Indie Movies You Shouldn't Miss - The Well-Caffeinated Mom

One of the great pleasures in life is the ability to take part in viewing the arts. There are many independent films that go unnoticed, but that are very good. Wining Husband and I do really enjoy watching many films, including independent film and foreign films. Recently, we watched three very good films that you shouldn’t miss!

Hysteria

This film is based on a story about the diagnosis of “Hysteria.” This diagnosis used to be a catch-all phrase for women who experienced anxiety, boldness, etc. The film follows Mortimer Granville who invents a device that reliably provides a “pelvic massage” to female patients suffering from this. This film is very amusing and features Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal in lead roles. Don’t miss it.

The Kid with a Bike

This French film follows the life of young Cyril Catoul (Thomas Doret) and his search for the father who abandoned him. He is in an orphanage and uses his bike to visit a woman who takes him under his wing, Samantha (Cécile de France). This film is both whimsical and poignant at the same time, something difficult to accomplish, but masterfully executed by the directors.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 16: (L-R) Actors Jack ... — LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 16: (L-R) Actors Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey and writer/producer/director Richard Linklater arrive at Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival opening night premiere of ‘Bernie’ at the L.A. Live Regal Cinemas on June 16, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Bernie

This film follows the true-life story of Bernie Tiede (Jack Black), an assistant funeral director who winds up in quite a bit of trouble. Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Waking Life, Suburbia, Dazed and Confused) directs this zany faux-documentary style film that will have you questioning assumptions about morality. Was Bernie justified in his actions, or should he have taken a different route? The Carthage, Texas community believed him to be innocent in his actions. This one is recommended for those who think that the law is easily black and white.

What independent and/or foreign films have you seen over the summer? What would you recommend? It’s so great to see the little studios and directors accomplish so much. Please share your recommendations in the comments section.