As 2013 draws to a close, we bring you some of the many wonderful independent films released this year. So when you’re cold and snowed in over your holiday break and a third go-around of Frosty the Snowman just isn’t cutting it, get cozy with something a little different!
Blancanieves
Set in the 1920’s, Blancanieves follows the life a woman who runs away to the circus with dwarves. This bull fighting rendition of Snow White has been compared to the recent silent film The Artist and is a tribute to silent films of the past. [Trailer] [Watch]
Elena
Leaving behind her seven-year-old sister Petra and her native country of Brazil, Elena moves to New York as an aspiring actress. Two decades later, Petra is determined to find her sister with only home movies, newspapers, and the few memories that have stayed with her throughout the years. [Trailer]
Frances Ha
Brilliant. Frances lives her life wanting more than what she has, but in a lighthearted and loving way. She apprentices at a dance studio in New York, but isn’t exactly a dancer and balances her life along with her best friend’s, whom she isn’t speaking to, as she pursues her diminishing dreams. It scored a 93% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and many high marks. [Trailer] [Watch]
HairBrained
This film follows the unlikely friendship between two freshmen at Ivy League wannabe, Whittman College. 14-year-old Eli Pettifog is a super genius rejected from Harvard and 41-year-old Leo Searly is a gambler that gave up on life and enrolled in college until he can plan his next move. Their friendship wasn’t immediate, but the duo’s relationship thrives on Eli competing in academic competitions. This film is quirky and witty, but also speaks to a deeper side of compassion and tolerance. [Trailer]
Inside Llewyn Davis
A narrative of a singer-songwriter circumventing the folk music scene in New York City during the 1960’s. This indie feature pulls at the heart strings of even the least empathetic and makes you root for the success of art while exploiting the beauty of the war-time era America. [Trailer] [Read]
John Dies at the End
Two college dropouts are called to duty after an intergalactic war sparks from the use of an “out-of-body” experience-promising drug called Soy Sauce. The drug brings a time-altering, dimension-crossing high that doesn’t always bring the right soul back to the correct body. This movie is trippy (pun intended) and slightly disturbing, but fills all of your inner-stoner’s desires in a film. [Trailer] [Watch]
Mud
Two country boys discover a fugitive and attempt to reunite him with the only woman he every truly loved. Evading bounty hunters and vengeance-seeking family, the boys do what ever it takes to get their strange new friend whatever he needs. It’s an overall great opportunity to swoon over Matthew McConaughey fighting for love and getting along really well with children. [Trailer] [Watch]
The Spectatcular Now
This is more than just a teen romance flick. This movie shows the highs and lows of being the cool kid and ultimately plays out in favor of the Molly Ringwalds of the world. The main character lives his life without an agenda and takes the high school innocence of a makeup-less, manga reading, smart kid. From parties with alcohol to facing his absent father with her by his side, the charming cool kid falls in love with the nerd and then nearly loses her by his own budding alcoholism. The film was written by the same team that gave us 500 Days of Summer and it makes you want to happy cry just the same. [Trailer] [Watch]
Lauren Brummett
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