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Indie flicks to add to your watchlist
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One of the frames of the film Loving Vincent, the movie uniquely features animated paintings in the style of Van Gogh in each frame. (Loving Vincent/-)
A
n indie film is described as a movie that is produced, funded and distributed outside major studio networks. Since the movie is not controlled by a production house, directors can channel their creativity and artistic values freely into it.
Even though indie films appeal to a niche audience and rarely receive as much exposure as blockbuster films do, movie critics are more drawn to these type of movies that usually emphasize the story, acting and cinematography.
Critically acclaimed indies are disproportionately nominated at the Oscars, Golden Globes and other prestigious movie awards. Below we have curated five non-mainstream movies coming out this year that could become critics’ favorites.
I Saw the Light
Director: Marc Abraham
Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen
Release date: March 25
Genre: biography, drama
It’s rare to see Loki and Scarlet Witch, ahem, Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen speaking in southern US accents, singing country songs and wearing cowboy hats.
In this movie, Hiddleston portrays American singer-songwriter Hank Williams who was one of the most influential American musicians in the 20th century while Olsen plays his wife Audrey Williams. The film chronicles his rise to fame and how it ends up ruining his personal life and career.
The Ferryman
Director: Jiajia Zhang
Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Angelababy, Tony Leung
Release date: to be announced
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
Written and produced by renowned filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai, The Ferryman is a comedy-drama based on the director’s own best-selling book “Passing from your World”. Hong Kong actor Tony Leung is tapped to play the lead role in this movie that is now in its post-production phase.
Not much information is available about this film, but it is believed it will be released this year.
Knight of Cups
Director: Terrence Malick
Cast: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman
Release date: March 4
Genre: drama, romance
The hype surrounding this experimental movie has been going on since last year, mostly because of the A-list cast and the storyline that tells the story of writer Rick (Christian Bale) who is on a journey of self-discovery throughout the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He later meets six different women who provide him solace and every encounter brings him closer to finding his true self and his place in the world.
Sounds like we have found one of next year’s Oscar contenders.
Loving Vincent
Director: Dorota Kobiela
Cast: Soairse Ronan, Aidan Turner
Release date: to be announced
Genre: Animation, drama
For the first time ever in the history of filmmaking, this animated movie is fully painted by real life oil painters. The movie is drawn in Van Gogh-style paintings, telling the life story and controversial death of troubled 19th century artist Vincent Van Gogh.
The plot is said to be based on 800 letters written by the Dutch painter himself and over 100 painters have reportedly contributed to the film.
Southside with You
Director: Richard Tanne
Cast: Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers
Release date: August 19
Genre: romance, biography
This film is not a love story about an ordinary couple; rather it’s the story of how US First Couple Barack and Michelle Obama first went on a date in the summer of 1989 in Chicago. Back then, Michelle Robinson was a young associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley Austin. She was later assigned for three months as Obama’s adviser at the firm and they later got married in 1992.
The movie is director Richard Tanne’s debut and is executive produced by singer John Legend.
