A selection of the best indie films of the 21st century according to IndieWire (10 photos)

The editors of IndieWire have compiled a selection of the best films of American independent cinema of the 21st century. We need to make a small digression and remind you what indie films are (aka “author and festival films”). In this case, we are talking about films that are produced and distributed by small companies or “subsidiaries” of large companies. Their independence allows directors and screenwriters to use any techniques and methods to create a more thoughtful and deep story. They are also freed from the “supervision” of producers, and the film itself does not pursue the goal of pleasing the mass audience. This gives the indie film a certain “intellectual” and “elitism”, although in reality this is not entirely true. This is a movie for everyone! But the filmmakers are more focused on art and story than entertaining the viewer.

2000 - Requiem for a Dream





She was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe in the Best Actress category. Even if you haven’t watched this film, you’ve probably heard the main musical theme of the film at least once.

2001 - Phantom World



An Oscar nomination for an adapted screenplay, two Golden Globe nominations for the acting work of Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi.

2002 - 25th hour





The last 24 hours in the life of a man who was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

2003 — Lost in Translation



In total, the film received 77 different film awards and was nominated for another 66. The BBC placed the film in 22nd place on its list of the hundred greatest films of the 21st century.

2006 - Little Miss Sunshine



Oscar winner in the categories “Best Original Screenplay” and “Best Supporting Actor”, as well as a nominee in the categories “Best Picture” and “Best Supporting Actress”.

2008 - Serious man



Considered one of the Coen Brothers' best films.

2010 - Valentine



A film about a relationship crisis. The title refers to Tom Waits' music album "Blue Valentine".

2012 - Moonrise Kingdom



A couple of teenagers in love run away from adult supervision.

2014 - A girl returns home alone at night



The film takes place in a gloomy Iranian ghost town, the plot is built around the adventures of a lonely vampire girl.

2019 — Farewell



The aspiring writer lives in the USA, but can’t stop thinking about her family, especially her beloved grandmother. The grandmother turns out to be terminally ill and does not have long to live. The relatives, in order not to upset her, decided not to tell her anything, but to organize a grand celebration at which everyone could say goodbye to the dying woman.