There is a special kind of magic found in independent cinema. Without the safety net of massive studio budgets, indie films rely on one thing above all else: raw talent.

Independent reviews look at underlying social commentary, grief, or philosophical questions.

Independent cinema is at the forefront of exploring diverse perspectives, including stories centering on age, race, sexuality, and socioeconomic reality.

But when the film focuses on June’s slow, unsentimental reckoning with her mother’s hoarding and her own emotional hoarding, Shelter in Place soars. A ten-minute sequence of June scrubbing a stained wall—first furiously, then gently, finally weeping—is as good as cinema gets this year.

A crucial piece of modern cinema that tackles the nuances of workplace abuse. 4. The Human Vulnerability: Nomadland (2020) Actress: Frances McDormand

Platforms that champion independent cinema often focus on the emotional truth of a performance, rather than just the visual spectacle. 4. Notable Examples of Independent Cinema Excellence