Born and raised in Los Angeles by parents who had already worked in the entertainment industry, Kristen Stewart started her acting career at the early age of eight. She first gained recognition at the age of 12 for her portrayal of Jodie Foster’s daughter in Panic Room. However, what truly secured her worldwide stardom was her portrayal of Bella Swan in the cult classic Twilight franchise, in which she starred alongside Robert Pattinson. Although the movies get often ridiculed, both Pattinson and Stewart went on to become one of the most talented actors of our generation.
What makes Stewart a standout actress today are the interesting and varying roles she chooses to take on. Indeed, the actress has a penchant for indie movies, projects with complex characters and grounded narratives that demonstrate her sheer talent. More recently, as reported by EW, her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer earned her widespread critical acclaim. While we wait and see what’s next for Stewart, let’s look at eight of her best indie films that you should check out.
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8 Welcome to the Rileys (2010)
Scott Free Productions
An independent drama film directed by Jake Scott, Welcome to the Rileys stars Stewart, James Gandolfini, and Melissa Leo in lead roles. Ever since the death of their daughter, Doug and Lois’ (Gandolfini and Leo) marriage has been falling apart, to the point that Doug finds a younger mistress who later dies. To clear his head, Doug leaves the city, where he meets 16-year-old stripper Mallory (Stewart). Turning down her advances and deciding to stay with her, he quickly becomes a father figure to her, along with his wife who later returns. The duo quickly realizes they’re using Mallory to substitute for their dead daughter. It’s a heart-warming indie movie about two parties who meet each other right when they need it the most.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
7 J.T. Leroy (2018)
Buffalo Gal Pictures
Based on the memoir Girl Boy Girl: How I Became JT Leroy written by American artist and filmmaker Savannah Knoop, J.T. Leroy is a biographical drama movie starring Stewart and Laura Dern in the lead roles. Stewart plays Knoop, who spends six years masquerading as transgender literary persona J.T.Leroy, credited for the novels Sarah and The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things. The movie had its world premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. If you hadn’t given Stewart a chance until 2018, watching this movie was bound to change your mind. In addition, the movie explores themes such as body image and gender issues.
6 The Cake Eaters (2007)
7-57 Releasing
Directed by Mary Stuart Masterson in her feature film directorial debut, The Cake Eaters is a drama film starring Stewart and Aaron Stanford in the main roles. The film is about two small-town families who are forced to confront past issues due to one elder son returning home. Stewart plays the character of Georgia Kaminski, who suffers from a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia. Here, “Cake Eaters” describes people who have their lives mapped out for them and eventually succeed to get what they want. This indie movie was mainly praised for its powerful acting and freshness.
5 The Yellow Handkerchief (2008)
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Serving as an American remake of the 1977 Japanese classic of the same name, The Yellow Handkerchief is a drama film directed by Udayan Prasad and starring Stewart, Eddie Redmayne, and William Hurt in the lead roles. Set in the American South, the plot follows ex-convict Brett (Hurt), who embarks on a road trip straight out of prison. While hitchhiking, he comes across two troubled teenagers Martine (Stewart) and Gordy (Redmayne). The three become close as they look back on life and what it means to feel accepted by others. Those prejudiced with Stewart as an actress have to watch her indie movies to truly understand her essence, and The Yellow Handkerchief is definitely one of them.
4 The Runaways (2010)
River Road Entertainment
Based on the book Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, The Runaways is a biographical drama about a 70s rock band of the same name. It starts Dakota Fanning and Stewart in the lead roles, as it depicts the formation of the band in 1975 and specifically focuses on the relationship between Currie (Fanning) and guitarist/vocalist Joan Jett (Stewart). The movie will make you fall in love with Stewart; her look and portrayal of Jett stays iconic to this day.
3 Camp X-Ray (2014)
GNK Productions
Camp X-Ray is the directorial debut of Peter Sattler, starring Stewart and Peyman Maadi in the lead roles. The movie is based on the detention facility Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo Bay. The story is set post-9/11, when Ali Amir (Maadi) is taken to the detention camp because for practicing his religion. Stewart plays the character of Amy Cole who works as a guard at the facility. The two form an unusual friendship based on trust, which later ends up saving Amir’s life. Despite still receiving hate for her role in Twilight, Stewart has proved herself as a competent actress time and time again.
2 Speak (2004)
Showtime Networks, Inc.
Based on the award-winning 1999 novel of the same name, Speak is a coming-of-age teen drama about high-school freshman Melinda (Stewart) who completely stops talking as a result of getting raped by a senior. Told through Melinda’s eyes, the movie is filled with honesty and humor. It’s extremely well-made, beautifully blending the interior and exterior world of the main character. Despite having some repeated patterns, it’s a very emotionally touching spectacle.
1 Adventureland (2009)
Miramax Films
Directed by Greg Mottola, Adventureland is a comedy-drama movie starring Jesse Eisenberg and Stewart in the lead roles as James and Emily. It follows college-graduate James, who makes grand plans to travel to Europe and across the world after his graduation, but due to financial problems is forced to stay in his hometown and start working at the eponymous amusement park Adventureland. There, he meets his co-worker Emily with whom he develops a quick relationship. It’s a deeply empathetic and earnest story about people and love. The whole ensemble cast was truly amazing in it, with Stewart and Eisenberg on top.
