The talent found at all levels of independent films seriously rivals the production standards found in major studios. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the landscape, so "where is the best place to start?" you might ask. Here's a very helpful guide to the best independent films:
At its very core, Trainspotting is a story with lots of cynicism and lots of heroin. From its famous opening scene (running down Princes Street in Edinburgh to Iggy Pop's 'Lust for Life) to 'The Worst Toilet in Scotland', the adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel (directed by Danny Boyle) takes a look at the realities of drug abuse. The film has been criticised for its depictions of drug abuse at some points, but arguably paints a very realistic and gritty picture of hedonism and heroin use.
If you need anymore convincing, the film also managed to p*ss off former Republican Senator, Bob Dole.
2. Flying Blind (2012)
While Rotten Tomatoes weren't major fans of Katarzyna Klimkiewicz's Flying Blind, I rate this film incredibly highly.
Klimkiewicz takes us on a journey, an admittedly very poorly developed one, with Dr. Frankie Lethbridge (Helen McCrory) a successful aeronautical scientist at the top of her game. She is a woman thriving in a man's world (we love to see it), but less successfully navigating the dating world.
Her contribution to a military project (the design of a drone for the MoD) coincides with the beginning of a new relationship with a young Algerian refugee, Kahil (Najib Oudghiri). The film is a post-9/11 thriller geared towards encouraging the audience to recognise their own biases in the wake of the tragedy, as Frankie herself learns to throughout the film.
There's very cool, very orchestral music by Jon Wygens, there's a brilliant cast and the questions raised are undoubtedly very important. Ignore Rotten Tomatoes, this is a very cool example of an indie film.
3. The Father (2020)
The story told by The Father is an incredibly difficult one, but unfortunately not one beyond the realms of belief. The story is told from the perspective of Anthony Miller (Anthony Hopkins), as he manages the day-to-day life of a person managing dementia.
What makes this film incredibly powerful, aside from the amazing work done by Olivia Colman, is the way the story is told. While a little confusing at points, the audience are not on the outside looking in at Anthony's life. We experience the confusion and struggles of dementia right there with Anthony.
The Father deserved every single accolade and more.
4. Quartet (2012)
Dustin Hoffman's Quartet brings Ronald Harwood's play of the same name to life on the big screen, with a fabulous cast including Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly.
Light-hearted in places, heart-breaking in others, we follow the lives of four ageing people in a home for retired musicians. The home's financial situation is precarious, and the proceeds from a yearly concert in honour of Giuseppe Verdi might be the only way to save its future.
It sounds silly, and largely the film is very silly, but it's actually a great choice for a comfort watch should you find yourself in need of 98 minutes of nonsense (in the best way).
5. French Dispatch (2021)
It's 1975 and we find ourselves in the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, where the editor of the magazine, The French Dispatch, has died suddenly. In accordance with the editor's last wishes, the magazine is to see its final issue in print - containing only four articles and an obituary.
Shot in 35mm film and framed in the Academy ratio, The French Dispatch is visually very Wes Anderson. From the careful selection of filming locations (places which evoked Paris as it once was) to the music of Alexandre Desplat and Randall Poster - The French Dispatch is an incredibly special and well-produced piece of cinema, a love letter to journalism.
