Manhattan based company “A24 Films LLC” is an extremely successful film and television producing company, distributing films for 12 years now. The company was started with the goal of sharing movies from a unique and distinctive point of view. Soon after being founded, A24’s 2013 release of “Spring Breakers” started the company’s growth and popularity. Now, years later, A24’s success has only grown. As an independent company, they have won numerous Golden Globes, 21 Academy Awards (oscars) and have won the “Best Picture” award multiple times. These are some of the must-watch films that we thoroughly enjoyed from their filmography.
“Waves” was released in 2019 and directed by Trey Edward Shults. Starring well known actors Taylor Russell, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alexa Demie, Waves follows a suburban African American family after their son, Tyler, is sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder. Leaving his sister Emily demoralized, we watch as she navigates her changed life as she finds consolation in her relationship with Luke and learns how to heal and move forward. Waves offers a painful and authentic view on forgiveness, the importance of family and long lasting trauma.
Released in 2019 and directed by Ari Aster, “Midsommar” follows main character Dani, played by Florence Pugh. Her sister Terri kills her parents and then herself through carbon monoxide poisoning, leaving Dani traumatized. She decides to go to Sweden after her boyfriend’s friend Pelle invites them to celebrate a nine day midsommar festival with his family, but the commune turns out to be a cult with sickening rituals. Dani eventually gets dragged into the cult after becoming the “May Queen” during the spring festival. Extremely graphic and gruesome, Midsommar ultimately explores the harsh eugenicist beliefs of this Nordic cult covered up by claims about religion and staying true to tradition. This movie is rated R and should be watched with caution.
Released in 2023, “You Hurt My Feelings” is a comedy-drama directed by Nicole Holofcener. The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Beth, a novelist whose marriage is tested after she accidentally overhears her husband Don’s honest opinion about her work. Set in New York City, the story explores themes of honesty, trust, and the small but meaningful ways relationships are built or broken. Light-hearted but emotional, You Hurt My Feelings offers a real and funny look at everyday life.
Also released in 2023, “Priscilla” is a biographical drama directed by Sofia Coppola who has a long history with A24 and has worked with the company since the beginning. Based on the memoir “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla Presley, the film tells the story of Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis Presley from her perspective. It shows how she navigates her teenage years, her and Elvis’ complicated love story, and her journey toward finding independence. Priscilla is a softer, more intimate look at the life behind the fame and is a must-watch for anyone interested in personal stories about love and self-discovery.
The Whale, released in 2022, is a psychological drama directed by well known director Darren Aronofsky who directed academy award winning movies including “Black Swan.” Brendan Fraser stars as Charlie, a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter before it’s too late. The film deals with grief, regret, and the search for redemption. Brendan Fraser’s powerful performance won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
A24 has become one of the most popular film companies today because of the unique and powerful stories they tell. Whether it’s the emotional journey in “Waves and The Whale”, the intense and creepy vibe of “Midsommar”, or the more personal stories in “You Hurt My Feelings and Priscilla”, A24 always finds a way to make its movies stand out. Their movies are creative, honest, and really make you think, which is why we think they’re definitely worth watching.
