8 Underrated Indie Films That Will Make You Reevaluate Life

1. A Ghost Story (2017)

This film proves that you don't need words to question your existence. A melancholic exploration of time, love, and grief, A Ghost Story tells the tale of a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost, who remains in his suburban home to comfort his bereft wife. But as time goes by, he is forced to watch passively as the life he knew fades away. This film takes ghosting to a whole new level and presents an eerie, silent, and poignant reflection on life, death, and the passage of time.

2. Columbus (2017)

Set in the small town of Columbus, Indiana, renowned for its remarkable architecture, this film is about two strangers connecting over shared grief and finding solace in one another. It explores themes of parent-child relationships, passion for art, and the fear of the unknown. With its slow-paced narrative and beautifully composed frames, Columbus paints a picture of life that's as exquisite as the architectural marvels it features.

3. Paterson (2016)

This is a film about a guy named Paterson, played by Adam Driver, who drives a bus in a city named Paterson. Sound boring? Hold onto your popcorn because it's anything but. This film is a thoughtful examination of the beauty of everyday life and the creative process. Our bus-driving poet shows us that even in the monotonous grind of life, there's poetry to be found. It's like finding a diamond in a pile of coal – a pleasant surprise for those patient enough to seek it out.

4. Leave No Trace (2018)

Leave No Trace is the story of a father and daughter living off the grid in the forests of Portland, Oregon, and their eventual clash with social services. The film examines the themes of freedom, society's expectations, and mental health with such tenderness that it'll leave you contemplating your own place in the world. It's a rare gem that explores the concept of home and how it differs for everyone.

5. The Spectacular Now (2013)

This isn't your typical high school romance. Instead, it's an insightful exploration of adolescent alcoholism and the complex dynamics of young love. The film revolves around Sutter Keely, a charming, self-destructive teenager, and his relationship with the introverted Aimee Finecky. It doesn't sugarcoat its themes, leading you through a spectrum of emotions and prompting you to reevaluate the idea of living in the 'now'.

6. Before Sunrise (1995)

There are love stories, and then there is Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise. It's the first of a trilogy, but even as a standalone film, it's an absorbing exploration of human connection. The film follows Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train in Europe and spend an unforgettable night exploring Vienna and each other's minds. Minimalist and dialogue-heavy, it beautifully captures the fleeting nature of time and the impact of chance encounters. It's like having a deep, late-night conversation that leaves you staring at the ceiling, wondering about the 'what ifs' in life.

7. The Farewell (2019)

'Based on an actual lie,' as the film describes itself, The Farewell explores the cultural and generational gaps in an immigrant family dealing with the impending death of their matriarch. The film elegantly captures the conflicting emotions of grief, love, duty, and the meaning of happiness. Awkwafina's portrayal of Billi, a young woman struggling to accept her family's approach to dealing with her grandmother's illness, is profoundly moving.

8. Manchester by the Sea (2016)

At its core, Manchester by the Sea is about grief and guilt. The film follows Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck, a man haunted by his past, forced to confront his demons when he returns to his hometown following his brother's death. The raw and honest depiction of grief makes this film a devastating, yet necessary watch.