A24 has outdone itself again with its recent movie, Marcel The Shell With Shoes On, which finally saw wide release in the U.S. in July 2022. This heartwarming film is a perfect reflection of A24's style, as it includes a unique and creative story, artistic visuals, and resonating writing unparalleled to movies outside of the independent entertainment company.
The past couple of years have been stocked with popular A24 films, and it seems like every movie brings the promise of critical acclaim, if only from its association with the company. What some might not know is that A24 has been operating since 2013, and has produced many movies before its universal fame.
Spring Breakers (2013)
Some might remember the movie Spring Breakers from its all-star cast, including Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, James Franco, and even an appearance from Gucci Mane. This fun girls-turned-criminals film seems a far example from A24's typical movies, as it sometimes lacks seriousness and has some negative reviews from critics and audience members alike.
Spring Breakers is only A24's third film, therefore created in a time long before the company really sunk into the expectations it has acquired today. However, the movie is not completely lacking in the company's style. A24 is known for giving space to unique and experimental filmmakers, this time for Harmony Korine, who includes some of his token quirky visuals and techniques in Spring Breakers.
Ginger & Rosa (2013)
Ginger and Rosa is a deeply emotional and sensitive film written and directed by Sally Potter, following two friends in 1960s London. The movie received similar critical ambiguity to Spring Breakers, which was released the same day. Though most agreed about a sincere and heart-wrenching performance from lead actress Elle Fanning, others thought the film's potential was not quite met.
It wouldn't be a surprise if those who did remember the movie didn't know it was from A24. As another early film from the company, Ginger and Rosa may be considered deep, but its plot is nothing too unique from other films released in the early 2010s.
Enemy (2014)
Actor Jake Gyllenhall is known for many serious lead roles, especially in thrillers like Nightcrawler and Donnie Darko. Perhaps less known is that he was the star of an A24 film, the psychological drama Enemy, a story about a professor who discovers an actor that looks exactly like himself.
It's easy to not realize Enemy is an A24 film, despite its distinct color palate and surrealist themes. Though Gyllenhall, unsurprisingly, gives a stunning performance, the film itself is not quite an Ari Aster masterpiece. Although, Enemy's infamous ending has ignited many theories and discussions, which has resulted in some popularity for the film.
Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina is an undebated classic, and most people interested in movies have at least heard its name, even if they haven't seen it. It's not obvious, however, that the sci-fi film was produced by A24, as the film was made before the production company had really defined its name.
Ex Machina is more likely to be found in general "best" or "classic" movie lists than its association with A24. However, upon further inspection, the movie does feature many A24 qualities, such as an experimental story with a main cast of only four members, and a deep, universal message hidden in a genre where you wouldn't expect it.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is credited as a great coming-of-age movie, featuring two actors who soon became stars in the popular hit Divergent: Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller. The movie, which follows two teenagers in an unlikely romance, features a story that manages to remain unique despite belonging to a genre filled with reoccurring tropes.
Though the film's two genuine characters escape the outside influences of irony and quirkiness of some other young adult films, The Spectacular Now isn't necessarily an indie film. It was very popular at the time of its release, and a big success for A24, but once again, made at a time before the production company was well known.
Tusk (2014)
Tusk might be remembered for its absurd plot and disturbing visuals, but not necessarily its connection to A24. As one of A24's worst horror movies, Tusk is far from the other films that have given the company credibility in the genre.
Though certainly a unique story, Tusk lacks the resonance, depth, and distinct visuals that other A24 horrors have defined, like Midsommar and The Witch. The movie is more closely associated with its director, Kevin Smith, who created the popular film series Clerks.
Amy (2015)
A24 is not known for making documentaries or musical stories, but the film Amy is a blend of both. The movie documents the life and struggles of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, who passed only four years prior to the film's release. The doc won many awards after its initial showing at the Cannes film festival.
Since A24's movies are known for their original storylines, it's hard to imagine a documentary would be among its productions. Nevertheless, Amy proves itself to be unique in its own genre, and by giving an honest point of view on all aspects of Winehouse's life, it leaves its audience with a deep sadness over the singer's tragic death, as well as disgust for the darker side of the music industry.
Room (2015)
Though likely more commonly associated with its many awards and nominations, Room also belongs to the now quickly growing list of A24 films, and was its best movie of 2015. The movie certainly helped A24's rise to fame, especially with the Oscar-winning performance of its lead actress, Brie Larson.
It's no surprise Room was picked up by A24, as its dominant setting of a single room and shocking plot made it a one-of-a-kind story. Also fitting for the production company was its spotlight on director Lenny Abrahamson, who is known for directing notable independent films.
Swiss Army Man (2016)
Swiss Army Man was just on the cusp of A24's dominant era, so some might not recognize that the film belongs to the production company. The movie explores the relationship between the stranded Hank (Paul Dano) and a corpse named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe).
With its immense oddness and indie feel, Swiss Army Man is one of the first films that really resonate with what A24 stands for today, especially with The Lobster being released the same year. Though, many likely sought out the film not for its association with the company but for Radcliffe, as it provided one of Radcliffe's best non-Harry Potter roles.
The Disaster Artist (2017)
Many remember the iconic movie The Disaster Artist for its content, not its production company, as it is a biographical comedy-drama about cult favorite The Room. The film was an instant success, using grace and wit to portray the infamous Tommy Wiseau and successfully capturing the original movie's humor.
The Disaster Artist is a highly creative film with stunning acting, delivered by brothers Dave and James Franco, who also directed the film. Though distinct in its own way, it doesn't necessarily feel like an A24 film, likely because of its close connection to The Room, which is known for its random and irrelevant film techniques and terrible critical reception, oddly making it a cult favorite.