If you’re looking for a quick yet deeply engaging viewing experience, these seven independent short films on Netflix offer a blend of drama, comedy, and suspense. Each film brings unique storytelling and cultural perspectives, making them well worth your time.
Ave Maria (2015)
On Shabbat, a group of Israeli settlers crashes their car outside a Palestinian convent, disrupting the vow of silence held by five nuns. What ensues is a humorous and poignant clash of cultures as the nuns devise an unorthodox solution to help the stranded settlers, blending comedy with a thoughtful commentary on coexistence and understanding.
Amsterdam to Anatolia (2019)
This short drama explores the forbidden romance between an Arab man and a woman of Anatolian origin. Their fleeting encounter highlights the struggles and emotions of star-crossed lovers who must navigate cultural boundaries and societal expectations. The film captures a powerful moment of connection against the backdrop of historical tensions.
Weathering (2023)
In this chilling thriller, a journalist grapples with grief and trauma after losing her baby during childbirth. Isolated at home, she begins to experience disturbing visions and eerie attacks, pushing her to the edge of sanity. This film delves into the psychological impact of loss and the haunting nature of unresolved pain.
Animal (2016)
A poignant drama about a 7-year-old boy caught between the conflicting influences of his domineering father, ambitious mother, and a flamboyant cook. This short film paints a vivid picture of a child’s struggle to find his place in a world dominated by adult expectations and conflicting desires, highlighting the innocence and resilience of youth.
The Shadow (2019)
This horror short tells the story of a mother desperate to save her 9-year-old son, who is plagued by otherworldly phenomena. As she confronts the terrifying entity haunting their lives, the film explores themes of maternal love and sacrifice, wrapped in a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.
In Vitro (2019)
Set in an underground orchard in Bethlehem, decades after an ecodisaster, this sci-fi film follows two scientists as they discuss exile, loss, and nostalgia. Through their conversation, the film explores the enduring human connection to homeland and memory, even in the face of environmental catastrophe and technological advancement.
Aya (2017)
Aya, a young girl who loves flying kites with her friends, faces the harsh constraints imposed by her father’s fanatic beliefs. Considered sinful for attending school, Aya’s childhood dreams and freedoms are severely limited. This drama highlights the tension between tradition and progress, as well as the power of education and personal aspirations in the face of oppressive ideologies.
