Each movie really grasps the change of characters. Throughout the film, you grow with them and build so much emotion, you start to feel like you are in the shoes of the characters. From “underrated” to award-winning films, here are our recommendations of coming of age threaded with pockets of indie movies.
1. Waves (2019)
This movie encounters the crazy emotional journey of a suburban African American family as they steer through love, forgiveness and coming together in the wake of a tragic loss.
2. Mid 90s (2018)
In 1990s Los Angeles, a 13-year-old spends his summer navigating between uneasy home life and a group of new friends he meets at a skate shop, who each have a deep passion for skateboarding.
3. Thirteen (2003)
Honour student Tracy Freeland has a difficult home life, however, she has a very healthy relationship with her mother, Melanie. While trying to hide her inner unrest by excelling academically, she befriends Evie, her school’s “it girl”. Evie talks Tracy into experimenting with drugs, and pickpocketing strangers to fund shopping sprees, but before long, Melanie realizes she must step in and stop her daughter’s destructive lifestyle, and stop her from being the person that Evie wants her to become.
4. The Florida Project (2017)
Set in the shadow of the most magical place on Earth, 6-year-old Moonee and her two best friends develop their own adventures, while Moonee’s struggling mom and a warmhearted motel manager protect the kids from the harsh reality that surrounds them.
5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The Hoover family including a man, his wife, an uncle, a brother, accompanied by a grandfather put the fun back into dysfunctional by piling into a VW bus and heading to California to support a daughter in her bid to win the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. The sanity of everyone involved is stretched to the limit as the group’s quirks cause epic problems as they travel along their interstate route.
6. The Perks of Being a Wildflower (2012)
Socially awkward teen Charlie is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines until two charismatic students become his mentors. Free-spirited Sam and her stepbrother Patrick help Charlie discover the joys of friendship, first love, music and more, while a teacher sparks Charlie’s dreams of becoming a writer. However, as his new friends prepare to leave for college, Charlie’s inner sadness threatens to shatter his newfound confidence.