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Independent distribution company Neon has entered the spotlight after their film Parasite took home some of the biggest prizes at this year’s Academy Awards, including Best Picture. And though they’ve only been around for the last three years, they’ve already got a really promising collection of films. Their first huge hit was I, Tonya, a biopic about skating legend Tonya Harding. And then this past year was huge — Neon won the top awards at film festivals like Sundance and Cannes.
In a way, Neon’s quick ascendance mirrors another hot indie studio, A24. In 2017, instead of giving Best Picture to a studio-produced film, that year’s top Academy Award was given to a young indie distributor. Just three years after their win, A24 has a huge fan base. They even have themed candles.
Even if there were no ballot mix-ups this year, Parasite‘s win was reminiscent of Moonlight’s win, just based on the above facts. Following this trend, Neon could be the next big indie distributor to keep an eye on.
If you haven’t checked out their films yet, now’s the perfect time. Luckily, most of their wide array of films are available to stream on Hulu. Bong Joon-Ho’s lauded Parasite isn’t available yet, but there’s a lot to choose from. Try these 10, hit the theaters to see Parasite, and then go get some Neon swag. From beekeepers to seaside stoners, Neon’s got it all.
'I, Tonya'
In 1994, just months before the Lillehammer Olympics, young figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was bashed in the knee. The incident became a worldwide phenomenon, especially after speculation that her American competitor, Tonya Harding, was involved in the attack. I, Tonya attempts to retell this story. But instead of telling it through the eyes of the victim, director Craig Gillespie guides us through Harding’s life story. The movie opens with a disclaimer: “Based on irony free, wildly contradictory, totally true interviews.” It’s wild. Alison Janney won an Oscar for her performance as Lavonna Harding, Tonya’s crazy mother. I, Tonya doesn’t really give us an answer to the Harding/Kerrigan case, but it adds some chaotic insight into the life of Tonya Harding.
'Three Identical Strangers'
What would you do if you found your long lost twin? While The Parent Trap may have answered that one, Three Identical Strangers adds another layer. Instead of twins, this time it’s long lost triplets. And the entire thing is a true story. We get to dive into the complex lives of identical triplets Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran as they try to uncover the shady forces that drove them apart. If you want to see a real life example of the “nature vs. nurture” debate, start here. Three Identical Strangers may be a documentary, but it feels like a fever dream.
'Assassination Nation'
This dynamite thriller puts a name like “Neon” to use. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson brings his signature glittery, fast-paced style to the high school flick Assassination Nation. What happens when a hacker reveals all the texts, photos, and videos from all the phones in one small town? We follow four teenage girls, equipped with red rain slickers and weapons, as they defend all the data that’s been leaked about them. It’ll have you covering up your webcam and deleting old texts — but the dark humor is so worth it. Assassination Nation is like if the Salem Witch Trials were to take place in the digital age.
'Little Woods'
Up in the neck of Little Woods, North Dakota, sisters Ollie (Tessa Thompson) and Deb (Lily James) must fight for their lives. Ollie, a retired drug dealer, is days away from the end of her parole. Issues start to arise thanks to unpaid bills and Deb’s unwanted pregnancy — Ollie must figure out a way to make money fast, while still on parole. Little Woods combines the thriller genre with the western, and the result will leave you absolutely paralyzed. Director Nia DaCosta’s next feature Candyman, which is co-written and produced by Jordan Peele, will be released later this year. In the meantime, check out Little Woods.
'Vox Lux'
Women pop stars seem to be the latest popular subject in the film world — see Lady Gaga in A Star is Born, Elle Fanning in Teen Spirit, and Elisabeth Moss in Her Smell. With Vox Lux, Natalie Portman adds her own striking contribution. After witnessing a school shooting, a young Celeste (Raffey Cassidy) writes a song that becomes a viral hit. She becomes a pop diva, under the guidance of her manager (Jude Law). The second half of the film jumps to a new timeline, in which Portman plays an older, less enthusiastic Celeste. Fame has taken a toll on her. Sia collabed with Natalie Portman for the soundtrack of Vox Lux, and it’s a masterpiece of its own.
'Luce'
Luce is yet another unconventional thriller from Neon. High school teacher Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer) becomes suspicious of a student after he submits an essay on the value of violent protest. Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is a rescued Eritrean, adopted by white parents who believe him to be the perfect student. Things spiral out of control when Luce finds out that his teacher’s been conspiring about him with his parents. The escalating tension between the pair is executed perfectly by Spencer and Harrison Jr. — the passive-aggressive threats they throw at one another are truly unmatched.
'Apollo 11'
Todd Douglas Miller’s Apollo 11 takes you to the moon, thanks to never-before-seen clips from the 1969 moon landing. This documentary follows beloved astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins in their many pre-flight preparations. Honoring the historic flight that took place 50 years ago, this doc is an absolute must-watch for fans of outer space or NASA. There’s no narration, interviews, or dramatization of events: you get to watch as if you were a part of the action.
'The Beach Bum'
It may be tricky to distinguish the real star of Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum, a toss-up between colorful stoner Moondog (Matthew McConaughey), his suave partner Lingerie (Snoop Dogg), and the tiny white kitten he totes around everywhere. When Moondog’s rich wife dies in a car wreck, his daughter forces him to take life more seriously. Unfortunately, that’s the only thing he can’t do. This is Korine’s spiritual sequel to Spring Breakers, with a more relaxed take on beach partying. Take a load off, rent a boat, and stream The Beach Bum.
'Ingrid Goes West'
Ingrid Goes West takes Instagram stalking to the next level. Parks and Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza is Ingrid, an awkward young woman with a penchant for Instagram fame. She becomes obsessed with chic influencer Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen), and moves out to Los Angeles to become friends with her. Plaza plays a great digital stalker — her performance is sure to activate your secondhand embarrassment. Ingrid Goes West is a boho-chic cautionary tale that attempts to console our many social media anxieties.
'Honeyland'
Honeyland was nominated for two Oscars this year, and rightfully so. Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska’s documentary is as sweet as honey, which just so happens to be the subject of their film. Hatidze Muratova is the last female beekeeper in Europe. By the end of Honeyland, you’ll feel like you’re ready to become her beekeeping accomplice, up in the mountains of northern Macedonia. The doc is beautifully shot, from close-ups on dripping honey to full cliffside views of the Macedonian countryside. Watch Honeyland for a new appreciation of beekeepers, Muratova especially.
