Not sure on what to watch this summer as you hide out from the sweltering heat in your dark and cool living room? Finding it hard to keep up with the conveyor belt of Avengers movies? Boy, do we have big ideas for you.

With big-name film production companies like Disney, Paramount, and Universal dominating our screens, it may be positive to divert our attention to independent cinema. Interestingly, the consumption of Indie cinema thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic as the postponement of blockbusters such as No Time to Die allowed indie films to be released across cinemas more widely. To maintain this momentum, and to celebrate The Maker’s Summer of Literature August theme, ‘The Arts,’ this article will explore some of the top indie cinema to watch before the summer months come to a close.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Although you’ve probably already heard of this brilliant indie film, I assure you it is indeed worth the hype. Produced by the infamous A24, the 2022 release is an absurdist comedy-drama focusing on Michelle Yeoh who, when challenged by the IRS, finds out she can move between different versions of herself in parallel universes. During her travels, she learns she must prevent a mysterious being from destroying the multiverse. Although the premise of multiverses gives a very marvel flavour, don’t let this put you off. This artistically rich and hilarious film is certainly worth the watch.

Brian and Charles

During a visit to Exeter Phoenix’s Studio 74 cinema, I caught the trailer for this independent film. I immediately had to watch it. The film takes on a mockumentary style, following Brian, an isolated inventor living in rural Wales. After a particularly harsh and lonely winter, Brian decides to build himself a robot, Charles, who helps him navigate love and friendship. For those who love an eccentric film, this one’s for you. Filled with wonderfully dry British humour, this film is certain to leave you feeling uplifted.

Mangrove

Although released in 2020, I think it’s still worth talking about Mangrove. The historical drama directed by Steve McQueen centres around the Mangrove Restaurant and the 1971 trial of the Mangrove Nine; a group of British black activists tried for ‘rioting’ against the police. The film documents their trial, which was the first judicial acknowledgement of racial discrimination by the MET police. Mangrove unashamedly exposes the violence of the British police force in the 1970s, exposing audiences to issues of the past that still echo through to today’s police state.

Three-Headed Beast

Featured at the Tribeca festival, Three-Headed Beast centres a polyamorous couple and their once-healthy open relationship as it starts to show cracks. This film lets the audience think for themselves, avoiding the pitfalls of over-explanation, instead allowing visuals to portray the story. For those who’ve enjoyed the recent iterations of Sally Rooney’s novels including Conversations with Friends and Normal People, this is definitely a watch for you.

Written by Anna Craig, our Digital Development intern