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