The Independent Staff’s November Picks
Happy November from The Independent! We hope you are taking time to think about things you’re thankful for. We do we appreciate? Well film and The Independent space, of course! Below you’ll find four great film picks from our staff the are great for the late autumn season. From cooking beagles and charming foxes, to cunning psychologists and comedic crime, this list has great picks for everyone around your dinner table.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (animated variety special, 1973)
The Peanuts holiday specials are intrinsic to the holiday season. Their autumn offerings, including the Halloween and Thanksgiving specials, have a timeless yet nostalgic feel that is so warming and dear. Its 2D animation and watercolor backgrounds are reminiscent of an art form that is nearly gone and rarely funded today, and reminds us of that a little physical effort and a lot of imagination can make something wonderful!
“Eileen” 2023, dir. William Oldroyd
A young woman working at a boys’ corrections facility becomes mesmerized by the new female psychologist, but their budding relationship soon takes a sinister turn. (Logline from IMDB).
Eileen is the film adaptation of Otessa Moshfegh’s book of the same title. The film is sinister and the vibes are dark but the story takes place during Christmas time in 1964 Massachusetts. Thus, I think it’s the perfect film for the month of November – while we come off of the spooky month of Halloween and prepare for the holiday season coming up in December. The film received several nominations at this years Independent Spirit Awards and while it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it does offer Anne Hathaway chain smoking cigarettes, in a blond bob and with a heavy Boston accent!
“Miller’s Crossing” (1990), dir. Joel & Ethan Coen
The comedic gangster film is defined by brisk air, large coats, and the leaf-covered ground of the titular “Miller’s Crossing.” This was the third film from the up and coming Coen brothers, with a limited budget of about $10 million. While it is by no means a wholesome autumn movie, it is a very fun watch and an integral piece of the Coen’s filmography.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009), dir. Wes Anderson
A stop-motion film following a cheeky fox looking for his purpose, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” has something for everyone. With cheeky jokes and references, great vocal performances, and a stunning aesthetic and soundtrack. Wes Anderson’s whimsical masterpiece is a great and entertaining film that perfectly fits November’s vibes.