What is A24, and How Are They Changing the Movie Industry?

As the movie industry continues to grow, more and more companies are daring to venture outside the box and experiment with new techniques and films to keep audiences entertained. One of the most interesting film companies of the time is A24, a company founded in 2012 by a group of men who dared to be different. Since its formation, the company has produced a multitude of intriguing and innovative films, all pushing the boundaries of modern cinema. 

As previously mentioned, A24 was founded on August 20, 2012, in New York City by arthouse film executives Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and Josh Hodges. They formed the company because they wanted to do things differently than the status quo and have the ability to take risks as a group. The first film they both produced and distributed was Moonlight, which won Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars. One of the company’s most recent films, Everything Everywhere All at Once, dominated the 2023 Oscars, winning awards in nearly every category. Ultimately, one of the biggest appeals of the company’s films is that you can feel the work and dedication put into them. Most of the directors who work with A24 don’t seem concerned with building a profitable franchise, or finding what will sell the best. Instead, they are expressing their true, unbridled creativity, and it’s something that many viewers can feel as they watch these films.

As for the company itself, it is a very private company that doesn’t do many interviews and chooses to stay out of the spotlight. They deliberately don’t market themselves in the same way that typical movie companies do, and instead focus the majority of their budget on social media marketing, specifically to appeal to younger audiences. According to some sources, the company also functions differently than others and treats everyone within the company (interns and bosses alike) as equals. The company cares more about the material they are putting out, instead of who is putting out the material. A24 has been compared to Miramax, another eclectic company credited with movies like Good Will Hunting and Pulp Fiction. Ari Aster, a key director heavily involved with A24, however, argues that A24 isn’t focusing on the same prestige and awards that Miramax is, but instead is looking for people with a voice worth listening to. 

Personally, I have watched a multitude of A24 films, and the true emotion and creativity they capture is something like no other film company. Specifically, Ari Aster’s Midsommar and Hereditary made me reevaluate my view of horror films, and, although gory, they didn’t focus on pure shock value to make themselves a hit. Rather, they focused on a deeper, unsatisfying horror that sinks in more and more after the movie is finished. I also really appreciate the company’s more emotional films, such as Aftersun. Although the film didn’t have a particularly shocking plot, it still left me considerably changed, and much more observant of my relationships with others. The films were different than anything I had ever seen before, and genuinely seemed to value true creativity and expression over anything else. 

Aside from their newest release, Beau is Afraid, A24 has many movies in store for the next few years. Some of their upcoming releases include You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, and Talk to Me. Looking at the company’s history, it’s easy to anticipate that these films will yet again reach outside of the box, and experiment to create a truly unique cinematic experience.