Indie Film Weekly [EP 1]: The Apprentice (2024) & Boyhood (2014)
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 festivals and distributors. Each week on this podcast, we’ll spotlight new indie films hitting theaters, standout picks you can rent or download, and a few classic indie gems streaming right now.
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New In Theaters
So, what’s new in theaters starting this Friday, December 20th? First up is The Brutalist, a historical drama directed by Brady Corbet. It tells the story of visionary architect László Toth starting fresh in America as he navigates the challenges of cultural displacement while staying true to his artistic vision. Adrien Brody stars in this one, andthere is definitely Oscar buzz around his performance. I’ve worked on a couple of his films in the past (Oxygen and Dummy) and consulted on Clean, which he produced and directed. I am always curious to see what he does next.
Next, we’ve got The Count of Monte Cristo, a historical adventure directed by Alexandre de La Patellière. It is a French production that was shot in some of the same locations as the 2002 adaptation, adding a layer of homage for fans of the story. It follows Edmond Dantès as he transforms himself into the vengeful Count after being betrayed by those he trusted most. Another interesting fact: the sword fights were choreographed by a team from Game of Thrones.
Finally, there’s The Room Next Door, a psychological drama directed and written by Pedro Almodóvar. A heartfelt story about reconnecting with family, the film delves into the strained relationship between a mother and daughter as they confront buried secrets. Not only does it star Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton—yes, both of them—but it also explores themes of memory and perception, with much of the story unfolding through a series of dreamlike flashbacks. This unique narrative approach from the Spanish master promises to offer a deeply immersive experience.
Films to Rent or Download
Now let’s talk about some great indie films you can rent or download on AppleTV, Amazon or YouTube Movies. These aren’t on streaming services yet, so your rental dollars go straight to supporting independent cinema.
First, The Apprentice, a political drama directed by David Frankel, is set in the 1970s during Donald Trump’s early Manhattan days. It reveals the high-stakes power plays behind his rise, focusing on his controversial mentorship under Roy Cohn. Jeremy Strong from the hit HBO show Succession plays Roy Cohn, and he’s amazing in the role. If you love sharp dialogue and political intrigue, this might be your pick.
Next up, We Live in Time, a romantic drama directed by John Crowley, is a love story with a twist. It unpacks how a chance meeting changes the course of two lives forever, challenging their perceptions of fate and connection. Shot in small charming European towns, the locations alone might win you over. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star in a story that explores the intricacies of love and time, making it a thought-provoking watch.
And then there’s Bad Genius, a heist thriller directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya. It’s a thriller from Thailand about high-stakes cheating. The story follows a group of students as they mastermind an elaborate exam scam that grows dangerously out of control. Interesting note: the lead actress trained with actual magicians to nail her sleight-of-hand moves. Think Ocean’s Eleven meets high school exams, with plenty of nail-biting moments and clever twists.
Indie Classic on SVOD
Now for an indie classic you can stream right now. This week, it’s Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, available on Amazon Prime. I’ve seen this one a couple of times, and honestly, it’s as good as everyone says. Filmed over 12 years—it captures life’s ups and downs like nothing else. Fun fact: they used the same camera setup for the whole shoot, which is kind of unheard of in Hollywood. The performances are raw, real, and unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it, make it your weekend plan.
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 on our weekly email newsletter which you 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 to the podcast, rate and review—it’s a great free way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film, and I’ll see you back here soon!