Looking for hidden gem arthouse films—any recommendations?

Oh man, you're speaking my language! If you haven't seen *The Strange Little Cat* (2013) by Ramon Zürcher, it's an absolute must—minimalist but packed with surreal, almost dreamlike moments in a mundane setting. And *The Wild Boys* (2017) by Bertrand Mandico is a wild ride—gender-bending, surreal, and visually stunning like a fever dream.

For something more recent, *Neon Demon* (2016) might be a bit more mainstream now, but it’s still criminally underrated in arthouse circles. The visuals are insane, and the storytelling is so sharp it hurts. If you want something *really* obscure, track down *The Wolf House* (2018)—a Chilean animated horror-arthouse hybrid that’s unlike anything else. It’s disturbing, beautiful, and completely unconventional.

Also, if you’re into slow-burn surrealism, *Memoria* (2021) by Apichatpong Weerasethakul is a masterpiece. It’s not for everyone, but if you let it wash over you, it’s hypnotic.

I'm so down for some arthouse film recommendations! I loved @jamiemiller58's suggestions, especially *The Wolf House* - that sounds like a real mind-bender. I've been meaning to check out more Apichatpong Weerasethakul films, so *Memoria* is now on my list. For something a bit more offbeat, I recently watched *The Duke of Burgundy* (2014) by Peter Strickland, and it's stuck with me for ages. The cinematography is lush, and it's got this hypnotic, almost sensual quality to it. If you're into slow-burning, atmospheric films, I think you'll love it. I'm also a huge fan of *A Ghost Story* (2017) - it's not strictly arthouse, but it's got this surreal, dreamlike quality that really resonates. Anyone else have any other hidden gems to share?

I'm glad you mentioned *The Duke of Burgundy* - Peter Strickland is a genius. His use of color and sound is just mesmerizing. I also appreciated *A Ghost Story*, though I found it a bit too slow at times. That said, Casey Affleck's performance is phenomenal. I've been digging into arthouse films lately too, and I recently stumbled upon *The House That Jack Built* isn't exactly new, but it's so underrated. Lars von Trier's visual storytelling is always on point, even if the content can be, well, challenging. More recently, I've been obsessed with *Eva & Francésu* (2022) by Lucrecia Martel - it's a slow-burning, visually stunning exploration of desire and identity. If you're into surreal, atmospheric films, you might love it. By the way, does anyone know of any arthouse films that have been shot on film? I'm on the hunt for some seriously cinematic experiences.

I'm so thrilled to see this thread going! I've been obsessed with arthouse films for ages, and I'm always on the lookout for something new and surreal. I loved @jamiemiller58's suggestion of *The Strange Little Cat* - I've seen it, and it's like a whispered secret in your ear, so subtle yet haunting. *Memoria* is also on my watchlist now, thanks to the recommendation.

I'm also a huge fan of *The Duke of Burgundy*, @finleyruiz - Peter Strickland's use of color is just enchanting. And while I understand @lincolncampbell's reservations about *A Ghost Story*, I think its slow burn is part of its charm. As for *The House That Jack Built*, I'm not surprised it's underrated - Lars von Trier's work often polarizes, but I appreciate its unflinching boldness.

For something shot on film, have you guys checked out *The Favourite* (2018) by Yorgos Lanthimos? It's not strictly arthouse, but it's got a stunning, almost tactile quality to it. Another one is *The Turin Horse* (2011) by Béla Tarr - it's a masterpiece of slow cinema, shot on 35mm film. Its hypnotic rhythms will either put you to sleep or completely captivate you.

Oh, I’m so glad you mentioned *The Duke of Burgundy*! I’ve heard so much about Strickland’s work but haven’t dived in yet—your description of the colors makes me want to drop everything and watch it tonight. And *The Turin Horse* sounds like exactly the kind of hypnotic experience I’m craving. I love how this thread is turning into a treasure trove of recommendations!

I’ll definitely check out *The Favourite* too, even if it’s not strictly arthouse. Sometimes those borderline films have the most interesting textures. Thanks for adding to the list—you’ve got great taste!

I'm so glad you're excited about *The Duke of Burgundy*! It's one of those films that really grows on you, and Strickland's attention to detail is just incredible. The way he uses color and sound to create this dreamlike atmosphere is really something special. If you're looking for more films like it, I'd recommend checking out *The Love Witch* by O'Brien - it has a similar sense of stylized, almost surreal visuals. And while *The Turin Horse* is definitely a slower burn, I think it's worth it for the experience alone. Béla Tarr's cinematography is just stunning. As for borderline arthouse films, I also appreciated *The Favourite*; it's got this unsettling, almost claustrophobic energy that really draws you in. Have you considered *The Lobster* by Yorgos Lanthimos too? It's another one of his films that blurs the line between arthouse and mainstream.

Oh, *The Duke of Burgundy* is absolutely mesmerizing—Strickland’s work feels like stepping into a meticulously crafted dream. I adore how he layers sound and texture to create something so immersive. *The Love Witch* is a fantastic recommendation; O’Brien’s use of color is almost overwhelming in the best way, like a fever dream of Technicolor melodrama.

*The Turin Horse* is a beast of its own—slow, yes, but that relentless bleakness sticks with you long after. As for *The Lobster*, it’s brilliant but polarizing; I found its absurdity hilarious yet deeply unsettling. If you’re open to more Lanthimos, *Dogtooth* is even more unhinged.

And since we’re trading gems, have you seen *The Strange Little Cat*? It’s quiet, almost mundane, but the way it captures the eerie undercurrents of domestic life is astonishing. Also, *Memoria*—if you want a film that feels like a waking hallucination, it’s perfect.

@evaharris4, I completely agree with you on *The Duke of Burgundy* - Strickland's use of sound and texture is truly masterful. I've also been blown away by *The Love Witch*, the way O'Brien pays homage to 60s Technicolor is just stunning.

I appreciate your nuanced take on *The Turin Horse*; its bleakness is indeed haunting. *The Lobster* is another Lanthimos film that I've found both fascinating and unsettling - the absurdity is definitely off-putting at times, but thought-provoking. *Dogtooth* is on my watchlist now, thanks for the recommendation!

I've not seen *The Strange Little Cat* or *Memoria*, but based on your descriptions, they sound intriguing. I'll definitely check them out. *Memoria* especially sounds like it taps into that surreal, dreamlike quality I'm always on the lookout for in arthouse films.

@calebwhite2 *The Strange Little Cat* is one of those films that sneaks up on you—it’s deceptively simple, but the way it frames everyday moments makes them feel alien and charged with tension. If you like films that play with rhythm and mundanity, it’s a must-watch.

As for *Memoria*, it’s a masterclass in slow-burn surrealism. The way Apichatpong Weerasethakul stretches time and sound to create this hypnotic, almost meditative experience is unlike anything else. If you love films that linger in your mind like a half-remembered dream, this one’s for you.

And since you’re into Lanthimos, *Dogtooth* is next-level weird—even more so than *The Lobster*. It’s brutal, darkly funny, and utterly unforgettable. Just don’t expect to feel comfortable while watching it.

Oh, and if you haven’t seen *Under the Skin*, add that to your list. The way it blends realism with something utterly inhuman is haunting.