11 Must-Watch Films Unveiling Our Fav Enigmatic Indie Darlings
By Kaleigha Easterly
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Clementine Kruczynski, Kate Winslet
If there's one woman every Brooklyn and LA boy can't stop drooling over, it's Clementine Kruczynski. With her ever-changing hair and a nihilistic view of life, she'll make you question everything – including whether erasing her from your memory is really such a great idea. Kate Winslet's performance is as kaleidoscopic as Clementine's hair, and it will become an automatic jewel to you.
2. Annie Hall (1977)
Annie Hall, Diane Keaton
Woody Allen may be a degenerate, but he sure knows how to make a damn fine film; so put aside your moral conflicts for a moment and immerse yourself in 1970s New York. Above the subway but below the skyscrapers lies Diane Keaton’s most prolific character, a woman so full of spunk, vigor, and life she'll knock your socks off. Miss Annie Hall was the original dream girl who paved the way for your favorite female personalities.
3. Submarine (2010)
Jordana Bevan, Yasmin Paige
Every element of “Submarine” is divine, from the music score (by Alex Turner!!) to the idyllic cinematography, to the awkwardly perfect dialogue. But one aspect that cannot be stressed enough is the superb character composition, especially my favorite hardshell weirdo, Jordana Bevan (played by Yasmin Paige), who through her off-the-wall antics, simultaneously entrances the hearts of the audience and her counterpart Oliver Tate, although we have no clue how.
4. Frances Ha
Frances Halladay, Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig’s more humble counterpart, “Frances Ha,” demonstrates what ambition, love, and defeat look like in female form. The 27-year-old Frances can’t seem to catch a break, both at her own hand and at the universe’s. She is perpetually unstable and you could kind of sort of say she is learning how to navigate adulthood even though it is a piss-poor attempt.
5. Citizen Ruth (1996)
Ruth Stoops, Laura Dern
Everyone enjoys a cheeky indulgence, whether it's wine, cigarettes, or smut. However, Ruth Stoops' form of self-gratification is a tad unconventional; the girl loves huffing paint, and she just can’t help herself. When she becomes pregnant, she unwittingly becomes a pawn in a political battle, showcasing her selfish outlook on life.
6. Ghost World (2001)
Rebecca, Scarlett Johansson, + Enid, Thorna Birch
Scarlett Johansson and Thora Birch, as Rebecca and Enid, perfectly capture the essence of teenage rebellion and disillusionment. This film follows the two post-graduation in their search for self… and an apartment. These ladies quickly become unforgettable with their snarky banter and unconventional “jokes.”
7. Juno (2007)
Juno MacGuff, Elliot Page
Hold onto your knickers, folks, because Juno MacGuff is about to crash into your life like a hurricane of mis-matched outfits, hamburger phones, and killer music taste. Played to perfection by the indomitable Elliot Page, Juno is the kind of gal who'll have you emotionally invested in her through every twist of her unexpected journey. She's the embodiment of teenage spirit, spunk, and resilience, and with Michael Cera adding his bizarre signature charm, their on-screen chemistry is quite a show.
8. Garden State (2004)
Sam, Natalie Portman
When you imagine the ideal meet-cute, you conjure thoughts of bumping into someone in a coffee shop, a concert, or a museum. Seldom do you think of a hospital full of icky kids, achy grandmas, and hypochondriacs. However, for Sam (played by Natalie Portman) and Andrew (played by Zack Braff), where they meet is not the last of what makes the two a strange pairing. Sam is a serial liar with an infectious, goofball personality and a unique outlook on life, while Andrew is a joke of an actor and a chronic pessimist.
9. Reality Bites (1994)
Lelaina Pierce, Winona Ryder
As the class of 1994 faces the harsh realities of post-graduation life in New York, disappointment and shattered dreams prevail. Winona Ryder's Lelaina Pierce, with her cynicism and relatable personality, shines in this drab exploration of young adulthood.
10. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Margot Tenenbaum, Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow mesmerizes both men and women alike with her electric looks and eccentric disposition as Margot Tenenbaum in one of Wes Anderson’s renowned films, “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Margot is a tortured artistic soul, damned to be the daughter of her estranged father and the sister of her prodigy brothers. Through the thick of her troubles, Margot always seems to keep up her swanky outfits, and for that, we adore her.
11. Lost in Translation (2003)
Charlotte, Scarlett Johansson
If there's one director who knows how to capture the essence of a complex female character, it's Sofia Coppola. In "Lost in Translation," Coppola brings us ScarJo as Charlotte, an 18 year old girl adrift in Tokyo, questioning her life's direction amid her lifeless marriage. Amid the cultural barriers and isolation, she forges a unique (yet creepy when you think about it) connection with 52 year old Bill Murray's character. This poignant film explores the depths of a female character seeking self-discovery in an unfamiliar world.