14 Indie Films From Neon That Prove Small Budgets Can Tell Big Stories
Indie films have a unique way of telling compelling stories without the need for a large budget. Neon is a studio that has proven time and again that creativity can overcome financial limitations. These films are a testament to the power of storytelling, even when resources are scarce. Each one brings something special to the table, showcasing fresh ideas and bold visions.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
I, Tonya
This 2017 film follows the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, focusing on the infamous 1994 incident involving Nancy Kerrigan. The movie combines dark humor and intense drama to highlight Harding’s turbulent career and personal struggles. Margot Robbie and Allison Janney’s standout performances helped propel the film to critical success.
Despite a modest budget, the film resonated with audiences and critics alike, grossing millions worldwide. The blend of gripping narrative and strong performances made it a memorable entry in the world of independent cinema. Neon’s distribution helped it reach wider audiences, securing recognition during the award season.
Parasite
Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 film masterfully tackles issues of class conflict through a darkly comic and suspenseful narrative. It follows two families, one wealthy and one struggling, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected and disturbing ways. Parasite’s clever plot and stunning visuals captivated audiences worldwide.
The film’s impact extended far beyond its modest budget, winning numerous awards, including Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Neon’s distribution in North America ensured the film reached both mainstream and art-house audiences, making it one of the most successful non-English-language films. Its success proves that small-budget films can challenge traditional filmmaking norms.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Set in 18th-century Brittany, this film follows the forbidden love affair between a painter and her subject, a young woman engaged to be married. Directed by Céline Sciamma, it explores themes of love, art, and identity with an intimate and breathtaking style. The film’s beauty is both visual and emotional, capturing quiet moments with precision.
Despite its small budget, the film received widespread critical acclaim and became a staple in independent cinema. Neon’s distribution brought it to U.S. audiences, earning numerous accolades and sparking discussions about its emotional depth and feminist themes. The film demonstrates how powerful storytelling can be achieved with limited resources.
Palm Springs
This 2020 romantic comedy offers a fresh take on the time-loop genre, with two characters trapped in the same day at a wedding in Palm Springs. The film blends humor with deeper existential themes, creating an unexpected and enjoyable viewing experience. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti shine in their roles, adding heart to the quirky premise.
Palm Springs was made on a small budget but quickly became a breakout hit. It premiered at Sundance and set a record for the largest sale of a film at the festival. Neon’s involvement in its distribution helped bring it to a wide audience, showing that small-budget films can have a major cultural impact.
Assassination Nation
This 2018 film dives into the consequences of a small town’s online privacy being shattered, leading to chaos and violence. The film takes a bold approach to social commentary, exploring themes of gender, privacy, and violence. With its exaggerated style and energetic direction, it stands out in the genre.
Despite its controversial subject matter, Assassination Nation found a dedicated audience and became a cult favorite. Neon’s support helped the film secure a release and reach a broader audience. Its success shows that films with risky and thought-provoking content can find a home in the indie scene.
She Dies Tomorrow
This 2020 psychological thriller explores a woman’s belief that she is going to die the next day, triggering a chain of events that spreads to those around her. The minimalist approach to storytelling allows for an eerie and haunting atmosphere throughout the film. The concept of existential dread is explored in a unique and relatable way.
Though it was produced on a modest budget, the film’s emotional depth and strong direction set it apart from other thrillers. Neon’s distribution helped the film find its audience, making it a standout among indie horror releases. The film’s ability to leave a lasting impact with minimal resources proves that creativity can overcome budget limitations.
The Killing of Two Lovers
This 2021 drama focuses on the emotional unraveling of a man trying to hold his family together while dealing with his wife’s affair. The film’s intimate style and tight narrative keep the audience engaged throughout. It tackles complex themes of love, betrayal, and heartbreak with a raw and grounded approach.
Made on a shoestring budget, The Killing of Two Lovers received praise for its strong performances and realistic portrayal of family life. Neon’s distribution gave the film the platform it needed to reach critics and audiences who appreciated its emotional authenticity. The film is a testament to how powerful storytelling can be achieved without big-budget production.
The Painter and the Thief
This 2020 documentary follows the relationship between an artist and the man who stole her paintings, offering a raw and emotional look at human connection. The film explores themes of forgiveness, identity, and transformation, creating a compelling narrative with minimalistic production. The bond that develops between the two subjects is both surprising and heartfelt.
Despite the small budget, the documentary captivated audiences and was praised for its honest portrayal of its subjects. Neon’s distribution gave it a wider audience, allowing it to make a significant impact in the world of independent film. The film shows that even with limited resources, a compelling story can resonate deeply with viewers.
Big Time Adolescence
This 2020 coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a teenage boy’s relationship with his older, less responsible friend. The film is filled with witty dialogue and showcases the challenges of growing up and finding one’s identity. Pete Davidson delivers a standout performance as the flawed older figure.
Though it had a small budget, Big Time Adolescence captured the relatable struggles of adolescence and found a devoted audience. Neon’s distribution helped the film reach a wide array of viewers, from casual moviegoers to those looking for a heartfelt indie film. It shows how a small budget can still yield a touching and memorable story.
Spaceship Earth
This 2020 documentary explores the story of the Biosphere 2 project, an experiment in sustainable living. The film delves into the ambition and idealism of the people behind the project, while also reflecting on the challenges they faced. It presents an interesting and often overlooked chapter in the history of environmental science.
Despite a modest budget, Spaceship Earth offered a thought-provoking look at the intersection of science, society, and human ambition. Neon’s involvement in the distribution ensured that the film reached a broader audience, especially those interested in environmental topics. The documentary’s success highlights how small-budget films can provoke important discussions.
Gunda
This 2021 documentary takes an intimate look at a pig named Gunda and her life on a farm with her piglets. The film uses minimal dialogue and striking visuals to depict the natural world, offering a meditation on life and care. It’s an emotionally powerful experience despite its simple concept and production.
The film received critical acclaim for its beautiful cinematography and thoughtful approach to animal life. Neon’s distribution helped bring Gunda to international audiences, showing how a small budget can lead to a universally impactful story. The film demonstrates how a unique vision can thrive without the need for large-scale production.
Pig
In this 2021 drama, Nicolas Cage stars as a truffle hunter searching for his kidnapped pig in the Oregon woods. The film uses Cage’s subdued performance and a minimalist storyline to explore themes of loss and identity. Its quiet yet emotional narrative is a departure from Cage’s usual roles, showcasing his range as an actor.
With a modest budget, Pig earned critical praise for its unique approach and emotional depth. Neon’s distribution helped it reach a wider audience, proving that small films with strong storytelling can find success. It shows that even with minimal resources, a film can leave a lasting impression.
Titane
This 2021 body-horror film tells the story of a woman who forms an unlikely bond with a firefighter after committing a series of violent acts. The film is known for its bold approach to genre and themes of identity and transformation. Despite its unconventional style, it captivated audiences with its daring visuals and emotional depth.
Neon’s distribution of Titane helped the film reach wider audiences, making it one of the standout films of the year. The film’s success proves that even with a small budget, a bold and original vision can make a significant impact in the world of cinema.
The Year of the Everlasting Storm
This 2021 anthology film brings together several directors to tell stories of life during the pandemic. Each segment was made with limited budgets, but the filmmakers’ creativity shines through in their exploration of isolation and resilience. The stories range from deeply personal to surreal, offering a diverse range of perspectives.
Despite the small budgets of each segment, the film captured the global experience of living through the pandemic. Neon’s role in bringing this anthology to the screen helped it find an audience eager for stories that reflected the collective human experience during uncertain times. The film shows how small-budget productions can still create meaningful and relevant art.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.