An accomplished director, a star-studded cast, a notable soundtrack or witty, thought-provoking writing are often associated with what makes a good movie.
But how often do you think of the production company when watching a good film?
62 award nominations and 18 wins later, A24 has changed the world of cinema for the better.
So what makes A24 movies so award-worthy? Why do so many A24 productions leave their audiences in awe?
No one story is the same. Each A24 film, documentary or series feels original, depicting relatable experiences from fresh perspectives.
Universal themes like mother-daughter relationships are often told, whether it’s through supernatural-multidimensional settings of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” or the more familiar, almost mundane environment of “Lady Bird.”
A24 allows independent filmmakers to explore uncharted territory to bring their visions to life in novel ways.
Rather than focusing on the box-office success of films, A24’s focus on giving independent filmmakers creative freedom is what more modern entertainment studios should aim for.
It’s time to refocus the spotlight of the film industry from winning awards and filling theaters to giving writers and directors creative control over the filmmaking process.
Film is an art form—an avenue for telling stories—and A24 is exemplary in treating it as such.
Some filmmakers’ most notable works have all been produced by A24, accentuating the company’s fruitful collaborations with directors.
American filmmaker Ari Aster, who is known for his films “Midsommar,” “Hereditary” and “Beau Is Afraid,” commended A24 for “letting him make the film he wanted to make at the runtime he needed,” despite the range of economic success from these films (Variety magazine).
There is something that lacks from many mainstream, big box-office films that A24 seems to highlight.
There is some aspect of nearly every film A24 produces that feels real and relatable to the human experience, no matter how outlandish or eccentric the story seems on the surface. Protagonists aren’t flawless, dialogue feels natural and cinematography is unique and fitting to the film.
A24 films—and independent films in general—allow actors new and old to experience playing roles and hone in on the craft of acting.
Many characters in A24 films are relatable to some degree, and leave lasting impressions on audiences.
The creative minds behind these stories aren’t limited to commercial expectations; the deliberately raw, unforced emotion and sentiments delivered in A24 productions pierce the hearts of viewers.
In short, these productions leave you in a reflective state–whether it’s one of joy, horror, melancholy, nostalgia or anything in between.
A24 succeeds in capturing the nuances of stories that are often overlooked in large franchises and other films.
In a world becoming more and more commercialized each day, it’s vital to not overlook the true value and art of filmmaking.
The success of A24 movies redefines what the world of cinema is and what it can be.