By Ed Symkus

Here’s a peek at 10 art house films that this critic is looking forward to in the first half of 2024.

A scene from Driving Madeleine.

Another January launches yet opening day in the year-long phenomenon known as Movie Season. Pundits may argue that “good” movies or “important” movies are only released twice a year: in the summer — the time of the tentpole titles — and at year’s end — when awards consideration is the only concern of the studios. But there really is no set “season.” Films are released every week of the year, each of them accompanied by the hopes of its creators and backers that the effort will not only recoup its budget, but also turn a nice profit

Alas, most will do neither. A hit movie is a rare animal. Odds are, though, that, with a few exceptions, a mainstream film has a better chance of more ticket sales and streaming purchases than an “art house” (translated: independent or foreign) film.

Yet, as those A-list-populated, visual effects-overloaded prequels and sequels and reboots and spinoffs claim their screen space at the malls, a healthy number of independent cinemas remain that show smaller, feistier art house films– the kind that the Collins Dictionary absurdly defines as “intended to be a serious artistic work rather than a piece of popular entertainment,” and that the American Heritage Dictionary ludicrously calls “a motion picture made primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than commercial profit.”

With that view of the terrain in mind, here’s a peek at 10 art house films that I’m looking forward to in the first half of 2024.

Driving Madeleine – French writer-director Christian Carion’s two-hander revolves around a cab driver (Dany Boon) who is bringing a 95-year-old former singing star (Line Renaud) on one last ride through Paris. She is headed for a nursing home. Along the way, she tells him the rather complicated story of her life, which leads him to think about his own. (January 19)

A scene from The Promised Land.

The Promised Land – In 18th century Denmark, a settler by the name Ludvig (Mads Mikkelsen) is pitted against loneliness, a brutal powermonger, and the elements as he carries out a difficult plan to cultivate a barren stretch of land. There are plenty of characters here – including a romantic interest – but Mikkelsen’s indelible portrait of stoicism drives the film. (February 2)

Orion and the Dark – Yes, there are art films for kids, too, especially if they’re written by Charlie Kaufman. In this animation the title character (voice of Jacob Tremblay) is an elementary school kid who is overwhelmed by anxiety – he’s afraid of pets, the ocean, the possible effects of cell phone use, and more. And of the dark. Then he’s visited by The Dark (voice of Paul Walter Hauser), and things get brighter. (February 2)

A scene from The Taste of Things.

The Taste of Things – Set in the French countryside of 1885, this promises to be the most delicious film of the year. Cinematographer Jonathan Ricquebourg’s impressive track record of generating feasts for the eyes makes him the perfect candidate for whipping up images of the sumptuous meals prepared by Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), the longtime cook for Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magîmel). Even though the pair keep their distance, just might be in love with each other. (February 9)

Amelie – The re-issue of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 romantic comedy will bring joy to first-timers and once again delight those who saw it the first time around. The shy and lonely title character (Audrey Tatou) decides that the world — or at least Paris — would be a better place if only people were happier, then sets out to make them so. The one thing she neglects is her own happiness. But don’t worry, this is a charmer. (February 14)

About Dry Grasses – No doubt about it, viewers need stamina to get through a film by award-winning Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, whose 2014 Winter Sleep clocked in at 3 hours and 16 minutes. His latest, which runs a minute longer than Winter Sleep, is a very talky drama about a frustrated elementary school art teacher, his thoughts on contributing – or not contributing – to society, and a love triangle he’s caught up in. Yikes! (February 23)

A scene from Wicked Little Letters.

– This British comedy-mystery is “based-on-a-true-story.” Set in the 1920s, the film gives us virtuous Edith (Olivia Colman) receiving a string of obscene letters at the home she shares with her parents (Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones). Could they be from her former friend Rose (Jessie Buckley)? If so, is Rose also sending them to other homes? Will the cops figure it all out? Lighthearted, but loaded with cuss words. (February 23)

Back to Black – British singer Amy Winehouse became another member of the “27 Club” when she died at that age in 2011. Just a few years before she had collected a slew of Grammy Awards for her album Back to Black. This biopic, with Marisa Abela in the lead, and Sam Taylor-Johnson directing, was made with the blessings of the Winehouse estate. It chronicles the troubled artist’s meteoric rise and drastic fall. (May 10)

A scene from The Bikeriders.

The Bikeriders – Can a motorcycle crime-drama be placed in the art film category? Well, writer-director Jeff Nichols previously made Loving, Mud, and Take Shelter. So let’s give the benefit of the doubt to this film, which is set in the ’60s and was inspired by the lives of the Outlaws MC, a mainly Chicago based motorcycle club. And then there will be the acting contributions of leads Tom Hardy and Austin Butler. (June 21)

Firebrand – History tells us that becoming the wife of King Henry VIII wasn’t a very good idea.He divorced one, had one executed, lost one in childbirth, divorced another, had another executed, then married Catherine Parr, who outlived him by a year. This is Catherine’s story: Jude Law is cast as Henry and Alicia Vikander plays Catherine, an educated, emotionally strong, forward-thinking woman. Rumors are that the script takes liberties with the facts, but makes up for that liberty with entertainment value. (June 21)

Ed Symkus is a Boston native and Emerson College graduate. He went to Woodstock, interviewed Edward Gorey, Ray Bradbury, Ted Nugent, and Kathryn Bigelow, and has visited the Outer Hebrides, the Lofoten Islands, Anglesey, Mykonos, the Azores, Catalina, Kangaroo Island, Capri, and the Isle of Wight with his wife Lisa.