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