THE GATA GUIDE TO THE MIND-BENDING COSMOS OF A24
A24 is a relatively young but profoundly influential player in the film industry. They’ve become synonymous with a transformative cinematic experience. Beyond being just a studio, A24 is an alchemist, turning raw narratives into gold and elevating independent films to a status previously reserved for Hollywood giants.
Founded in 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges, quickly rose to prominence as a champion of innovative storytelling. What sets A24 apart is its unflinching commitment to nurturing groundbreaking narratives and amplifying the voices of emerging filmmakers, becoming a sanctuary for those who push the boundaries of cinematic expression.
Today A24 is more than just a studio, they’ve become a cultural phenomenon that has redefined the landscape of storytelling, loved by hipster movie snobs to the most general of movie-goers. In celebration of this, we have curated a list of our favourites from the A24 oeuvre
Spring Breakers (2012)
Potentially A24’s popularity-breakout film, ‘Spring Breakers’ immerses viewers in neon-drenched chaos, taking them through a hedonistic journey into the heart of American excess. Directed by Harmony Korine, the film follows four college friends—played by Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine—as they embark on a wild spring break adventure fueled by drugs, crime, and a magnetic but menacing rapper, portrayed by James Franco. 'Spring Breakers' is a visually bold and audacious exploration of the pursuit of freedom and the dark underbelly of the American Dream.
Under the Skin (2013)
'Under the Skin,' is a a cinematic experience like no other. Scarlett Johansson mesmerizes in her role as an otherworldly being navigating the streets of Scotland in a quest for human connection. Director Jonathan Glazer crafts a haunting and visually stunning narrative that transcends traditional sci-fi.
Tusk (2014)
'Tusk,' is a film that defies conventional horror norms. Director Kevin Smith takes a darkly comedic approach to the macabre, as a podcaster's quest for a unique story leads him to a reclusive adventurer with a gruesome agenda. With a blend of horror and absurdity, 'Tusk' leaves audiences both cringing and chuckling, offering a unique spin on body horror that is as memorable as it is disturbing.
Ex Machina (2014)
Directed by Alex Garland, 'Ex Machina' delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, blurring the lines between man and machine in a visually striking and intellectually stimulating narrative. Domhnall Gleeson portrays a young programmer invited to administer the Turing test on a highly advanced humanoid robot, played by Alicia Vikander.
The Lobster (2015)
A surreal journey into a dystopian world where singlehood is a crime, Yorgos Lanthimos' "The Lobster" is a darkly comedic satire that stars Colin Farrell as David, a man forced into a peculiar resort where guests have 45 days to find a romantic partner or face transformation into an animal of their choosing. Equal parts absurd and thought-provoking, this film invites viewers to reflect on societal norms and the lengths people go to fit in.
The Witch (2015)
In the chilling depths of 1630s New England, 'The Witch' unveils a tale of supernatural terror and familial unravelling. Director Robert Eggers crafts a period horror piece that immerses audiences in the stark and eerie wilderness, where a Puritan family grapples with forces beyond their comprehension. With meticulous attention to historical detail and an atmosphere thick with dread, 'The Witch' is a slow-burning descent into paranoia and the unknown.
Green Room (2015)
When a punk band stumbles upon a violent crime scene at a backwoods neo-Nazi club, they find themselves trapped in a fight for survival. Director Jeremy Saulnier delivers a visceral and tension-filled experience, with Patrick Stewart playing against type as the menacing club owner.
Moonlight (2016)
"Moonlight," a coming-of-age masterpiece that took home the Oscar for Best Picture. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film is a poignant exploration of identity, sexuality, and the struggles of a young African-American man named Chiron. Divided into three chapters, "Moonlight" is a visual and emotional triumph, capturing the essence of human connection against the backdrop of a Miami landscape that feels as alive as the characters themselves.
The Florida Project (2017)
"The Florida Project" is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of life on the fringes of society. Directed by Sean Baker, the film follows the misadventures of Moonee, a precocious six-year-old living in the shadows of Disney World. Willem Dafoe delivers a compelling performance as the motel manager trying to keep afloat in a sea of poverty. "The Florida Project" is a heartbreaking yet beautifully human exploration of resilience in the face of adversity.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, "Lady Bird," takes us on a nostalgic trip through the tumultuous journey of adolescence. Saoirse Ronan shines as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a high school senior navigating love, friendship, and the trials of a turbulent mother-daughter relationship. Gerwig's authentic storytelling and Ronan's charismatic performance make "Lady Bird" an instant classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Yorgos Lanthimos, the master of unsettling narratives, invites audiences into the surreal world of 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer.' Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman star as a seemingly perfect couple whose lives take a sinister turn when a mysterious young man enters their lives. With Lanthimos' signature deadpan style and a sense of impending doom, this psychological thriller will leave you questioning the boundaries of morality and the consequences of guilt.
Hereditary (2018)
"Hereditary" is a cinematic masterpiece in the horror genre. Directed by Ari Aster, this film defies conventions, delivering psychological terror that lingers long after the credits roll. Toni Collette's performance as the matriarch of a troubled family is nothing short of extraordinary, making "Hereditary" a rollercoaster of emotions with twists and turns that will leave you questioning reality.
Climax (2018)
‘Climax,' is yet another visually arresting and disorienting journey directed by Gaspar Noé. Set against the pulsating beats of a dance party, the film descends into chaos as a troupe of dancers realizes they've unwittingly consumed a hallucinogenic substance. Noé's unflinching camera work and immersive soundtrack create a nightmarish yet exhilarating experience that lingers long after the final dance.
Midsommar (2019)
Drenched in daylight horrors and suffused with an eerie beauty, 'Midsommar' is a haunting masterpiece from the mind of visionary director Ari Aster. Florence Pugh delivers a riveting performance as a grief-stricken young woman who, along with her friends, embarks on a seemingly idyllic trip to a remote Swedish village to partake in a rare midsummer festival. As the sun never sets, the line between tradition and terror blurs, leading to a nightmarish exploration of grief, relationships, and pagan rituals.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe deliver powerhouse performances as two lighthouse keepers grappling with their sanity on a desolate rock in the 19th century. Director Robert Eggers crafts a visually stunning and psychologically intense tale of power struggles and existential dread, leaving viewers questioning reality in the shadow of the imposing lighthouse.
Uncut Gems (2019)
The chaotic and frenetic world of Howard Ratner, played by Adam Sandler will have you clenching the entire film. Directed by the Safdie brothers, this gritty and pulse-pounding thriller follows a charismatic jeweller whose high-stakes gambling addiction jeopardizes everything he holds dear.
Saint Maud (2019)
Morfydd Clark stars as Maud, a devout caregiver whose unwavering faith takes a dark turn. Rose Glass, in her directorial debut, weaves a haunting narrative that explores the thin line between devotion and madness. 'Saint Maud' is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, blending psychological tension with moments of visceral terror."
Lamb (2021)
"In a tale both unsettling and poignant, 'Lamb' unfolds as a unique exploration of parenthood and the boundaries of love. Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason deliver powerful performances as a couple who make a life-altering discovery in the Icelandic wilderness. Directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson, 'Lamb' is a thought-provoking journey into the surreal, blending folklore with modern sensibilities.
Everything, Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Everything, Everywhere All at Once' is a cosmic tapestry woven with elements of science fiction, family drama, and high-stakes action. Directed by visionary duo Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, the film stars Michelle Yeoh in a marvellous feat of performance. As a seemingly ordinary housewife, Yeoh's character discovers an extraordinary ability to traverse the multiverse. What follows is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey that explores the interconnectedness of all things.
X (2022)
Embarking on a rustic adventure with the aim of creating an unforgettable adult film, finds themselves entangled in a web of unexpected challenges. Far beyond the conventional clash with an irate country figurehead, the team faces a riveting twist when the true narrative of their film is found out. As tensions escalate, the picturesque countryside becomes the backdrop for unspeakable horrors.
Pearl (2023)
In 1918, trapped on an isolated farm, Pearl tends to her ailing father amidst the watchful gaze of her stern mother. Yearning for the glamour depicted in movies, Pearl's desires clash with the drudgery of rural life. As she teeters on the brink of madness, the film unfolds a desperate pursuit of stardom, offering a poignant prequel to the 2022 film "X."
Words by Jasmina Mitrovic