Indie Film Weekly [EP 27]: Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (2025) & Truly Madly Deeply (1990)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Welcome back to Indie Film Weekly, your Friday fix for what’s new, bold, and a little bit weird in indie cinema. I’m Glen Reynolds from Circus Road Films, your film festival sherpa and distribution whisperer, bringing you this week’s theatrical gems, digital finds, and a classic worth revisiting.

Powered as always by Indie Igniter—the newsletter and toolkit built for indie filmmakers who want to build an audience, not just collect laurels. Sign up at theindieigniter.com.

New in Theaters

First up: Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. Directed by Shoshannah Stern and distributed by Kino Lorber, this intimate portrait of Oscar-winning actress and activist Marlee Matlin goes beyond the glitz to explore her experience growing up Deaf, navigating Hollywood, and fighting for representation in an industry that still has a long way to go.

It’s also historic—this is the first feature documentary about Matlin, directed by a Deaf filmmaker, with full access to her archives. If you’ve ever seen CODA or Children of a Lesser God and wanted more, this delivers. Prepare to cry, and maybe punch the air.

Next: Familiar Touch, directed by Sarah Friedland. This quiet powerhouse follows Ruth, an elderly woman living with dementia in an assisted living facility. What begins as a film about aging and memory becomes a sensory experience in shifting identity and desire.

With its lyrical visuals and nonlinear storytelling, the film asks: who are we when our memory goes, but our body still remembers touch, intimacy, and longing? Bonus: Friedland developed the film while researching somatic therapy and elder care—so yeah, bring tissues and your philosophy degree.

And finally, the indie comedy Don’t Tell Larry drops this week from Level 33. Susan lies to get ahead at work. Larry, her awkward coworker, becomes the unwitting fall guy. Then—whoops—there’s a death, and Susan’s lie spins into absurd office noir.

It’s part workplace farce, part moral thriller, and all anchored by pitch-perfect performances and escalating cringe. If The Office mated with A Simple Plan, you’d get this.

So that’s Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, Familiar Touch, and Don’t Tell Larry—your ticket to emotional catharsis, existential dread, and deadpan disaster.

Films to Rent or Download

On TVOD this week: Fall Is a Good Time to Die. Don’t let the title fool you—this meditative Western drama is more elegy than bloodbath.

Shot in South Dakota and directed by Dalton Coffey, the story follows a young ranch hand seeking justice for his sister. As he rides through vast prairie landscapes and crumbling family ties, he crosses paths with a sheriff grappling with her own haunting past.

The film has quiet grit, long silences, and that rare sense of restraint that lets emotion bloom slowly. Think Hell or High Water with fewer gunshots and more moral fog.

Indie Classic

This week’s classic pick turns 35: Truly Madly Deeply, directed by Anthony Minghella (yes, the English Patient guy—but way before that).

The film stars Juliet Stevenson as a grieving woman whose dead lover (played by Alan Rickman, pre-Snape) suddenly returns as a ghost—and promptly moves back in. But instead of some dreamy reunion, it turns out he hogs the remote, sings out of tune, and brings ghost friends over.

It’s part rom-com, part haunting, and a full exploration of grief, memory, and letting go. This was Minghella’s directorial debut, and the film was a surprise indie hit in the early '90s, thanks to its wit, warmth, and uncanny realism in the supernatural.

Fun fact: It was shot on a shoestring budget for the BBC and wasn’t supposed to have a theatrical run—but audience love pushed it to cinemas internationally.

You can stream it on Amazon Prime, and yes, you will laugh and sob.

That’s your latest Indie Film Weekly! Whether you’re revisiting the ghost of a lover, trying to outrun office consequences, or unraveling a mystery on the prairie, remember: indie films do more with less—and usually leave a bigger mark.

Sign up for the Indie Igniter newsletter for more insights, and if you liked this podcast, share it with a friend who still uses their library card.

Until next week—stay curious, stay courageous, and stay indie.

Indie Film Weekly [EP 26]: Materialists (2025) & After Hours (1985)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey indie film lovers, welcome back to Indie Film Weekly—the podcast that ditches blockbusters for the movies you actually want to talk about. I’m Glen Reynolds from Circus Road Films, here with your weekly rundown of what’s new in theaters, on demand, and buried treasure from the past worth digging up.

This episode is powered by Indie Igniter—the newsletter and toolkit for filmmakers trying to connect with their audience, not just their hard drive. Sign up at theindieigniter.com.

New in Theaters

First up is Materialists, the new film from Past Lives director Celine Song. This time, she trades reincarnated romance for a sharply observed rom-com about matchmaking, ambition, and the heartache of choosing between your fantasy and your past.

Set in New York City, the story follows a successful young matchmaker whose lucrative business hits turbulence when her messy, very imperfect ex reappears just as she’s on the verge of her own perfect match. Song brings her signature warmth and clarity, but adds a stylish gloss and screwball energy. Think Nora Ephron meets Wong Kar-wai with better lighting.

Next, Meeting with Pol Pot, from Cambodian auteur Rithy Panh. Based on a real-life visit in 1978, three French journalists are invited to meet the Khmer Rouge leadership and tour Cambodia. What begins as a rare diplomatic opportunity turns into a surreal descent into fear, surveillance, and unspoken horror.

Panh, whose past work includes The Missing Picture and S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine, is no stranger to reckoning with trauma through cinema. This film blends historical recreation and dread-soaked docudrama, offering both a journalistic thriller and a searing reminder of the cost of bearing witness.

And finally, Prime Minister offers a rare political documentary with actual optimism. Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, the film chronicles Jacinda Ardern’s rise and leadership as New Zealand’s PM through crises including the Christchurch shooting and the pandemic. It captures her poise, clarity, and compassion—without turning her into a saint.

With a tone somewhere between The Final Year and Knock Down the House, Prime Minister feels like a refreshing portrait of what leadership can look like when grounded in empathy.

So that’s Materialists, Meeting with Pol Pot, and Prime Minister — a well-rounded lineup for anyone looking to be charmed, chilled, or inspired.

Films to Rent or Download

This week on TVOD, we get One to One: John & Yoko, a documentary that revisits Lennon and Ono’s post-Beatles years through the lens of love, activism, and music. Directed by Sam Rice-Edwards and Kevin Macdonald, the film weaves archival footage and intimate interviews into a portrait of a couple creating together and coping with fame, scrutiny, and personal evolution.

If you think you know everything about John and Yoko, this doc will surprise you. And if you don’t, it’s a great introduction to the raw, political, sometimes chaotic world they built around each other. Available now on Apple, Amazon, and Google Play.

Indie Classic

This week’s classic is turning 40—Martin Scorsese’s After Hours. It’s a dark comedy, a descent into downtown Manhattan madness, and one of the best “one bad night” films ever made.

Griffin Dunne stars as Paul, a mild-mannered word processor who follows a woman to SoHo and ends up on an odyssey of surreal encounters, existential dread, and neon-lit paranoia. A flying $20 bill sets off the chain of events, and from there it’s a maze of bizarre characters and escalating chaos.

Fun fact: After Hours was Scorsese’s indie rebound after his disappointment that Paramount pulled the plug on The Last Temptation of Christ. Frustrated and creatively adrift, he took on this small, edgy project—and it helped reinvigorate his love for filmmaking. The film went on to win Best Director at Cannes and became a cult favorite.

Another fun detail: Catherine O’Hara drives an ice cream truck—just one of many wonderfully absurd touches that turns a bad night into a cult classic fever dream.

It’s available to rent on Amazon Prime and well worth your insomnia.

That wraps it up for this edition of Indie Film Weekly. Whether you’re chasing a ghost of a relationship, facing political horror, or just trying to make it home before sunrise, there’s something indie for you this week.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Indie Igniter newsletter for more picks and strategy tips. And if you enjoyed the pod, share it with a friend or leave us a review—preferably not during a surreal cab ride downtown.

Until next week, keep it heartfelt, keep it unpredictable, and keep it indie!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 25]: The Life of Chuck (2025) & Return of the Secaucus 7 (1980)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Welcome back, indie adventurers! You’re tuned into Indie Film Weekly, where we skip the billion-dollar box office and head straight into the soulful, strange, and stunning world of independent cinema. I’m Glen Reynolds from Circus Road Films, and as always, I’m your guide for this week’s theatrical highlights, digital discoveries, and one indie classic that still hits.

This podcast is brought to you by Indie Igniter—where indie filmmakers go to learn how to connect their work with the audience it deserves. Sign up at theindieigniter.com.

New in Theaters

First up is The Life of Chuck, directed by Mike Flanagan and released by Neon. Based on a short story by Stephen King, this genre-bending drama unfolds across three surreal chapters in the life of one ordinary man, Charles Krantz.

Flanagan, best known for horror hits like Doctor Sleep and Midnight Mass, shows a more introspective side here—though the existential weirdness remains. It’s poignant, ambitious, and full of life-affirming melancholy. Fun fact: I actually sold one of Flanagan’s earliest films, Absentia, back in the day. It’s been amazing watching his evolution from DIY horror to poetic multiverse architect.

Next, I Don’t Understand You, from directors David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano, follows an American couple on the verge of adoption who find themselves stuck on an ill-fated Italian vacation. Lost in translation (literally), their emotional baggage unpacks itself in unexpected ways.

It’s like Scenes from a Marriage meets Eat Pray Panic. With the scenic backdrop of Italy and the pressure cooker of parental anxiety, this one delivers the relationship drama with humor, heartache, and a healthy dose of confusion.

And finally, The Ritual, directed by David Midell, drops us into a spiritual battle where two very different priests must team up to perform exorcisms on a possessed young woman. Naturally, the demons aren’t the only ones causing friction.

This one’s got Catholic horror vibes, some unexpected heart, and a few classic jump scares for good measure. Think The Exorcist meets a buddy-cop film where no one’s laughing and everyone’s haunted.

So that’s The Life of Chuck, I Don’t Understand You, and The Ritual in theaters this weekend—three wildly different windows into belief, breakdowns, and big questions.

Films to Rent or Download

On TVOD this week is A Different Man, directed by Aaron Schimberg. This unsettling character study follows Edward, an actor who undergoes a radical procedure to change his face and start a new life. But when he sees someone else playing a version of his old self in a play, things take a turn.

Sebastian Stan stars in this eerie, darkly funny meditation on identity, envy, and the shifting line between self and performance. Schimberg, who also made Chained for Life, digs deep into the body horror of transformation—and not just the physical kind.

A Different Man is now available to rent or download.

Indie Classic

For our Indie Classic, we’re heading back 45 years to Return of the Secaucus 7, the debut film from John Sayles. This low-budget ensemble drama follows seven former antiwar activists as they reunite for a weekend in New Hampshire and confront who they’ve become.

Often cited as the precursor to The Big Chill, Sayles’ film is all character, dialogue, and unvarnished emotion. The cast includes David Strathairn in his first film role and Sayles regular Maggie Renzi. Shot for under $50,000, it helped launch the American indie boom of the 1980s.

It’s streaming now on AMC+, and still feels deeply resonant—especially if you’ve ever wondered what happened to the idealists after the protests ended.

That’s a wrap for this edition of Indie Film Weekly! Whether you’re in the mood for spiritual battles, existential transformations, or just some sharply written group therapy disguised as a reunion, this week delivers.

Subscribe to the newsletter at theindieigniter.com, and if you’re enjoying the podcast, leave a rating or share it with your favorite film nerd.

Until next week, keep it soulful, keep it surprising, and keep it indie!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 24]: The Phoenician Scheme (2025) & Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there, indie film voyagers! Welcome back to Indie Film Weekly, where we skip the multiplexes and dive headfirst into the strange, the bold, and the beautifully bizarre. I’m Glen Reynolds from Circus Road Films, and every week I bring you the freshest theatrical indies, on-demand gems, and a classic to keep your cinephile cred intact.

We’re proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter—the newsletter and platform that helps indie filmmakers find their audience and light a fire under their distribution strategy. Subscribe at theindieigniter.com.

New in Theaters

Let’s start with The Phoenician Scheme, a stylish new caper from none other than Wes Anderson. A wealthy tycoon named Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his daughter—a nun, naturally—as the sole heir to his empire. But when Korda launches a mysterious new business venture, the pair become targets of terrorists, assassins, and conniving rivals.

This is Anderson in full maximalist mode: pastel palettes, ticking clocks, dry narration, and characters who never blink. Think The Royal Tenenbaums crossed with a Cold War spy thriller. And yes, it includes a puppet show, a miniature oil rig, and probably someone narrating from a submarine.

Next up is Bring Her Back, directed by the Philippou brothers (yes, the duo behind Talk to Me). This time, they're back with another horror nail-biter. A brother and sister are placed with a mysterious foster mother, only to stumble upon a terrifying ritual at her secluded estate.

The Philippous know how to wring dread from domestic spaces, and Bring Her Back dials up the folklore and family trauma to eleven. Expect scares, tension, and a slow-burn descent into madness that asks: what if your new home came with an ancient curse and a guest list from hell?

And rounding out this week is Tornado, from John Maclean (Slow West). This genre-blending tale follows a fierce young woman who takes vengeance into her own hands after her father’s traveling puppet samurai show is attacked by outlaws. She sets out to steal their gold and rewrite her story.

It’s part Western, part revenge flick, and part fever dream. Think Tarantino meets Studio Ghibli by way of spaghetti Western. Puppet violence, by the way, has never felt this cathartic.

So this week’s theater run gives you nuns with inheritance issues, cursed foster homes, and puppet-based vengeance. That’s The Phoenician Scheme, Bring Her Back, and Tornado.

Films to Rent or Download

This week on TVOD, we’ve got Memoir of a Snail, directed by Adam Elliot. It follows an aspiring actor who undergoes a radical medical procedure to dramatically change his appearance. But instead of newfound confidence, he finds himself trapped in a spiral of obsession and identity loss.

This dark fable is a claymation trip into vanity, regret, and surreal introspection. Adam Elliot, the mind behind Mary and Max, once again proves that animation can be just as emotionally devastating as live-action—if not more.

Equal parts funny and heartbreaking, Memoir of a Snail is now available on demand.

Indie Classic

Our classic this week is Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Released in 1975, this haunting mystery tells the story of a group of schoolgirls and a teacher who vanish during a Valentine’s Day picnic at an eerie rock formation in the Australian countryside.

With dreamlike cinematography, haunting pan flutes, and an atmosphere so thick you could slice it with a corset, Picnic at Hanging Rock is less about answers and more about vibes. It influenced everything from Sofia Coppola to David Lynch and basically invented the term "aesthetic dread."

Streaming now on HBO Max, it’s perfect for those who like their mysteries unsolved and their visuals softly glowing.

And that’s a wrap for this time on Indie Film Weekly. Whether you're chasing down gold with a puppet, investigating spiritual rot in suburbia, or losing time on an Australian rock, there’s something this week to make you feel gloriously off-kilter.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at theindieigniter.com, and if you dig the show, drop us a rating, tell your friends, or leave an anonymous note in a color-coded file folder under a fountain.

Until next week, keep it strange, keep it smart, and keep it indie!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 23]: The Surrender (2025) & Repulsion (1965)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there, indie explorers! Welcome back to Indie Film Weekly, your friendly neighborhood signal flare for what’s new and wild in independent cinema. I’m Glen Reynolds from Circus Road Films, here with your weekly download of theatrical releases, digital finds, and one unforgettable throwback.

This podcast is brought to you by Indie Igniter—helping indie filmmakers connect their art to their audience. Get tools, strategy, and good vibes at theindieigniter.com.

New in Theaters

Let’s kick things off with The Surrender, a fierce supernatural drama directed by Julia Max. When the family patriarch dies, a mother and daughter turn to an ancient resurrection ritual that involves blood, bone, and a terrifying amount of commitment. It's grief, trauma, and horror wrapped in a muddy, candlelit séance.

Julia Max makes her feature debut with confidence, creating a tactile world of grief and desperation. It’s gritty, emotionally raw, and not for the squeamish. Critics have compared it to Hereditary, but more feral. You’ll want a blanket, a crucifix, and maybe a tetanus shot.

Next up: The New Boy, from acclaimed Australian director Warwick Thornton. Set in 1940s rural Australia, the story follows a mysterious Aboriginal boy taken to a Christian orphanage run by a conflicted nun, played by Cate Blanchett. The arrival of a wooden crucifix sets off a quiet but powerful spiritual clash.

Thornton, who won the Camera d'Or at Cannes for Samson and Delilah, blends lyrical naturalism with sharp colonial commentary. Blanchett delivers a hushed, haunted performance, and newcomer Aswan Reid steals scenes with wordless intensity. It’s part ghost story, part meditation on belief systems in collision.

And finally, cheating slightly on release dates (don’t tell the film calendar police), Ghost Trail opens May 30, but it's too strong to skip. Directed by Jonathan Millet, it follows Hamid, a Syrian exile who joins a secret organization dedicated to hunting down war criminals. His mission takes him to France, where his past returns in the form of a man who once tortured him.

A tense psychological thriller with the soul of a political reckoning, Ghost Trail is taut, timely, and unflinchingly human. Millet crafts a journey through trauma and justice, where personal vengeance dances dangerously close to moral collapse.

So that’s The Surrender, The New Boy, and Ghost Trail – bringing you blood rituals, sacred relics, and underground justice this week in indie film.

Films to Rent or Download

On demand this week is At Her Feet, directed by Nadya Wynd. A group of archaeology students on a Hawaiian dig team up with a local guide as they try to rescue ancient artifacts from an impending volcanic eruption. But this isn’t just geology class with lava. Mystical protectors and ancient spirits get involved, and soon it becomes a full-on spiritual survival story.

Shot on location in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the film blends indigenous folklore, adventure storytelling, and environmental urgency. It’s Indiana Jones meets Moana with an indie sensibility. Think less whips and more respect for cultural heritage.

At Her Feet is now available on TVOD.

Indie Classic

This week marks the 60th anniversary of Roman Polanski’s Repulsion, his first English-language film and arguably one of the most influential psychological horrors ever made. Catherine Deneuve stars as Carole, a young manicurist left alone in her London flat, where isolation and unresolved trauma unravel her psyche.

As the walls close in—literally and figuratively—the film pulls us deep into Carole’s mental spiral. There are no jump scares here, just creeping dread, surreal visions, and a building sense of unease that still holds up today.

Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, Repulsion remains a masterclass in tension, minimalism, and the horror of the mind. It’s streaming now on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

And that wraps up this week’s Indie Film Weekly. Whether you’re into ritual horror, cultural reckonings, volcanic quests, or classic psychodrama, there’s something waiting to shake up your screen.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter at theindieigniter.com. And if you love the podcast, leave a comment, share it with your film crew, or whisper it to a ghost on a hiking trail.

Until next time, keep it bold, keep it weird, and keep it indie!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 22]: Sister Midnight (2025) & Joe (1970)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

 Hello again, film lovers! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your curated escape from the algorithm and into the land of the bold, the offbeat, and the quietly brilliant. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, and I’m here to guide you through this week’s freshest indie releases in theaters, on demand, and from the vault.

As always, we’re powered by Indie Igniter, your go-to toolkit for indie film marketing. Head over to theindieigniter.com and get on the list.

New in Theaters

First up is Sister Midnight, a bold and eerie descent into domestic chaos from Mumbai-based director Karan Kandhari. When a passive husband finds himself in an arranged marriage, he watches helplessly as his wife transforms into a feral, unforgiving force of nature. It’s horror, it’s feminism, it’s marriage therapy by way of a fever dream.

Kandhari, best known for his short Bye Bye Miss Goodnight, makes his feature debut here with style and swagger. It’s part Cronenbergian nightmare, part Indian Gothic, and all edge. Pro tip: do not see this one with your in-laws.

Next, slow things down with Love, a meditative relationship drama from Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud. It begins with a ferry ride and a quiet chat between two healthcare workers, Marianne and Tor. What unfolds is a philosophical tug-of-war over love, ethics, and personal freedom.

Haugerud, whose film Beware of Children earned critical acclaim, has a knack for turning conversations into cinematic tension. Love is like a two-person chess match stretched across long silences and subtle glances. It might sound quiet, but it packs a sharp emotional punch.

And for something very different: The Damned, from Italian director Roberto Minervini, transports us to a snowbound 1862 during the American Civil War. A volunteer company is dispatched into unknown western territory, only to be confronted not by enemies but by questions of purpose and identity.

Minervini, known for blurring the line between doc and fiction, casts non-actors and shoots in natural light. The result is hauntingly immersive and unnervingly real. Think Malick meets Dead Man, with frostbite.

So, that’s Sister Midnight, Love, and The Damned. Three very different paths into the indie wilderness.

Films to Rent or Download

This week on TVOD, we have Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art, a documentary portrait of the iconic queer painter and provocateur. Directed by Ethan H. Minsker, this film dives into LaForge’s career, from his DIY roots to his ascendance in the fashion and art worlds.

The film covers his creative process, the cultural battles he’s navigated, and the personal toll of carving out space in a world that doesn’t always reward authenticity. LaForge is punk rock meets high art with a splash of glitter and fury.

If you’ve ever walked through a gallery and thought, “Why don’t I see more acid unicorns and postmodern Jesus?”—this is for you.

Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art is now available on demand.

Indie Classic

For our Indie Classic this week, we’re going way back for the 55th anniversary of Joe, directed by John G. Avildsen. Yep, the same guy who later gave us Rocky started out with this gritty, violent culture-clash drama.

The film stars Peter Boyle as Joe, a blue-collar bigot who bonds with an uptight exec (Dennis Patrick) after a barroom confession to murder. What begins as a shared sense of outrage quickly spirals into a blood-soaked journey through America’s ideological fault lines.

It’s raw, messy, and deeply uncomfortable—but in a good way. Also notable: a young Susan Sarandon makes her film debut here. It’s streaming now on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

That wraps up this week’s Indie Film Weekly. Whether you’re craving war-time introspection, Norwegian ferry-flirtations, or subversive art documentaries, there’s something out there with your name on it.

For more insights, subscribe to our newsletter at theindieigniter.com. And if you liked the show, tell your friends, comment down below, or shout us out during your next psychedelic gallery tour.

Until next week, keep it strange, and keep it indie!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 21]: Clown in a Cornfield (2025) & The Other Lamb (2020)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Indie Film Weekly—your compass for navigating the indie film landscape without falling into a franchise sequel pit. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, here to highlight this week’s finest indie films in theaters, on demand, and from the vault.

This podcast is powered by Indie Igniter. Want your indie film to reach its audience without breaking the bank? Subscribe at theindieigniter.com for weekly wisdom.

New in Theaters

First up is Friendship, directed by Andrew DeYoung and starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. What begins as a quirky suburban bromance quickly spirals into full-blown cringe chaos. When Craig Waterman (Robinson), a socially awkward dad, meets his effortlessly cool new neighbor Austin Carmichael (Rudd), their budding friendship kicks off with a night of urban exploration, punk rock, and an odd fixation on Paleolithic antiquities.

DeYoung, whose credits include PEN15 and Our Flag Means Death, creates the perfect cringe comedy pressure cooker, allowing Robinson to slide brilliantly between boyish vulnerability and nuclear-level awkwardness. Rudd, oozing rugged charisma with a soft edge, is the perfect foil. Bonus: there's a psychedelic fast-food trip that would make Cronenberg proud. Kate Mara also shines as Craig’s long-suffering wife Tami, in a hilariously deadpan turn.

Next is Caught by the Tides, the latest poetic opus from Jia Zhangke. This film is part romance, part elegy, following Qiaoqiao as she drifts across China looking for her lost lover Bin. Through haunting images and dance sequences, the film becomes a portrait of emotional and economic change in a rapidly shifting country.

A Jia film is never just about one person. Shot over two decades using a mix of archival and narrative footage, Caught by the Tides is a haunting reflection on modernity, memory, and resilience. Its layered storytelling invites viewers to slow down and absorb the quiet, fleeting moments that shape a life.

And finally, we veer sharply into genre with Clown in a Cornfield, directed by Eli Craig. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a sinister clown stalking small-town teens in rural America. But don’t be fooled: this isn’t just slasher paint-by-numbers. It’s sharp, stylish, and surprisingly self-aware.

Craig, who directed the cult zombie comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, brings the same horror-meets-humor sensibility. The clown here isn’t just scary—he’s a symbol of the town’s fractured identity. That, or he’s just really mad about crop insurance. Either way, it works.

That’s Friendship, Caught by the Tides, and Clown in a Cornfield – three radically different reasons to go to the movies this weekend.

Films to Rent or Download

Our TVOD pick this week is Pratfall, directed by Alex Andre. Set over one sleepless night in New York City, the film follows a jittery insomniac who meets a mysterious French tourist in Central Park. What follows is a madcap, dreamlike wander through a city that never shuts up.

Equal parts rom-com and existential drift, Pratfall embraces chaos and connection in equal measure. It’s Before Sunrise by way of Buster Keaton, with surreal interludes and offbeat charm. Shot mostly guerrilla-style in the city, it’s got that authentic indie texture and a ton of heart.

Rent Pratfall now on your favorite platform.

Indie Classic

This week’s Indie Classic is The Other Lamb, celebrating its 5th anniversary. Directed by Małgorzata Szumowska, the film centers on a teenage girl raised in an all-female cult led by a single male messiah figure. As cracks appear in her worldview, she begins to question everything.

With eerie visuals and a haunting score, The Other Lamb blends psychological horror with feminist allegory. Raffey Cassidy gives a magnetic performance as Selah, the girl caught between blind belief and rebellion. The film premiered at TIFF and quickly became a favorite among arthouse horror fans.

It’s like Midsommar's quiet, more introspective cousin. Streaming now and perfect for anyone craving something moody, mysterious, and loaded with metaphor.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s Indie Film Weekly! For more insights, trailers, and festival updates, subscribe to our newsletter at theindieigniter.com.

If you liked this episode, drop a comment or text it to your favorite film nerd. Until next time, keep your popcorn weird and your cinema independent. See you next week!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 20]: Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted (2025) & It Follows (2015)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey folks, welcome back to Indie Film Weekly: your detour off the Hollywood freeway and into the backroads of indie cinema. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, your guide to the wild, weird, and wonderful world of independent film.

Every week we hit the trail with new theatrical releases, an indie gem to rent or stream, and a classic that deserves another spin. Powered, as always, by Indie Igniter – your DIY marketing toolkit for indie films. Subscribe at theindieigniter.com and let’s get into it.

New in Theaters

First up is Vulcanizadora, directed by Joel Potrykus. This slow-burn psychological thriller follows two friends through a Michigan forest with a grim pact in mind. When their dark plan unravels, one returns home to face strange and spiraling consequences.

Potrykus, the Michigan maestro of lo-fi horror (Buzzard, Relaxer), is back in peak form, once again blending dread, humor, and working-class existentialism. The title refers to an old term for a tire repair shop, but this time, the only thing getting patched up is your sense of reality. Bonus: it features some of the most unsettling forest sound design you’ll hear this year.

Next is Pavements, directed by Alex Ross Perry. It’s part concert film, part fictional narrative, part stage musical, and entirely about the beloved indie rock band Pavement. This hybrid doc blurs the lines between reality and performance with footage of the band, surreal reenactments, and a musical based on their discography.

Ross Perry, known for Her Smell and Listen Up Philip, goes full art-house here, channeling his inner Todd Haynes. If you love Pavement, great. If you don’t, this is your weird gateway drug. And yes, Stephen Malkmus is still the king of nonchalant genius.

Finally, Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted might win best title of the year. Directed by Isaac Gale, Ryan Olson, and David McMurry, this film is a colorful, chaotic portrait of cult funk legend Swamp Dogg. Set in a funky LA home-turned-commune, the doc is as much about friendship, legacy, and oddball joy as it is about music.

Swamp Dogg, who once cut records with John Prine and released albums in the nude (no joke), opens his life to the camera in this joyful, eccentric chronicle. It also features Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, who deserve documentaries of their own. It’s like Grey Gardens with more rhythm.

So that’s Vulcanizadora, Pavements, and Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted – all in theaters this week.

Films to Rent or Download

On demand this week is The Stones Are Speaking, a documentary from Dallas-based filmmaker and journalist Olive Talley. It follows archaeologist Mike Collins as he uncovers one of the oldest human settlements in North America—right in the heart of Texas.

The film is more than an archaeological dig; it’s a story of perseverance, activism, and rewriting history. Collins risked everything to protect the Gault Site, and in doing so, uncovered 20,000-year-old evidence that changes the timeline of human life in the Americas.

This is a documentary that blends adventure with academic rigor, and Collins is a compelling figure—part Indiana Jones, part tenacious Texan. It’s streaming now via TVOD and should be required viewing in every science class that ever snoozed through ancient history.

Indie Classic

And this week’s Indie Classic is celebrating its 10th anniversary—David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows. A modern horror landmark, the film centers on Jay, a teenager who inherits a curse through a sexual encounter. The catch? A shape-shifting presence now stalks her—slowly, always walking, and always coming.

With its retro synth score, suburban dread, and relentless sense of doom, It Follows became an instant classic, elevating Maika Monroe to scream queen status and inspiring a new wave of stylish indie horror. Director Mitchell cited influences ranging from John Carpenter to Japanese ghost films, and the result is pure nightmare fuel.

Also worth noting: the film’s ambiguous time period and dreamlike Detroit setting make it feel like a horror movie trapped in its own haunted VHS tape.

It Follows is streaming now and still one of the best indie horror films of the 21st century.

That does it for this week’s episode of Indie Film Weekly. Thanks for listening and diving deep into the strange, smart, and surprising corners of indie cinema.

For more film picks, subscribe to our newsletter at theindieigniter.com. And if you liked what you heard, leave a comment, check out our Indie Film weekly podcast, or tell a friend—your support helps indie film thrive.

Until next week, keep watching, keep wandering, and always support indie film!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 19]: Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie (2025) & Junebug (2005)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is Neighborhood Watch, directed by Duncan Skiles. In this suspenseful thriller, a young man believes he has witnessed a kidnapping and enlists his neighbor—a gruff, retired security guard played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan—to help him investigate. Jack Quaid co-stars as the increasingly obsessed amateur sleuth. The tension escalates as paranoia blurs the line between reality and delusion.

Skiles, known for his chilling debut The Clovehitch Killer, once again explores suburban dread, this time drawing inspiration from Rear Window and true crime forums. The chemistry between Morgan and Quaid brings surprising layers of humor and heart to the mystery.

Next, Magic Farm, directed by Amalia Ulman, is a bold absurdist comedy about a mother and son living on a strange rural commune. Starring Chloë Sevigny and Alex Wolff, the film walks the line between satire and surrealism, blending family dysfunction with cult-like rituals and pop culture references.

Ulman, who made waves with her autofiction debut El Planeta, continues to push boundaries—this time drawing on her own upbringing in Argentina and Spain. The film premiered at Sundance and then Berlin, where it was praised for its chaotic tone and unforgettable costume design.

And finally, Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie, directed by David L. Bushell, brings the iconic duo back together for one final ride. Mixing documentary-style footage with wild sketches and animated sequences, the film explores the pair’s legacy, their highs and lows, and the enduring power of counterculture comedy.

This is the first Cheech & Chong film in over a decade, and fans will be pleased to know it includes footage from their early days, plus new cameos from comedy stars who cite the duo as pioneers.

So check out Neighborhood Watch, Magic Farm, and Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie in theaters now.

Films to Rent or Download

On demand this week is Mad God, a stop-motion descent into madness directed by legendary visual effects artist Phil Tippett. The story follows a figure known as The Assassin as he journeys through a crumbling, grotesque world filled with creatures and industrial horrors.

Tippett, known for his work on Star Wars and Jurassic Park, spent over 30 years making this film, building the sets and animating sequences himself. It’s a labor of love—and obsession—that finally saw release in 2022 after decades in the vault. A truly singular vision, it’s part nightmare, part masterpiece.

You can rent Mad God now on all major VOD platforms.

Indie Classic

Our Indie Classic this week is Junebug, which turns 20 this year. Directed by Phil Morrison, this quiet, intimate drama follows newlywed art dealer Madeleine, played by Embeth Davidtz, as she visits her husband’s Southern family for the first time. Tensions simmer beneath the surface, but the emotional center is Ashley, played by Amy Adams in a luminous, breakout role.

Adams earned her first Oscar nomination for this performance, and the film’s authenticity comes from its balance of humor and heartbreak. Shot in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, it captures the nuances of regional identity, small-town dynamics, and the complexities of marriage.

Junebug is currently streaming on the Roku Channel. It’s well worth a rewatch—or a first watch if you missed it the first time around.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 18]: The Ugly Stepsister (2025) & Winter's Bone (2010)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. This twisted and surprisingly raw take on the classic Cinderella tale is told from the perspective of Elvira, a stepsister who dreams of Prince Julian and tries desperately to conform to the kingdom’s ideals of beauty. It’s biting, bold, and loaded with social commentary. A definite must-see for anyone who loves fractured fairy tales with a purpose.

The film made waves at the Berlin International Film Festival with its daring style and emotionally vulnerable performance from lead actress Kristine Kujath Thorp, who is quickly becoming a breakout star in European cinema.

Next is The Wedding Banquet (2025), a fresh reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 film, this time directed by Andrew Ahn. Hoping to stay in the U.S., a gay man agrees to a green card marriage with a female friend in exchange for covering her IVF costs. But things spiral when his grandmother surprises them with plans for an elaborate Korean wedding banquet. The film blends humor and heart while exploring family, identity, and expectations in immigrant communities.

Andrew Ahn, known for Spa Night and Fire Island, brings a deeply personal lens to this remake, having grown up in a Korean-American household himself—and even used his own family photos as inspiration for several key wedding scenes.

And finally, The Legend of Ochi, directed by Isaiah Saxon, is a magical fantasy adventure about a young girl who discovers a mysterious creature from the forest—an ochi—and sets out on a quest to reunite it with its family. Visually stunning and filled with wonder, this is a family-friendly gem with emotional depth and a rich sense of worldbuilding.

Isaiah Saxon, originally known for his innovative music videos and co-founding the animation collective Encyclopedia Pictura, makes his feature debut here—and spent over a decade developing the visual style and mythology behind the ochi.

So check out The Ugly Stepsister, The Wedding Banquet, and The Legend of Ochi at a theater near you.

Films to Rent or Download

This week’s standout on-demand pick is Newlyweeds, the debut feature from Shaka King. It tells the story of Lyle and Nina, a couple bound by love and marijuana, whose relationship unravels when Lyle can’t decide between his girlfriend and his true love—Mary Jane. It’s a stoner comedy with real emotional bite. It is also a cautionary tale about the importance of choosing the right distribution partner. Newlyweeds was Shaka King’s breakout film, inspired in part by his own experiences as a Brooklyn native balancing creative ambitions with real-world frustrations. In fact, I helped sell this film years ago at Sundance and it was an exciting experience. But the effort behind the theatrical release was a disappointment.  And we later struggled to track payments as the film was transferred from one distributor to another.

The upside? Shaka King went on to direct Judas and the Black Messiah, which was a huge success. 

You can rent Newlyweeds now on major platforms such as Amazon.

Indie Classic

And now for our Indie Classic. This week, we honor the 15th anniversary of Winter’s Bone, directed by Debra Granik. This gripping Ozark noir follows Ree Dolly, played by a breakout Jennifer Lawrence, as she searches for her missing father while trying to keep her family from losing their home. Stark, suspenseful, and deeply human, the film was nominated for four Academy Awards and launched Lawrence to stardom. It remains a masterclass in tone, performance, and regional storytelling.

Winter’s Bone was shot on location in Missouri with local non-actors cast in many supporting roles. The role of Ree was so transformative for Jennifer Lawrence that she received her first Oscar nomination at just 20 years old.

Winter’s Bone is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. If you haven’t seen it, now is the time.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 17]: Warfare (2025) & Memento (2000)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza. This war drama puts the audience in the middle of a Navy SEAL mission that spirals out of control. The story comes directly from Mendoza’s military background, giving it a raw, personal feel. Garland, known for Ex Machina, brings his signature intensity, making sure every moment lands with impact.

One thing that makes this film stand out: The battle sequences were filmed in long, unbroken takes with real ex-military personnel to capture the unpredictability of combat. Mendoza also ran a boot camp for the cast, pushing them to handle real tactical situations before cameras rolled

Next up is Sacramento, directed by Michael Angarano, starring Michael Cera and Kristen Stewart. It follows two best friends who take a road trip to California’s capital, forcing them to confront the choices that shaped their lives. The mix of humor and heart makes this one feel both light and meaningful.

Something fun about this one: Much of the film was shot with a loose script, letting the actors improvise in real locations. That approach helped capture the awkwardness and spontaneity of reconnecting with someone from your past.

Returning to theaters this week is Pink Narcissus, James Bidgood’s experimental 1971 film. This underground classic explores the fantasies of a young male hustler, creating a surreal dream world of color and movement. It was ahead of its time in its depiction of queer identity and remains a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema.

Here’s something wild: For years, no one knew who directed it. Some even thought it was an Andy Warhol project. It wasn’t until the late ’90s that Bidgood was officially credited, securing his place in film history.

Films to Rent or Download

Now streaming on Tubi is Hundreds of Beavers, directed by Mike Cheslik. This indie slapstick comedy is a completely bonkers, silent-era-inspired adventure set in the 19th century. It follows a drunken applejack salesman battling an army of beavers, using over-the-top physical comedy, creative practical effects, and a distinct visual style reminiscent of Buster Keaton.

Something you don’t see every day: The film was shot in black-and-white in the middle of a brutal Wisconsin winter, with the cast enduring freezing temperatures for authenticity. And in true indie spirit, much of the beaver "army" was created using homemade puppets, costumes, and stop-motion animation. The film premiered at the Fantastic Film Festival before going on an amazing festival run with beavers attacking the director at Q&As. The theatrical run was a self distribution success story that many indie filmmakers are hoping to emulate.

Indie Classic

Christopher Nolan’s Memento turns 25 this year, and it’s still one of the most inventive thrillers ever made. Told in a fragmented, reverse narrative, it follows a man with short-term memory loss trying to track down his wife’s killer. Every scene reveals another puzzle piece, keeping the audience as disoriented as the protagonist.

Here’s a fascinating production detail: The film’s cinematographer, Wally Pfister, used different color schemes to distinguish timelines—black and white for past events and color for the main storyline. That visual cue helps viewers decode the mystery, even as the structure scrambles expectations.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 16]: The Luckiest Man in America (2024) & Before Sunrise (1995)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is The Luckiest Man in America, directed by Samir Oliveros which is a sharp, satirical drama about a man whose lottery jackpot win turns his life upside down. What starts as a dream quickly spirals into chaos as he grapples with sudden wealth, newfound fame, and an unraveling sense of reality. It’s a fascinating look at the double-edged sword of luck.

You might not know this: To prepare for the film, the director interviewed past lottery winners to understand the psychological toll of sudden wealth, and several real-life accounts directly inspired the plot. In addition, the film's cinematography was intentionally structured to shift in tone—starting with bright, expansive shots and gradually becoming tighter and more claustrophobic as the protagonist's life spirals out of control.

Next, we have Eric Larue, marking the directorial debut of actor Michael Shannon. Based on a stage play, the film explores the aftermath of a school shooting from the perspective of the shooter’s mother, played by the amazing Judy Greer. It’s a gut-wrenching drama that examines the weight of facing the families affected by her son’s actions.

Here's an interesting detail: Shannon insisted on shooting several key scenes in real locations rather than on a soundstage. And even though it’s his first film as a director,—he previously directed live theater productions and has been preparing for film-directing for years.

Lisa Cholodenko’s 1998 indie drama High Art is back in theaters for a special re-release. The film follows a young aspiring magazine editor, played by Radha Mitchell, who falls under the spell of an enigmatic and reclusive photographer, played by Ally Sheedy. It’s a deeply atmospheric meditation on art, ambition, and addiction that left a lasting impact on indie cinema.

A lesser-known fact: The film’s cinematography, with its muted tones and dreamlike aesthetic, was inspired by the work of real-life photographer Nan Goldin, whose images capture raw, intimate moments of countercultural life. Additionally, Sheedy’s character was partially based on Goldin, adding another layer to the story.

Films to Rent or Download

This week’s VOD highlight is 3 Day Weekend, a psychological thriller from Wyatt McDill. Told from multiple perspectives like the great Kurosawa film Rashomon, the film follows a weekend getaway gone wrong, where shifting viewpoints reveal new layers of the mystery. The film has almost no dialogue and it’s a mind-bender that plays with audience expectations in every scene.

Something worth noting: The film was shot using only natural light, which not only enhanced the realism but also required the actors and crew to work in carefully scheduled time windows to capture the right mood. And because of its non-linear narrative, actors were often performing scenes out of order without knowing the full story—adding to its sense of confusion and paranoia. The film originally premiered on Showtime but you can find it now on Tubi and for rental on Amazon.

Indie Classic

Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise turns 30 this year, and it’s back on VOD. This 1995 romance follows Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, two strangers who meet on a train and spend one night together in Vienna, exploring the city and their connection before parting ways. It’s a minimalist masterpiece that captures the magic of fleeting moments.

A cool behind-the-scenes detail: Much of the film’s dialogue was shaped through rehearsals and improvisation, but Linklater meticulously mapped out the characters’ walking routes through Vienna to ensure every conversation flowed naturally between locations. And while the film ends on an ambiguous note, fans had to wait nine years for Before Sunset (2004) to find out what happened next.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 15]: The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025) & My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is The Ballad of Wallis Island, directed by James Griffiths. This British comedy premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year, and has been charming audiences ever since. The story follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner living alone on a remote island, who dreams of reuniting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer—a duo comprised of former lovers Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer. Charles invites them to perform a private show at his home on Wallis Island, leading to a series of comedic and heartfelt events as old tensions resurface. Fun fact: The film is based on Griffiths' 2007 BAFTA-nominated short film, The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, reuniting the original creators for this feature-length adaptation. Additionally, Carey Mulligan, who plays Nell Mortimer, filmed her scenes while caring for her newborn daughter on set, adding a unique behind-the-scenes dynamic to the production.

Next up is Being Maria, directed by Jessica Palud. This French biographical drama delves into the life of actress Maria Schneider, best known for her role in Last Tango in Paris. The film explores Schneider's experiences during and after the controversial production, highlighting her struggles within the film industry. Anamaria Vartolomei portrays Maria Schneider, while Matt Dillon takes on the role of Marlon Brando, offering a nuanced performance that captures the complexities of the iconic actor. Fun fact: The screenplay is adapted from Vanessa Schneider's 2018 memoir, My Cousin Maria Schneider, providing an intimate look into the actress's life. The film has been praised for centering Maria's perspective, offering a sensitive and unsparing reconstruction of her experiences.

Rounding out this week’s theatrical releases is Viet and Nam, directed by Truong Minh Quy. This Vietnamese drama follows the intertwined lives of two individuals, Viet and Nam, as they navigate personal and societal challenges in contemporary Vietnam. The film offers a poignant exploration of identity, tradition, and modernity, set against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapidly changing landscape. Quy's direction provides a contemplative and visually stunning narrative that has resonated with audiences worldwide. The film was banned in Vietnam due to its sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship, yet it garnered international acclaim, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and being nominated for the Queer Palm.

Films to Rent or Download

Now available on TVOD is In a Violent Nature, directed by Chris Nash. This one premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and quickly became a must-see for horror fans. What sets it apart? Well, it’s a slasher film told almost entirely from the killer’s perspective. Instead of following terrified victims, we follow the undead woodsman, Johnny, as he stalks a group of unsuspecting campers deep in the remote Canadian wilderness. There’s almost no dialogue—just the quiet, methodical movements of Johnny through the trees as he calmly, relentlessly goes about his business. It’s been described as Terrence Malick meets Friday the 13th, and honestly, that’s a pretty accurate vibe.

Fun fact: Director Chris Nash wanted to deconstruct the traditional slasher movie by stripping it down to its most primal elements. He storyboarded the film meticulously to avoid falling into standard horror tropes, focusing instead on long, slow takes that build an unsettling sense of inevitability. Another cool detail—the film was shot on location in northern Ontario, and almost all of the gore effects were done practically, not digitally. It’s a throwback to old-school horror craftsmanship, and for fans of the genre, it’s a real treat.

If you’re in the mood for something eerie, violent, and completely different from your typical horror flick, In a Violent Nature is one to watch.

Indie Classic

This week’s spotlight classic is My Beautiful Laundrette, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special re-release in select theaters. Originally released in 1985, this groundbreaking British film was directed by Stephen Frears, based on his own original story. Set in Thatcher-era London, it tells the story of Omar, a young British-Pakistani man, and Johnny, a white working-class punk played by a then-rising Daniel Day-Lewis, who rekindle a childhood friendship—and romance—while renovating a run-down laundrette into a thriving business.

What makes My Beautiful Laundrette stand out—especially for its time—is how it weaves together themes of race, class, capitalism, and sexuality without ever feeling preachy. It was one of the first British films to portray a gay relationship in a natural, non-sensationalized way, and it did so at a time when both homophobia and racial tensions were high in the UK. Kureishi’s sharp, witty script brought these issues front and center, but through personal, relatable characters rather than overt messaging.

A couple of fun facts: The film was initially commissioned as a low-budget TV movie for Channel 4, but after it premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival, it got picked up for an international theatrical release—and the rest is history. Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance as Johnny helped launch his career, and in the same year, he also starred in A Room with a View, playing a character that couldn’t be more different. Another little gem: the laundrette in the film was an actual working laundromat in London, which became a kind of cult landmark for fans after the film’s success.

My Beautiful Laundrette remains a vital piece of British cinema history. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or revisiting it, this 40th-anniversary restoration is a great excuse to experience it on the big screen.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 14]: Bob Trevino Likes It (2024) & Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

First up is Bob Treviño Likes It, directed by Tracie Laymon. It premiered at South by Southwest, where it took home both the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award for Narrative Feature! The film follows Lily, played by Barbie Ferreira, who finds an unexpected connection with a stranger on Facebook who shares her estranged father’s name. John Leguizamo brings warmth and heart as Bob Treviño, the kind stranger. Fun fact: they shot the film in and around Louisville, Kentucky, showcasing some beautiful local spots. And here’s something interesting—because the film was made outside of the studio system, it received waivers during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, allowing it to finish production when most others were stalled.

Next is Magazine Dreams, directed by Elijah Bynum. This one premiered at Sundance and has had people talking ever since. Jonathan Majors stars as Killian Maddox, a socially isolated bodybuilder with dreams of fame and acceptance. It’s a raw, intense performance, and Majors went all in—he trained for over a year, packed on serious muscle, and stuck to a grueling diet to transform into Killian. Another cool fact: the film dives deep into the world of bodybuilding without glamorizing it, and Bynum worked closely with real-life trainers and athletes to capture the psychological toll of the sport. If you’re up for something that lingers with you, this one packs a punch. It is worth noting, the film's journey to the screen faced challenges due to external controversies. Initially set for a 2023 release by Searchlight Pictures, the film was temporarily shelved following legal issues involving Majors. However, after resolutions, Briarcliff Entertainment, who also released the controversial film The Apprentice, acquired distribution rights.

Third up is Misericordia, directed by Alain Guiraudie (gyro-dee). It had its world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival. Guiraudie, best known for Stranger by the Lake, brings his signature slow-burn tension to this rural mystery. Jérémie returns to his hometown after the death of his old boss—the village baker—but things quickly get strange. There’s a suspicious neighbor, a creepy priest, and a disappearance that pulls Jérémie deeper into the village’s secrets. A little fun trivia: “Misericordia” translates to “mercy,” which hints at the moral complexities Guiraudie loves to explore. Here’s a different fun fact: Guiraudie actually spent over a year scouting the rural village where they filmed Misericordia, specifically looking for a location that had no cell phone reception. He wanted to emphasize the isolation and timelessness of the story—there’s a sense that this village exists in its own unsettling pocket of reality, untouched by modern life. That eerie stillness becomes part of the tension, making the setting almost a character in itself.

Films to Rent or Download

Now available on TVOD is The Highest Brasil, directed by Jeremy Curl. It premiered at the Austin Film Festival and has sparked plenty of conversation since. Set in Ireland—not Brazil!—the film follows Seamus, a struggling fisherman whose life is in freefall after his marriage collapses. Just when things seem hopeless, he’s offered a chance to join a band of eccentric misfits on a mysterious and increasingly unhinged project. A few fun facts: the film’s title is a reference to a mythical place from Irish folklore called "Hy-Brasil," a phantom island said to appear once every seven years. Jeremy Curl drew from both ancient Irish myths and modern economic anxieties to create a story that feels both timeless and completely contemporary. If you’re into surreal, thought-provoking films with a dark sense of humor, this one’s for you.

Indie Classic

And for this week’s classic spotlight, we’ve got Monty Python and the Holy Grail, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Co-directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this one barely needs an introduction. King Arthur, the Knights Who Say “Ni,” the killer rabbit—you know the drill. But here are a couple of fun facts: the film was famously funded in part by British rock legends Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, who were huge Python fans and wanted to support their movie. And because the budget was so tight, they couldn’t afford horses—leading to the iconic coconut sound effect gag, which has become one of the most beloved jokes in film history. And here’s a little-known fact: The famous “Bridge of Death” scene—where each knight has to answer three questions or be cast into the Gorge of Eternal Peril—was inspired by John Cleese’s memories of his school days. Specifically, it was a parody of the absurdly difficult and arbitrary oral exams he endured at Clifton College. He and the other Pythons used those experiences to create the hilariously ridiculous logic that makes the bridgekeeper scene such a standout.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 13]: The Empire (2025) & Tigertail (2020)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Mark your calendars for March 14th, as we have three intriguing films hitting theaters:

First up is October 8, directed by Wendy Sachs. This documentary examines the emergence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, in social media, and on the streets following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Through interviews, news footage, and firsthand accounts, the film explores how an international crisis sparked a wave of political activism, cultural debates, and fear in communities around the world. With its journalistic approach, October 8 provides a sobering look at the complexities of modern discourse surrounding history, identity, and global conflict.

Next, we have Young Hearts, directed by Anthony Schatteman. This Belgian coming-of-age film follows two teenage boys as they navigate first love, self-discovery, and the pressures of growing up in a small conservative town. Schatteman has been recognized for his sensitive storytelling and has received praise for his previous short films, which tackle LGBTQ+ themes with nuance and emotional depth. Shot in a lyrical, dreamlike style, Young Hearts captures the intensity of adolescence with a raw honesty that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Finally, The Empire, directed by Bruno Dumont, is an offbeat sci-fi epic blending satire, action, and philosophical musings. Set in France, the film follows an extraterrestrial invasion that unfolds with Dumont’s signature absurdist touch. With a mix of professional and non-professional actors, The Empire defies genre conventions, offering a uniquely existential take on the classic alien invasion narrative. The film premiered at the Berlinale and has divided critics, with some calling it a subversive masterpiece and others baffled by its eccentric tone—which, for a Dumont film, is par for the course.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: October 8, Young Hearts, and The Empire.

Films to Rent or Download

For those preferring a cozy movie night at home, here's a new release available on Video on Demand:

Warden, directed by Marcus Alqueres, is a dark and grounded superhero story shot in a documentary style. The film follows a young man born with uncanny powers who sets out to change his struggling city. But as he gains celebrity and increasingly devoted supporters, some begin to suspect there’s a darker side to his rise to power. What happens when a real-world superhero emerges in a world without supervillains—but with plenty of laws and powerful interests?

Alqueres, a Canadian-Brazilian director, made a name for himself with his viral short film The Flying Man, which racked up over 25 million views online. Warden was shot on a tight budget using innovative guerrilla filmmaking techniques, mirroring the indie approach that made his short films so impactful. The film had its first industry screening at Comic-Con Experience in São Paulo—the largest Comic-Con in the Americas—where it generated strong buzz for its fresh take on the superhero genre.

Warden is now available to rent or buy on all major VOD platforms.

Indie Classic

This week our classic is more of an overlooked gem, release in 2020 marking its 5 year anniversary. One reason it was overlooked as it was one of the few films to hit theaters during the first year of covid.

The film is called Tigertail (2020) and its directed by Alan Yang who made an impressive jump from television (he was a writer on Parks and Recreation and co-created Master of None with Aziz Ansari) to film with his feature directorial debut, Tigertail. This slow-burn immigrant drama is visually stunning, with Yang mining his own personal history for the film’s narrative. It follows a Taiwanese factory worker who seeks a better life in America but struggles to keep his family afloat.

Yang infuses his earnest, semi-fictionalized story (inspired by his own father’s experiences) with the evocative narrative traditions of modern Asian cinema, from Wong Kar-wai to Edward Yang, resulting in a rich and intimate atmosphere at every turn. In a year where Lee Isaac Chung received breakout acclaim for his autobiographical Minari, Tigertail was unfortunately overlooked. If you missed it back in 2020, now's a great time to revisit this deeply personal and beautifully crafted film.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 12]: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2025) & Grandma (2015)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Mark your calendars for March 7th, as we have three intriguing films hitting theaters:

First up is On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, directed by Rungano Nyoni. This Zambian-UK-Ireland co-production is a surreal and darkly humorous drama. The story follows Shula who, after discovering her uncle's body, uncovers buried family secrets. The film explores the absurdity of mourning an unlovable person and delves into the pervasive silence surrounding sexual assault in Zambia. Notably, Nyoni won the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival for this work.

The film was shot primarily at night, creating a haunting atmosphere that mirrors Shula's internal turmoil. Nyoni, known for her distinctive voice and style, has a history of tackling heavy themes such as abuse and powerlessness in her work. Despite challenges during filming in Zambia, she insisted on casting local actors to ensure cultural accuracy. The film is primarily in English and Bemba, with English subtitles available.

Also in theaters, we have The Rule of Jenny Pen, directed by James Ashcroft. This New Zealand horror film tells the story of Judge Stefan Mortensen, played by Geoffrey Rush, who, after suffering a stroke, is confined to a retirement home. There, he encounters Dave Crealy, played by John Lithgow, a disturbed resident who terrorizes others with a sinister doll-based game. The film promises a chilling experience, blending psychological horror with intense performances.

The film premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2024, where it garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Director for Ashcroft and Best Actor for Rush. The narrative delves into themes of aging, power dynamics, and the psychological impact of isolation, offering a unique perspective on horror within the confines of a retirement home.

Finally, Eephus, directed by Carson Lund. This American comedy-drama centers on two adult baseball teams playing one final game on their beloved field before it's demolished to make way for a new school. Set in a small Massachusetts town during the 1990s, the film captures the camaraderie and bittersweetness of an era coming to an end.

The title "Eephus" refers to a rare baseball pitch known for its slow speed, often catching batters off guard—a fitting metaphor for the film's reflective pace and nostalgic tone. The writers drew inspiration from films like Goodbye, Dragon Inn, aiming to create a story about spaces fading away and the passage of time. The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, earning critical acclaim for its portrayal of small-town life and the end of an era. If you're a fan of character-driven stories that explore the nuances of time, community, and change, this film is a must-see.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, The Rule of Jenny Pen, and Eephus.

Films to Rent or Download

Looking for something to rent or download this week? Check out Radioactive: The Women of Three Mile Island. This award-winning documentary delves into the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown, the worst commercial nuclear accident in U.S. history. Directed by Heidi Hutner, the film uncovers the untold stories of four homemakers who took their community's case against the plant operator to the Supreme Court, and a young female journalist caught in the radioactive crossfire. The documentary also features activist and actor Jane Fonda, whose film The China Syndrome eerily premiered 12 days before the real disaster. Radioactive is available on Prime Video, Apple TV, Kanopy, and DVD.

Indie Classic

This week, we're revisiting the 2015 indie gem, Grandma. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, the film masterfully employs classic indie motifs: a young woman coming of age, a road trip, a free-spirited outsider, and a healthy dose of comedic irreverence. Even the protagonist's homosexuality is presented in a refreshingly matter-of-fact manner. So, what makes Grandma feel so fresh and engaging? The answer lies in its secret weapon: Lily Tomlin.

Tomlin delivers a tour-de-force performance, relishing every nuance of her character's dysfunction and neurosis. She portrays an unemployable academic, initially perceived as incapable of commitment, yet imbued with wit and humanity that make her profoundly relatable.

The plot centers on Tomlin's character assisting her granddaughter, played by a young Julia Garner in one of her early roles, as they navigate the complexities of securing an abortion after an unexpected pregnancy. The film tackles this loaded premise with a startlingly light touch, delivering moments of farcical humor—like Tomlin's character kicking a stoner in the groin—that make it a highly recommended watch. And the best part? Grandma is currently streaming for free on Tubi.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 11]: My Dead Friend Zoe (2025) & Blue Valentine (2010)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!

First up is My Dead Friend Zoe, directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes. The film follows Merit, a U.S. Army veteran portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green, who is haunted by visions of her best friend Zoe, played by Natalie Morales, who died in combat. As she becomes the caretaker for her estranged grandfather, Dale (Ed Harris), who is battling Alzheimer's disease, Merit embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery. The cast also includes Morgan Freeman and Gloria Reuben. Notably, this film marks the director’s debut, himself a U.S. Army veteran, bringing a personal perspective to the portrayal of military experiences.

Next, we have The Accidental Getaway Driver, directed by Sing J. Lee. Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of Long Ma, an elderly Vietnamese cab driver who is taken hostage by three escaped convicts during a routine pickup. As the night unfolds, unexpected bonds form between the captor and captives. This feature directorial debut received the Directing Award in U.S. Dramatic at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Finally, Cold Wallet, directed by Cutter Hodierne, delves into the world of cryptocurrency scams. After losing everything in a crypto fraud, a group of vigilante Redditors bands together to kidnap the kingpin responsible. However, their plan goes awry, leading them into a sadistic game of survival. The film offers a thrilling exploration of digital deception and revenge.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: My Dead Friend Zoe, The Accidental Getaway Driver, and Cold Wallet.

Films to Rent or Download

Looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV, or YouTube Movies:

First, Endless Summer Syndrome, directed by Kaveh Daneshmand, tells the story of a mother of two adopted children whose sense of duty takes a macabre turn upon discovering her husband's potential affair with one of their kids. This psychological drama delves deep into family dynamics and hidden secrets. Interestingly, the film was nominated for Best International Feature at the Raindance Film Festival, highlighting its critical acclaim.

Next, It’s Not Me, directed by Leos Carax, is a self-portrait documentary where the director revisits over 40 years of his filmography in a free-form narrative. This introspective piece offers a unique glimpse into the mind and journey of a seasoned filmmaker. Notably, the director is known for his visually striking films like Holy Motors and Annette, adding depth to this personal exploration.

Finally, Little Bites, directed by Michael Cummings, presents a chilling horror narrative. In a desperate attempt to protect her 10-year-old daughter, a young widow allows a nightmarish monster to slowly consume her alive. This film has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric tension. Interestingly, it was shot over a span of just 15 days, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the production team.

To recap, check out Endless Summer Syndrome, It’s Not Me, and Little Bites on your preferred rental or download platform

Indie Classic

And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of Blue Valentine, directed by Derek Cianfrance. This intimate drama chronicles the disintegration of a marriage between Dean, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, and Cindy, played by Michelle Williams. Through a non-linear narrative, the film juxtaposes their romantic beginnings with their tumultuous present, offering a raw and unflinching look at love and loss. Both Gosling and Williams received critical acclaim for their performances, with Williams earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Interestingly, the film was initially rated NC-17 due to its explicit content but was later re-rated to R on appeal.

Blue Valentine is currently available to stream on Tubi. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect time to check it out.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 10]: The Monkey (2025) & Brick (2005)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!

First up is The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins. When twin brothers discover a mysterious wind-up monkey, their lives take a dark turn as a string of outrageous deaths begins to rip their family apart. Fast-forward twenty-five years, and the cursed toy resurfaces, forcing the now-estranged siblings to confront their past and break the cycle. If you love Stephen King adaptations with a mix of horror and psychological thrills, this one is for you. The film replaces the monkey's traditional cymbals with a drum due to copyright issues, adding a unique twist to the classic toy.

Next, we have Old Guy, directed by Simon West, is an action-packed thriller following an aging hitman who is forced to train a young up-and-comer when his employer starts phasing out the old guard. But when they discover they’re being double-crossed, they team up to take down their backstabbing bosses. With high-octane action and sharp humor, Old Guy delivers a fresh take on the assassin genre. The film stars Christoph Waltz and Lucy Liu. It was shot on location in Northern Ireland, providing a gritty backdrop to the story. The film stars Christoph Waltz and Lucy Liu.

Finally, Millers in Marriage, directed by Ed Burns, is a dramedy that follows three middle-aged couples as they navigate the complexities of marriage, fidelity, career struggles, and second chances. The ensemble cast includes Gretchen Mol as Eve Miller, a former indie singer-songwriter; Julianna Margulies as Maggie, a writer; Minnie Driver as Renee, a fashion executive; and Edward Burns as Andy Miller, an artist. Additional cast members include Morena Baccarin, Benjamin Bratt, Patrick Wilson, Campbell Scott, and Brian d'Arcy James. With its relatable themes and thoughtful character studies, this film is bound to strike a chord with audiences looking for a more introspective take on modern relationships.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: The Monkey, Old Guy, and Millers in Marriage.

Films to Rent or Download

Looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV, or YouTube Movies:

First, Y2K, directed by Kyle Mooney, takes us back to December 31, 1999, when two high school juniors crash a New Year's Eve party, only to find themselves in a full-blown apocalypse as Y2K turns out to be real. This nostalgic yet chaotic sci-fi comedy blends millennial-era paranoia with over-the-top action and humor. The film stars Kyle Mooney, Rachel Zegler, and Fred Durst. Kyle Mooney, known for his nine-year tenure on Saturday Night Live, brings his unique comedic style to the film. The film stars Kyle Mooney, Rachel Zegler, and Fred Durst.

Next, The End, directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, is a haunting dystopian drama about a wealthy family living in a salt mine-turned-luxury bunker after an unspecified catastrophe wipes out the outside world. The film explores themes of isolation, privilege, and survival, making it a chillingly relevant watch. The cast includes Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, and Stephen Graham.

Finally, The Order, directed by Justin Kurzel, follows a veteran FBI agent investigating a series of violent robberies in the Pacific Northwest, leading him to a dangerous white supremacist group intent on overthrowing the government. This tense thriller dives deep into political extremism and the dangers of unchecked radicalism. The film stars Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult.

To recap, check out Y2K, The End, and The Order on your preferred rental or download platform.

Indie Classic

And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of Brick, directed by Rian Johnson, was sold at Sundance and became the film that launched his career, eventually leading him to direct Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This neo-noir thriller follows teenage loner Brendan Frye, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as he investigates his ex-girlfriend’s mysterious murder. Blending hardboiled detective storytelling with a high school setting, Brick is a unique and gripping genre mash-up that still holds up two decades later. I was fortunate enough to be friends with the producer of Brick back in the day and saw some early cuts of Rian's earliest films before they hit the big screen. What a massive talent. Unfortunately, Brick is not currently available on any streaming service, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon or AppleTV. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect time to check it out.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 9]: Rounding (2025) & Memento (2000)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

Indie Film Weekly is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!

First up is Rounding, directed by Alex Thompson. After a traumatic incident, a driven young medical resident transfers to a rural hospital for a fresh start. But his demons begin to catch up with him when he becomes consumed by the case of a patient with mysterious symptoms. With its atmospheric tension and layered performances, Rounding is an intense psychological drama that delves into the complexities of trauma and healing.

Next, we have Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin. This surreal comedy follows two women who discover frozen cash and attempt to retrieve it, a tour guide leading tourists around Winnipeg’s quirky sites, and a man who quits his job to visit his mother. Maddin’s signature style blends absurdity and charm, creating a whimsical and offbeat cinematic experience.

Finally, The Dead Thing, directed by Elric Kane, is a haunting romance with a dark twist. The story revolves around a young woman trapped in meaningless connections until she falls for a charismatic man hiding a sinister secret. The film’s eerie visuals and emotional depth make it an unsettling yet captivating exploration of obsession and desire.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: Rounding, Universal Language, and The Dead Thing.

Films to Rent or Download

Looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV, or YouTube Movies:

First, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, adapts William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novel. Set in Mexico City, the film chronicles an American expatriate’s pursuit of a young Navy serviceman while recounting his experiences among a community of expats. Guadagnino brings his signature visual flair to this raw and reflective story, capturing the yearning and isolation of its protagonist.

Next, Heavier Trip, directed by Jukka Vidgren and Juuso Laatio, follows the misadventures of Finnish metal band Impaled Rektum as they break out of prison to perform at a major festival. With their guitarist’s home on the line, they face off against police, a relentless record exec, and absurd obstacles. This hilariously chaotic comedy celebrates the unyielding spirit of musicians chasing their dreams.

Finally, One Night in Tokyo, directed by Joshua Woodcock, is an intimate drama about two strangers forging an unexpected bond in a city that never sleeps. When Sam’s plans are disrupted, he spends the night exploring Tokyo with Ayaka, whose guarded demeanor slowly softens. With its heartfelt performances and atmospheric depiction of Tokyo, the film captures the fleeting magic of human connection.

To recap, check out Queer, Heavier Trip, and One Night in Tokyo on your preferred rental or download platform.

Indie Classic

And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of Memento, directed by Christopher Nolan. This groundbreaking thriller stars Guy Pearce as Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss who is on a mission to track down his wife’s killer. With its non-linear storytelling and mind-bending twists, Memento remains a masterclass in cinematic innovation. If you haven’t experienced this film, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime—just don’t forget to write yourself a note to watch it!

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Indie Film Weekly [EP 8]: Parthenope (2025) & Kicking and Screaming (1995)

Listen to this blog post on the Indie Film Weekly podcast here!

Hey there! Welcome to Indie Film Weekly, your insider guide to new independent film releases. I’m Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films, where we specialize in helping indie filmmakers get their stories to film festivals and indie film distributors.

Each week on this podcast, we spotlight new indie films hitting theaters. For these films, I suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you have to travel a bit, please do. It's important to support indie films by getting to the theater.

In addition, we highlight recent standout indie films that you can rent or download on platforms like Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies, and Fandango at Home. Supporting indie films on these platforms is crucial, as not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.

Finally, we focus on one classic indie film that you can stream or rent, celebrating the timelessness of independent cinema.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by Indie Igniter, your go-to resource for marketing your independent film and reaching your audience. Check them out at theindieigniter.com and subscribe to their newsletter.

New in Theaters

Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!

First up is Armand, directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, dives into the chaos that erupts when Elisabeth is summoned to a parent-teacher conference. What begins as a routine meeting escalates into a tangled web of accusations and shifting alliances between parents and faculty. Interestingly, much of the dialogue was inspired by real-life accounts from educators, adding authenticity to the tense exchanges. With its razor-sharp script and tense atmosphere, Armand is a gripping exploration of moral ambiguity and interpersonal conflict.

Next, we have Parthenope, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, captures the beauty and complexity of youth through the eyes of a woman reflecting on her summers in Naples. From love affairs to moments of self-discovery, the film’s lush cinematography and vibrant characters immerse viewers in a rich tapestry of emotions. The film features several local non-professional actors, which adds an authentic charm to its depiction of Naples. It’s a heartfelt celebration of a city and its people, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven storytelling.

Finally, there’s Dark Nuns, directed by Hyeok-jae Kwon, follows two nuns and two priests as they try to save a young boy possessed by an evil spirit. Combining psychological tension with visceral scares, the film explores themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. The production utilized innovative special effects to depict the possession scenes, creating a visually haunting experience. If you’re a fan of exorcism stories with a fresh cultural perspective, Dark Nuns delivers in spades.

So, look for these films in a theater near you: Armand, Parthenope, and Dark Nuns.

Films to Rent or Download

Looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV, or YouTube Movies:

First, Good Bad Things, directed by Shane D. Stanger, is a poignant romantic drama about an entrepreneur with a physical disability who reluctantly tries a dating app. What follows is a profound journey of love and self-discovery that challenges societal expectations. The film’s lead actor, who has a similar lived experience, worked closely with the director to ensure an authentic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of navigating relationships. Premiering at Slamdance 2024, this film’s authentic performances and heartfelt narrative make it an emotional standout.

Next, Movie Theatre Massacre, directed by Ian Courtney, is a slasher comedy that follows a group of employees working their final week at a failing movie theater. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this quirky horror flick blends over-the-top gore with dark humor, creating a unique and entertaining take on the genre. The director staged the film in an actual decommissioned theater, adding a nostalgic atmosphere to the story. With its campy charm and indie spirit, this one’s a must-see for fans of offbeat horror.

Finally, Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, is a visually stunning animated film about a solitary cat forced to join other animals on a boat after a catastrophic flood. As the animals navigate their differences, the film’s heartfelt message about unity and resilience shines through. Remarkably, the entire film was created by Zilbalodis as a solo effort, showcasing his extraordinary talent in animation and storytelling. Featuring breathtaking animation and an evocative score, Flow is a treat for audiences of all ages.

To recap, check out Good Bad Things, Movie Theatre Massacre, and Flow on your preferred rental or download platform.

Indie Classic

And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kicking and Screaming, directed by Noah Baumbach. Released in 1995, this dramedy follows four college graduates as they navigate post-college life, avoiding real-world responsibilities and clinging to the safety of their past. With Baumbach’s sharp dialogue and a cast of relatable characters, Kicking and Screaming remains a hilarious and poignant look at the anxieties of growing up. You can stream it now on Netflix, so don’t miss the chance to revisit this indie gem.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of Indie Film Weekly! Thanks for spending some time with me as we explore the world of independent cinema. You can also read about these films in our weekly email newsletter, which you can sign up for at theindieigniter.com.

If a film we discussed caught your interest, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!