Five films you’re not cool enough to have seen

If you’re a Lykke Li fan (pre-2008 of course) and can usually be found rolling a cigarette outside Taste, then you probably have heard of these films. Maybe you have an avid interest in film and know more than the average Netflix junkie. Indie films with unknown actors and experimental techniques are an acquired taste but, when embraced, can make great entertainment and up your cool factor in this hipster age. Whether you’re looking for something different to watch, or you’re trying to get that hot girl/guy you met at Life Drawing to think you’re interesting and mysterious, these five movies are your best bet:

1. Biutiful (2010): A Mexican-Spanish language drama directed by BNOC Alejandro González Iñárritu (famous for Babel) and starring dreamy Javier Bardem (famous for being married to Penelope Cruz). Biutiful is a dark film filled with drugs, disease, poverty and a touch of dark magic. Bardem’s performance is an incredible part of a film guaranteed to leave you perplexed, disturbed and thoroughly entertained.

2. Kelly + Victor (2012): An Irish love story adapted from Niall Griffiths’ acclaimed novel of the same name. This film is difficult to watch as it explores the real-life themes of sadomasochism (yes, you read that correctly), poverty and physical/drug abuse. If you think there are some things that are out-of-bounds in film, this film will make you think again. Definitely one to watch when your flatmates aren’t home.

3. 17 Girls (17 Filles) (2011): A French film starring the beyond beautiful Louise Grinberg (my #WCW every Wednesday), 17 Girls is based on the true story of a pregnancy pact made by 17 friends at Gloucester High School, Massachusetts. The film follows ringleader Camille who accidentally gets pregnant and convinces her friends to do the same. The score is top notch, with catchy tunes from the likes of Devendra Banhart, and Grinberg is somehow so cool and so indie that she almost had me on board too (just kidding). If you’ve seen the Lifetime version of it (‘Pregnancy Pact’), up the ante and watch this instead.

4. The Virgin Suicides (1999): This American drama stars a young Kirsten Dunst and is directed by personal favourite, Sofia Coppola. The Virgin Suicides is a creepy and subtly comical film about a group of boys living mundane lives in an all American suburb who become obsessed with 5 mysterious sisters who have been sheltered by their strict parents. The film is an adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel and a must watch for any literature lovers with an affinity for analysing symbols and motifs for fun (so indie).

5. The Tree of Life (2011): This film follows Jack (Sean Penn) from childhood to adulthood as he tries to reconcile his relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Despite the big names, this film is not an easy watch; mostly silent and definitely too deep and too cool for most to endure, this film could stand as a piece of art more than entertainment. Director Terrence Malick’s unusual techniques speak for themselves, adding levels of meaning that most of us will never understand. If you do make it through in one go, you’ll definitely be left a changed (cooler) person.