You may have encountered the name A24 multiple times.
If you asked us to describe A24 in three words, it would be eclectic, authentic and oddly comforting. And if you haven’t brought it on to yourself to watch a film they produced, check out our guide to the best A24 films to watch right now.
As an American independent entertainment company, A24 has given us the best films of our generation. Founded by film executives John Hodges, David Fenkel and Daniel Katz in 2013, the masterminds behind A24 were the reason why Everything Everywhere All At Once and Moonlight exists today along with its first release, ‘A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III‘.
It’s safe to say that each film exudes visual poetry with its metaphors and purpose. Films like Ex Machina, Room and The Whale, to name a few, swept multiple awards across various categories such as ‘Best Visual Effects’, ‘Best Actress’, ‘Best Picture’ and more. What sets them apart is how they don’t focus on a specific genre or theme. You’ll find elevated horror, coming-of-age tales, sci-fi, psychological thriller, and so on. Their unique yet passionate approach to storytelling gets their movies on the map, and we can’t wait to see them thrive continuously.
If you haven’t heard of A24 before, don’t worry! We have got you covered with our guide to the best A24 movies.
Your guide to the best A24 Films to see in your lifetime:
Everything Everywhere All At Once
This movie needs no introduction. Starring Oscar-winning actors Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, this movie swept seven wins at the 95th annual Academy Awards. This movie received tremendous recognition and has proven to be one of the most cinematic yet entertaining films of 2022.
Additionally, the movie also tapped into our minds on an insane adventure to self-discovery. A must-watch if you still haven’t seen it.
Lady Bird
Directed by Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird beautifully delves into the timeless journey of discovering oneself and the importance of family relationships during your teenage years. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film about a high school senior and her strained relationship with her mother. The tale takes us to the fall of 2002, where we see Christine McPherson, AKA “Lady Bird”, who yearns to leave Sacramento, California and attend a prestigious college on the East Coast.
The movie has bagged multiple awards, nominations and an impressive 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ex Machina
A movie unlike any other. Ex Machina leans on what an intelligent AI could do if it existed among us. The film follows a young programmer (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who wins a contest to participate in a scientific experiment led by his CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), to test the abilities and consciousness of AVA, an impressive yet hauntingly beautiful AI android. However, he later realises Ava is far more self-aware than they thought.
Moonlight
Here’s another film worth mentioning. Moonlight dives deep into a beautiful tale of a young African-American who struggles to find his true self and place in the world from childhood to adulthood. Starring Mahershala Ali as the leading man, the film also features notable names such as Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Andre Holland and Janelle Monae. In fact, the film won an Oscar for ‘Best Picture’, and if you remember, the film bagged its award after La La Land was mistakenly named the winner after a massive Oscar mix-up.
Eighth Grade
We’ve all been there. The quiet struggle of finding your place while navigating through middle school – it can be terrifying. This is what Eighth Grade is all about. The movie depicts the story of Kayla Day, an introverted eighth-grader who obsesses over social media. For someone who regularly publishes her motivational videos, she appears confident in her videos, but in real life, she leads a different kind of life.
Room
Filled with suspense and an emotional rollercoaster ride, Room highlights a mother’s endless love for her son. Starring Brie Larson, the film shows Joy (played by Larson), who was held captive in a 10-by-10 room by her kidnapper for seven years. Her five-year-old son Jack, who has never seen life outside those walls, believes their life is normal. One day, she finally decides to plot their escape from the monster who has been holding them captive.
Surrounding the success behind this film, Larson won Best Performance and Best Leading Actress at the Oscars and BAFTA Film Awards, respectively.
Aftersun
Here’s a little fun fact. Paul Mescal received his first Oscar nomination for his role in the movie Aftersun. With an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise to see that this heartfelt tale was a favourite to many film enthusiasts.
You may adore him from ‘Normal People’, but it’s evident that Paul Mescal is here to prove that he can step away from his breakthrough role as Connell.
Set in the late ‘90s, Aftersun follows Sophie as she reminisces about a holiday she took with her father two decades ago. Twenty years later, she attempts to recollect bittersweet memories, trying to come to terms with the father she knew and the person he truly was.
