Slow-burn, slice-of-life movies remind us that there is beauty in the details. On paper, it may seem like nothing happens, but by the time the credits roll, you feel like you’ve lived alongside the characters. From intimate portrayals of life to thoughtful explorations of philosophical ideas, these movies prove that interesting characters and great storytelling are still the most important parts of extraordinary filmmaking.
Perfect Days (2023)
A quintessential “nothing happens” movie, Perfect Days is a beautifully mundane story about the quiet life of Hirayama, a man with the most routinely ordinary of lives. Hirayama works as a public bathroom cleaner in Tokyo, finding a sense of peace and contentment in the simplicity of his daily rituals. The film gently unfolds through small moments, inviting the viewer into the serenity of Hirayama’s life, and allowing us to really appreciate the beauty in everyday things. Despite having no exciting narrative, Perfect Days is one of the most memorable pieces of film I have seen this century.
Frances Ha (2012)
Greta Gerwig plays Frances Ha in a coming-of-age type story about a 27 year old who isn’t really sure of what she wants out of life. We spend 86 minutes with her charming, directionless character adrift in New York City. Frances is at times quirky and impulsive, but in a way that feels familiar – like someone you know – or even yourself. We tag along and watch as she goes through life’s ups and downs in a heart-wrenchingly relatable manner, getting to know her better the more time we spend with her.
My Dinner With Andre (1981)
A two hour long conversation, My Dinner with Andre is a masterclass in making dialogue driven filmmaking. Serving as a perfect example of not having a traditional narrative, the movie is simply about two old friends catching up over dinner. Told mostly through stories, My Dinner with Andre creates two very real, yet still fairly dramatic characters who are different enough to create some form of tension. The film is sure to make you think about your experiences with spirituality and contemplate philosophical questions about how to live your best life. The movie may take a bit to ramp up, but it’s truly compelling, even if it’s just two characters sitting at a table talking.
The Florida Project (2017)
Set in a budget motel on the outskirts of Orlando, The Florida Project is a slice-of-life story by Sean Baker about a six year old girl, Moonee, and her summer spent with a few of her friends. Just six miles from the grandeur of Disney World, her minimal living conditions stand in stark contrast to the fantasy nearby. Known for telling realistic stories of people who rarely see themselves on screen, Sean Baker delivers one of his finest works with The Florida Project.
The End of the Tour (2015)
The End of the Tour tells the story of acclaimed author, David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel), during an in-depth interview with Rolling Stone journalist and aspiring writer himself, David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg). Based on a true story, the film explores issues David Foster Wallace was perhaps ahead of his time in addressing – particularly dealing with loneliness and technology. The two lead characters are intelligent enough to get away with their articulate and thoughtful rhetoric about life and depression without ever feeling preachy. The film is amazingly eloquent in its discussion between the two perfectly cast actors, while simultaneously mixing in moments of raw, unvarnished emotion. It is a movie that has seemingly very little going on narrative wise, but so much to say.
Ballywalter (2022)
Charming yet headstrong, Eileen is a minicab driver in Ireland, quietly ashamed of where her life has ended up. Her routine takes a turn when she meets an older man named Shane who is a hobby comedian in need of a regular ride to Belfast. As miles pass, they form an unlikely friendship. Ballywalter is a dramatic comedy that is endearingly funny and authentic. It contains impactful themes, complexly developed characters, and a story that meanders along at its own delightful pace.
