return to Benin of 26 royal treasures looted from the Kingdom of Dahomey during the French colonial period 25.
The film is a hybrid and original work, combining documentary and fictional elements to explore the theme of the restitution of cultural property and decolonization. Diop directs with a poetic and evocative style, giving voice to the objects themselves and the people who have guarded them. The film’s narrator, voiced by Haitian writer Makenzy Orcel, represents the perspective of one of the returned statues, offering a reflection on memory, identity, and the return to one’s origins 26.
“Dahomey” is a powerful and moving film that addresses important themes with intelligence and sensitivity. Diop’s direction is innovative and engaging, and the film offers a profound reflection on Africa’s past and present. The film has been praised for its ability to address a complex issue like decolonization with an original and poetic approach, and for its multifaceted representation of the culture and history of Benin 28.
Dìdi
“Dìdi” is a 2024 film directed by Sean Wang, which tells the story of Chris, a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy who faces the challenges of adolescence in the summer of 2008 29.
The film is a delicate and authentic coming-of-age story that explores themes such as cultural identity, friendship, and the relationship with family. Wang directs with a fresh and spontaneous style, capturing the atmosphere of the 2000s and the emotions of adolescence. The film offers a realistic representation of the social and cultural context in which Chris grows up, with particular attention to the use of technology of the time, such as Facebook, AIM, and MySpace, and to the family dynamics typical of immigrant families of Asian origin 31.
“Dìdi” is a touching and funny film that addresses important themes with lightness and intelligence. The performances of Izaac Wang and Joan Chen are extraordinary, and Wang’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a universal story about adolescence with authenticity and sensitivity, and for its multifaceted representation of cultural identity 33.
Hit Man
“Hit Man” is a 2023 film directed by Richard Linklater, starring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a university professor who collaborates with the New Orleans police by posing as a hitman to frame criminals 34.
The film is an original and funny black comedy that explores the themes of identity and morality. Linklater directs with his ironic and disenchanted style, creating an atmosphere suspended between comedy and thriller. The story is inspired by a 2001 article by Skip Hollandsworth, published in Texas Monthly, which told the true story of a university professor who worked undercover for the Houston police, posing as a contract killer 36.
“Hit Man” is a surprising and engaging film that addresses important themes with intelligence and lightness. Glen Powell’s performance is extraordinary, and Linklater’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional story with a touch of dark humor and great attention to detail, and for its multifaceted representation of the world of crime 35.
No Other Land
“No Other Land” is a 2024 documentary directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor, which chronicles the struggle of a Palestinian community against forced expulsion by the Israeli army 38.
The film is a powerful and moving work that documents the reality of the Israeli occupation and Palestinian resistance. The collective direction creates an atmosphere of urgency and participation, giving voice to the people who live the conflict on a daily basis. The filming of the documentary was particularly difficult, with the directors having to deal with the confiscation of material by the army and the constant threat of arrest. The collaboration between Palestinian and Israeli directors helped create a work that offers a complex and multifaceted perspective on the conflict 40.
“No Other Land” is a necessary and important film that addresses crucial issues with courage and honesty. The direction is effective and engaging, and the film offers a valuable testimony to the situation in Palestine. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a story of resistance with authenticity and immediacy, and for its multifaceted representation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 42.
Sasquatch Sunset
“Sasquatch Sunset” is a 2024 film directed by David and Nathan Zellner, starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg as two Sasquatches living in the forests of North America 43.
The film is an original and bizarre work that combines elements of comedy, drama, and documentary to tell the story of a Sasquatch family. The Zellners’ direction creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, capturing the beauty and cruelty of nature. To prepare for their roles, the actors underwent intensive training with movement coach Lorin Eric Salm, who helped them develop realistic body language and vocalizations for the Sasquatches. The film’s ending, with the Sasquatches encountering a statue of one of their own, offers a reflection on our perception of reality and our relationship with nature 44.
“Sasquatch Sunset” is a surprising and fascinating film that addresses important themes such as family, survival, and the relationship with nature. The performances of Keough and Eisenberg are extraordinary, and the Zellners’ direction confirms their talent as storytellers. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional story with a touch of dark humor and great attention to detail, and for its multifaceted representation of the natural world 46.
Things Will Be Different
“Things Will Be Different” is a 2024 film directed by Michael Felker, starring Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy as two thieving brothers who use time travel to escape the police 47.
The film is an original and claustrophobic science fiction thriller that explores the themes of free will and the consequences of one’s actions. Felker directs with a tense and evocative style, creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The director drew inspiration from films like Rian Johnson’s Looper and the Coen brothers’ Blood Simple, and used non-linear editing to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty 49.
“Things Will Be Different” is a surprising and unsettling film that addresses important themes with intelligence and originality. The performances of Thompson and Dandy are convincing, and Felker’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a science fiction story with a touch of psychological horror, and for its multifaceted representation of time and reality 51.
All We Imagine as Light
“All We Imagine as Light” is a 2024 film directed by Payal Kapadia, which tells the story of two nurses, Prabha and Anu, who live and work in Mumbai 52.
The film is a delicate and poetic drama that explores themes such as female friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of happiness. Kapadia directs with an intimate and evocative style, capturing the atmosphere of Mumbai and the emotions of her characters. The film offers a realistic representation of the social and political context of India, with particular attention to the challenges faced by women, such as gender discrimination, social pressures, and the difficulty of balancing work and private life 54.
“All We Imagine as Light” is a touching and authentic film that addresses important themes with sensitivity and delicacy. The performances of Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha are extraordinary, and Kapadia’s direction confirms her talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a universal story about the female condition with authenticity and poetry, and for its multifaceted representation of Indian society 56.
Strange Darling
“Strange Darling” is a 2023 thriller written and directed by JT Mollner, starring Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. The film tells the story of a one-night stand between a man and a woman, “The Lady” and “The Demon,” that turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse 57.
The film stands out for its non-linear narrative structure, which creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery. Mollner directs with a visually powerful and evocative style, capturing the tension and violence of the story. The production of the film was particularly troubled, with the director having to face pressure from the studios to change the narrative structure and the cast. Mollner fought to maintain his original vision, and the film’s success confirmed his choice 57.
“Strange Darling” is a disturbing and fascinating film that explores the dark side of human nature. The performances of Fitzgerald and Gallner are extraordinary, and Mollner’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a story of violence and obsession with an original and bold approach, and for its multifaceted representation of the characters 60.
Memoir of a Snail
“Memoir of a Snail” is a 2024 stop-motion animated film written and directed by Adam Elliot. The film tells the story of Grace Pudel, a melancholic woman who collects snails, romance novels, and guinea pigs 61.
The film is a bittersweet and moving work that explores themes such as loneliness, loss, and resilience. Elliot directs with his original and poetic style, creating a visually rich and evocative world. The story is loosely based on Elliot’s own life, who drew on his personal experiences to create an authentic and touching tale. The film uses dark humor to address difficult themes such as death, illness, and abandonment, offering a reflection on the fragility and strength of the human spirit 63.
“Memoir of a Snail” is a touching and funny film that addresses important themes with delicacy and intelligence. Sarah Snook’s performance is extraordinary, and Elliot’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional life story with a unique visual style and great attention to detail, and for its multifaceted representation of human emotions 64.
Kinds of Kindness
“Kinds of Kindness” is a 2024 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. The film tells three interconnected stories that explore the themes of power, control, and manipulation in human relationships 65.
The film stands out for its surreal and grotesque style, which creates an atmosphere of unease and disquiet. Lanthimos directs with his provocative and original style, staging absurd situations and ambiguous characters. The film’s title, initially “R.M.F.” and then “And,” was chosen for its ambiguity and its ability to evoke different interpretations. The triptych structure of the film allows Lanthimos to explore different facets of human relationships, offering a reflection on the ambiguous nature of power and kindness 67. “Kinds of Kindness” is a disturbing and fascinating film that explores the dark side of human nature. The performances of Stone and Plemons are extraordinary, and Lanthimos’ direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tackle complex themes with a unique visual style and great narrative audacity, and for its multifaceted representation of human relationships.
The People’s Joker
“The People’s Joker” is a 2022 parody film directed by Vera Drew, which tells the story of a transgender woman, Joker the Harlequin, who aspires to become a comedian in Gotham City 69.
The film is an original and irreverent work that subverts the canons of the superhero genre. Drew directs with an anarchic and creative style, mixing animation, live-action, and found footage. The film was made with a limited budget and with the contribution of over 100 artists, who created animations, sets, and costumes. “The People’s Joker” was at the center of legal controversies for the unauthorized use of characters and stories from DC Comics, but it managed to obtain independent distribution 71.
“The People’s Joker” is a funny and provocative film that addresses important themes such as gender identity and freedom of expression. Drew’s performance is extraordinary, and the direction confirms her talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to address complex themes with a unique visual style and a great narrative audacity, and for its multifaceted representation of the LGBTQ+ community 72.
The Outrun
“The Outrun” is a 2024 film directed by Nora Fingscheidt, starring Saoirse Ronan as Rona, a woman who returns to live in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, after a period of rehabilitation from alcoholism 73.
The film is an adaptation of the eponymous memoir by Amy Liptrot, which combines elements of nature writing and psychological introspection. Fingscheidt directs with an intimate and evocative style, capturing the wild beauty of the Orkney Islands and the protagonist’s emotions. The film’s title, “The Outrun,” refers to a stretch of coastline in the Orkney Islands, but also takes on a metaphorical meaning, representing Rona’s escape from her addiction and her search for a new beginning. The non-linear narrative structure of the film reflects the fragmentation of the protagonist’s memories and emotions 75.
“The Outrun” is a touching and authentic film that addresses important themes such as addiction, family, and the search for self. Saoirse Ronan’s performance is extraordinary, and Fingscheidt’s direction confirms her talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a story of rebirth with authenticity and poetry, and for its multifaceted representation of nature and the human spirit 77.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a 2024 film directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, which tells the story of Iman, an Iranian judge who finds himself facing paranoia and mistrust during the political protests in Tehran 78.
The film is a tense and claustrophobic political thriller that explores the themes of power, repression, and resistance. Rasoulof directs with a realistic and engaging style, capturing the atmosphere of tension and fear that pervades Iranian society. The film was shot in secret in Iran, with the director having to face the threat of arrest and censorship. The film’s title, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” refers to a species of fig that spreads by wrapping itself around other trees and strangling them, a metaphor for the Iranian theocratic regime 80.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a courageous and important film that addresses crucial issues with honesty and intelligence. Rasoulof’s direction is effective and engaging, and the film offers a profound reflection on the political situation in Iran. The film has been praised for its ability to tell a story of resistance with authenticity and courage, and for its multifaceted representation of Iranian society 82.
Hundreds of Beavers
“Hundreds of Beavers” is a 2022 slapstick comedy film directed by Mike Cheslik. The film tells the story of Jean Kayak, an apple cider salesman who finds himself having to fight against hundreds of beavers 83.
The film is an original and bizarre work that pays homage to silent cinema and classic cartoons. Cheslik directs with a frenetic and funny style, creating a surreal and grotesque atmosphere. The film was made with a limited budget and with the use of mascot costumes for the beavers. Cheslik drew inspiration from films like The Revenant and from comedians like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, creating a unique and original visual language 85.
“Hundreds of Beavers” is a hilarious and surprising film that entertains and amazes with its originality and creativity. Ryland Tews’ performance is extraordinary, and Cheslik’s direction confirms his talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to reinvent slapstick comedy with a fresh and original approach, and for its multifaceted representation of the relationship between man and nature 87.
Love Lies Bleeding
“Love Lies Bleeding” is a 2024 romantic thriller directed by Rose Glass, starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian. The film tells the love story between Lou, a shy gym manager, and Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder, against the backdrop of a world of violence and crime 88.
The film stands out for its noir atmosphere and its realistic and raw depiction of violence. Glass directs with an intense and evocative style, capturing the passion and desperation of the characters. The film explores the theme of love as a form of addiction, with the characters finding themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of obsession and violence. The use of surrealism in the film contributes to creating a dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere, which reflects the fragility and complexity of human relationships 90.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is an engaging and disturbing film that explores the dark side of love and addiction. The performances of Stewart and O’Brian are extraordinary, and Glass’s direction confirms her talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional love story with a unique visual style and great narrative audacity, and for its multifaceted representation of human emotions 91.
My Old Ass
“My Old Ass” is a 2024 comedy-drama film written and directed by Megan Park, starring Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza. The film tells the story of Elliott, a young lesbian who, during a hallucinogenic mushroom trip, meets her 39-year-old self 92.
The film is an original and touching coming-of-age story that explores themes such as identity, time, and life choices. Park directs with a fresh and spontaneous style, capturing the emotions of adolescence and the nostalgia for the past. The film’s title, “My Old Ass,” is a play on words that reflects the film’s irreverent humor and its ability to address serious themes with lightness. The film uses elements of magical realism to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, which reflects the confusion and uncertainties of adolescence 94.
“My Old Ass” is a funny and moving film that addresses important themes with lightness and intelligence. The performances of Stella and Plaza are extraordinary, and Park’s direction confirms her talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional coming-of-age story with a unique visual style and great attention to detail, and for its multifaceted representation of identity and human relationships 96.
I Saw the TV Glow
“I Saw the TV Glow” is a 2024 psychological horror film written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, starring Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine as Owen and Maddie, two troubled teenagers whose obsession with their favorite television show, “The Pink Opaque,” leads them to question their reality and identity 97.
The film, set between the late 1990s and early 2000s, stands out for its disturbing and surreal atmosphere, which creates a sense of unease and alienation. Schoenbrun directs with a visionary and original style, exploring the themes of gender identity, loneliness, and disconnection from reality. “The Pink Opaque,” with its protagonists Isabel and Tara fighting the evil Mr. Melancholy, becomes for Owen and Maddie a refuge from reality and a symbol of their identity confusion 102.
“I Saw the TV Glow” is a disturbing and fascinating film that addresses important themes with depth and sensitivity. The performances of Smith and Lundy-Paine are extraordinary, and Schoenbrun’s direction confirms their talent as a storyteller. The film has been praised for its ability to tell an unconventional coming-of-age story with a unique visual style and great attention to detail, and for its multifaceted representation of adolescence and the search for self 103.
A Different Man
“A Different Man” is a 2024 dark comedy/drama written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, starring Sebastian Stan as Edward, an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes an experimental surgery to change his face 2. The numbers refer to the provided bibliography.
The film explores the themes of identity and self-acceptance, with Edward having to face the unexpected consequences of his transformation. Schimberg directs with a realistic and engaging style, capturing Edward’s emotions and challenges as he tries to adapt to his new life. The presence of Adam Pearson, an actor with neurofibromatosis, adds a layer of authenticity to the film. The film uses a darkly comedic tone to explore profound, and at times disturbing, ideas about how society perceives and interacts with people with disfigurements.
