10 Movies & Shows Like Crystal Swan

Description: A gritty British drama about a troubled teenage girl seeking escape from her bleak surroundings. The film's unvarnished depiction of adolescence, combined with its stark realism and emotional intensity, resonates deeply with similar narratives of youth in difficult circumstances.

Fact: The lead actress, Katie Jarvis, was discovered arguing with her boyfriend at a train station by the film's casting director.

Description: A haunting tale of a young woman's relentless search for her missing father in the Ozarks. The film's stark portrayal of rural poverty, family loyalty, and survival under harsh conditions echoes themes of resilience and determination.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence's breakout role, for which she received her first Academy Award nomination.

Description: A magical realist story about a young girl living in a Louisiana bayou community facing environmental and personal upheaval. The film's blend of fantasy and harsh reality, along with its focus on a child's perspective, creates a unique and emotionally rich narrative.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Louisiana, with many local non-actors filling key roles.

Description: A bold and honest coming-of-age story about a young girl exploring her sexuality and creativity in 1970s San Francisco. The film's unflinching portrayal of adolescence, combined with its artistic and emotional depth, resonates with similar narratives of self-discovery and rebellion.

Fact: The film is based on a graphic novel of the same name, which was inspired by the author's own teenage diaries.

Description: A coming-of-age story that follows a young woman navigating a nomadic lifestyle with a group of magazine sales crews. The film's gritty realism and focus on youth rebellion and self-discovery align closely with the themes of personal freedom and societal constraints.

Fact: The film features a largely improvised script, and many of the cast members were discovered through open casting calls.

Description: A vibrant and chaotic day-in-the-life story of two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. The film's energetic pacing, street-level perspective, and unflinching honesty about marginalized lives create a powerful, immersive experience.

Fact: The entire film was shot on an iPhone, giving it a distinctive, raw visual style.

Description: A quiet, introspective drama about a father and daughter living off the grid in the Pacific Northwest. The film's exploration of isolation, survival, and the bonds of family aligns with themes of personal freedom and societal rejection.

Fact: The story is loosely based on the real-life experiences of a man and his daughter who lived in a Portland park for years.

Description: A raw and poignant portrayal of childhood and poverty, set against the backdrop of a rundown motel near Disney World. The film captures the resilience and imagination of its young protagonist, mirroring themes of struggle and fleeting joy.

Fact: The film was shot on location at a real motel, and many of the actors were non-professionals from the area.

Description: A poignant story about a teenage girl sent to a gay conversion therapy center. The film's exploration of identity, repression, and resistance against oppressive systems aligns with themes of personal struggle and defiance.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A meditative journey through the lives of modern-day nomads in the American West. The film's contemplative tone, focus on transient lifestyles, and exploration of loss and resilience mirror similar narratives of displacement and self-discovery.

Fact: Many of the people featured in the film are real-life nomads, playing fictionalized versions of themselves.