With everything the world is facing right now, our sources of entertainment became even more important to us. According to a study made in 2020, Netflix numbers are flying off the charts and the network is becoming the main source of film and TV shows entertainment, right now, with more than 183 million global users. With a lot of us stuck in our houses, broadcasting systems are more and more appealing, I mean, at some point we can’t even watch our favorite movies for a while after re-watching them so many times, and that’s the beauty of Netflix, as it offers a wide range of movies and shows. So, today I’m gonna guide you through the best indie films this platform has to offer.
An independent film, or indie film, is a product made outside a major film studio, and they are noticeable for their personal style and content. Lucky for us, Netflix gives us the opportunity to watch some real masterpieces, so let’s rewind this list:
The Florida Project
Directed by Sean Baker and released in 2017, The Florida Project relates the story of a six-year-old girl called Moonee living with her single and irresponsible mother in a motel, just around the corner of Walt Disney World. To Moonee, every day is a new chance for an adventure. On one side, we see the innocence of a child always seeing the good side of the world, but on the other hand, through the eyes of the motel’s manager, you see the sad reality. It’s an amazing story that picks the irony between being right next to the “happiest place of earth”, and living a complicated real life on the motel park. Everything about this film screams “watch me” and ends up showing, stunningly, the point of view of the outcasts.
20th Century Women
This American comedy-drama, set in 1979, tells the story of 15-year-old Jamie, who lives with his single mother and two other women. We are guided through the story of a mother bringing up a son and being raised in a house full of free-spirited women he grows up with. We see the struggles, the life, the love, the friendships, and the growth. We see strong female characters taking a lead and a male character understanding from a young age the struggles of gender inequality, along the way. Mike Mills’s film is fun, and full of those late 70’s vibes, but also having a beautifully crafted dramatic part. A perfect mix for a Sunday afternoon.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Calling all the horror and serial killer documentary fans, because this film brings one of the most notorious serial killers of the 20th century, Ted Bundy. Directed by Joe Berlinger, this biographical film is based on a memoir, written by Ted Bundy’s former girlfriend Elizabeth. Known for the horrific crimes he committed, killing more than 30 women, he was also popular for his attractive look, which led Bundy to conquer some fans. This film starts with Elizabeth’s perspective and shows the life of Ted Bundy, not the crimes (since it doesn’t show any) but the man he was, and how he used his charm to persuade women. If you are looking for a true life event kind of film, this is a great choice to go with, and Zac Efron’s performance as Ted Bundy is not the only reason.
Roma
If you are a cinema fan, you must have already heard about Roma. Roma, Alfonso Cuarón’s most personal film, received a lot of acclamation upon release. Beautifully shot in black and white, this movie sets in the 1970s and relates the life of a middle-class family’s maid named Cleo, in Mexico City. It has everything you’d hope in a great film, drama and tragedy, comedy and mystery, and the scenarios are a true masterpiece of Mexico in the 70’s.
Locke
A curious film relying on only a character to appear on the screen, Tom Hardy is the star of Locke. This film tells the story of Ivan Locke, an architectural foreman that, in the night before an important career event, receives a series of phone calls that can change his life forever. A call from someone from the past, with something that makes him question a bunch of situations and makes him call everyone he knows and love, hoping that everything he knows stays the same, despite that one call. It’s a very odd film, with a mysterious story, and impossible not to be curious all the way through.
That’s a Wrap!
Everyone loves a good movie, they are entertaining, fun, powerful, and, sometimes, a source of knowledge. Be sure to grab that popcorn, and take the time to check some of the movies on this list, but don’t forget to tell me what is your favorite one. Thank you for reading.