Indie Film Weekly [EP 4]: A Real Pain (2024) & Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
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 right now on services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, or other subscription platforms.
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New in Theaters
Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!
First up, we have Diane Warren: Relentless, directed by Cindy Meehl. This documentary dives into the life and career of the legendary songwriter, showcasing her tireless work ethic and the passion that fuels her music. Featuring interviews with big names like Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Elton John, the film captures both the highs and challenges of a groundbreaking career. Whether you’re a music fan or love stories of creative resilience, this one’s for you. Interestingly, Warren herself was heavily involved in curating the soundtrack, ensuring it reflected her signature style.
Also in theaters, there’s Extremely Unique Dynamic, directed by Kwan Ming. This genre-bending film combines drama, surrealism, and absurd comedy to tell the story of two unlikely friends who run a chaotic karaoke bar on the verge of closure. The film’s quirky energy has already made it a favorite at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. Much of the movie was improvised, which adds to its unpredictable and hilarious tone.
Finally, Eat the Night, directed by Samira Raza, is a gritty psychological thriller about a night chef in a high-end restaurant who becomes embroiled in a dark conspiracy. With tension simmering both inside and outside the kitchen, the film explores ambition, betrayal, and survival in the high-stakes culinary world. The restaurant scenes were filmed in an actual Michelin-starred kitchen during off-hours, lending authenticity to the intense atmosphere.
So, look for these films in a theater near you: Diane Warren: Relentless, Extremely Unique Dynamic, and Eat the Night.
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, Memoir of a Snail, directed by Karolina Shaw-stak, is a Polish drama following a widowed artist who reconnects with her estranged daughter during a summer at their family’s countryside home. The film won the Golden Bear at last year’s Berlin film Festival and its lyrical storytelling and breathtaking cinematography bring this quiet but deeply emotional story to life. Szostak drew inspiration for the film from her own childhood summers spent in a similar countryside home.
Next, Dahomey, directed by Taye Ade-tokunbo, is a historical epic centered on the Dahomey Amazons, an all-female warrior unit in 19th-century West Africa. The film premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival and explores themes of loyalty, identity, and power, blending stunning battle sequences with deeply human stories. Worth noting - the cast underwent rigorous training with historians and martial arts experts to accurately portray the warriors’ fighting techniques.
Finally, A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, is a dark comedy about two cousins traveling to Poland to explore their shared Jewish heritage. It premiered to great acclaim at Sundance 2024 and what begins as a comedic road trip spirals into a reflective journey of self-discovery and healing. Kieran Culkin delivers a standout performance, balancing sharp humor with emotional vulnerability that gives the film its heart. Parts of the film were shot in the actual villages where Eisenberg’s ancestors lived, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.
To recap, check out Memoir of a Snail, Dahomey, and And A Real Pain on your preferred rental or download platform.
Indie Classic on SVOD
And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re highlighting Muriel’s Wedding, directed by P.J. Hogan. This beloved dramedy from 1994 follows Muriel, played by Toni Collette, a socially awkward woman from a small Australian town who dreams of escaping her dreary life and finding love. With its iconic ABBA soundtrack, biting humor, and heartfelt moments, Muriel’s Wedding became an instant classic and remains a poignant exploration of self-worth, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. I first saw this film when I was in law school, and it really took me away from the pressure of academics for a couple of hours. It also brought me back to my childhood in England when I first heard ABBA during the Eurovision Song Contest. You can stream it on several platforms including PlutoTV.
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!