Underrated A24 Features for Your Movie Night
TW: This story contains content about suicide
If you’ve been scrolling through Twitter or TikTok lately, you might have noticed that everyone seems to be talking about A24 and their seriously awesome movies that you won’t want to miss. From the horror hit Hereditary to the coming-of-age drama Moonlight, A24 has been churning out critically acclaimed and intriguing films that are capturing the attention of movie fans everywhere.
But what about the lesser-known gems in the A24 library? We’re here to give you the inside scoop on the best movies from the famed production that you absolutely need to add to your watchlist. So grab some popcorn and get ready to discover your new favorite movies!
Underrated A24 Features for Your Movie Night
Low Tide (2019)
Alan, his brother, and their friends break into vacation homes to steal valuables in Low Tide. They battle with their own conscience while struggling with the decision to change their ways or await their inevitable doom. Their shattered friendship after a failed robbery heightens their internal tension.
The film slowly creates an unsettling atmosphere, relying on subtle tensions rather than a lot of action. The film’s focus on intimate human interactions, a hallmark of many A24 productions, is also evident here. If you enjoy subtle thrillers, you won’t want to overlook this film. Despite its lack of attention, it’s a potent entry in the genre that bears lingering distress as the story progresses.
C’mon C’mon (2021)
When it comes to A24, drama takes the cake. But a drama with Joaquin Phoenix? I know you’re already interested! n C’mon C’mon, a radio journalist brings his young nephew to New York, where he learns the value of life from seeing it through young, unadulterated lenses. Through meaningful interactions with children, he starts to make sense of the ambiguous world and the uncertainty of the future.
An excellent movie for a cozy night, the film prides itself on its delicate ambiance and innocent account of young perspectives. The film presents a range of rich exchanges and interviews that prop our empathy and compassion, prompting us to brood on our existing attitude towards life. Like when we care for older people, we have the opportunity to better understand and care for ourselves. Moreover, caring for children allows us to heal our own past.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
Who doesn’t love a good horror movie night? “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” is an underrated gem from A24 to add to your watchlist! The film tells two interconnecting stories. The first story follows two girls left alone in their Catholic boarding school during winter break. They try to get along while encountering peculiar and unsettling affairs. The second story focuses on a stranded woman found by a mysterious couple in the middle of nowhere.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter has everything you’d wish for in a supernatural horror film. From moderate gore and minimal jump scares to a compelling mystery hidden in plain sight. Its eerie atmosphere will leave you wondering what it would be like to confront a dangerous entity, or worse, an unchecked impulse lurking in the shadows. Fair warning, you wouldn’t want to see it by yourself!
How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017)
If you’re looking for something fresh and offbeat film to add to your movie night, “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” is a great choice. The story follows a group of teenage boys who stumble upon a party in London, only to discover that the guests are actually aliens from outer space. Navigating this new world with a bizarre bunch of humanlike ETs will rearrange their preconceived concepts of identity and love.
The weird coming-of-age film is a psychedelic mix of punk rock, aliens, and teenage rebellion. The bizarre costume designs and the characters’ restless odyssey through underground London will keep you on your toes. Additionally, the movie embraces individuality and iconoclasm, encouraging viewers to adopt their own exceptional qualities, particularly during their formative years.
The Sea of Trees (2015)
This list includes several intense films, but The Sea of Trees stands out as one of the most gripping. The story centers around an American professor who travels to the Aokigahara forest in Japan, also known as the “Sea of Trees” or “Suicide Forest,” with the intention of ending his life. While there, he encounters a Japanese man who has decided to continue living. The film combines elements of drama, Japanese culture and mythology, and a touch of adventure, making it a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking watch.
The Sea of Trees is at times morbid and at times melancholic, but ultimately it presents a poignant perspective on life itself. It delves into the societal pressures and sense of alienation that can lead people to despair. It also shows how choosing to live can heal and help us find meaning in the midst of grief. This is not simply a film about death but about the courage to resist its grasp and live life to the fullest despite its teeth sinking in.
Want some more recommendations? You can check out some more here!
