Today, filmmaking is often equated with promotional efforts; this trend has led to the glorification of commercial films, regardless of whether they are hits or flops. However, films with actual lessons and a smaller budget are often overlooked. In fact, these are more independent, free of judgment or box office pressure. Thus, portray originality, and on Netflix, you have bundles of them.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Chiwetel Ejiofor’s debut film is an excellent message about hard work & determination. William Kamkwamba is a bright child who spends time fixing radios and junkyards for salvageable electronics. He gets kicked out of school as his family cannot afford the fees, and their crop fields fail due to severe drought. With little help, he visits the school library and learns how to build wind windmill. Just with bicycle parts, their only asset, he built a village-sized powerplant that gives them freedom from starvation.
IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 89% NewsSlash Rating: 4.6/5
Mudbound (2017)
Based on Hillary Jordan’s novel, Mudbound is a well-enacted story of rural struggle between classes and racism during World War 2. McAllans and the black family Jacksons work in the same crop field with harsh conditions, when each of their family members returns from war. An unlikely friendship sparks, leading them to solve challenges despite all the tensions between family. They bond over pain, loss, and grievances they suffered in war. This film went for 4 Oscar nominations too, do watch
IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 97% NewsSlash Rating: 4.8/5
Paddleton (2019)
Paddleton is an emotional indie film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later released on Netflix. Two neighbors who never really were close to each other start a friendship which soon turns sad as one gets diagnosed with a terminal cancer. It’s quite slow paced with lacking parts, but the deep exploration into concepts of life, brotherhood, sacrifice, and enjoyment is evident and keeps your attention.
IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 89% NewsSlash Rating: 4/5
Cinema Bandi (2021)
This film was launched by well-known directors Raj-DK’s subsidiary production. In a rural Andhra Pradesh village, an auto driver finds a discarded camera, and with his friend, they set off to shoot a film with local villagers. As the woman regains her camera, she sees the shooting clips, puts them together, and plays the cinema in front of villagers. It’s really a humorous, quirky journey with excellent performances, do give this a try.
IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% NewsSlash Rating: 4.8/5
Also Read…
Bollywood’s Biggest Celebrity Rivalries Everyone Talked About
Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017)
After relentless failed tries in marriage and relationships, A 35-year-old woman, Jaya, aka Paravthy Thiruvothu, meets Yogi (Irrfan Khan) complete opposite of her personality. Listening to his interesting tales of love, she accompanies him on a life–changing trip to meet his ex-girlfriends and her ex, too. Their journey takes ups and downs in relations, and soon love sparks between them. Amidst this chaos, will they discover true love?
IMDb: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 73% NewsSlash Rating: 4.4/5
Conclusion
These are only a few out of many excellent films on Netflix. Independently produced films have their magic; unlike commercial flicks, they don’t rely on the quality of plot and character arcs. Many Hollywood stars act in these projects that bring them versatility and value. So, once in a while, give them a chance.
Written by – Meghana Pinninti