Indie Film Weekly [EP 7]: Marcello Mio (2025) & The Trip To Bountiful (1985)
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.
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New in Theaters
Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!
First up, we have Marcello Mio, Directed by Christophe Honoré. It's a French-Italian comedy featuring Chiara ma-strow-yaa-nee, the real-life daughter of Marcello ma-strow-yaa-nee and Catherine Deneuve. During a tumultuous summer, Chiara adopts her late father's persona, dressing and behaving like him, leading those around her to call her "Marcello." The film delves into themes of identity and legacy, with notable cameos from some major French cinema icons.
Also in theaters, there’s Clone Cops, directed by Danny Dones. It is a wild sci-fi comedy. The story follows a gang of outlaws defending their hideout, only to uncover a shocking secret about who they are and what they’re up against. As the Clone Cops close in, it’s a race against time for the outlaws to escape their doom. Adding to the film’s tongue-in-cheek humor is its public service announcement-style campaign surrounding “Clonemydia,” a fictional health condition linked to unprotected contact with clones. This one is as sharp and irreverent as it is entertaining.
Finally, Love Me, written and directed by Sam and Andy Zuchero. It is a cosmic love story. The film stars Kristen Stewart as a buoy in the ocean and Steven Yeun as a satellite up in space, who develop a romantic connection long after humanity's extinction. The film has mixed reviews from critics but I would give it a chance. It did premiered at Sundance, and it won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize for its exploration of science and technology themes.
So, look for these films in a theater near you: Marcello Mio, Clone Cops, and Love Me.
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, Fremont, directed by Babak Jalali. It’s a poignant dramedy that follows a young Afghan immigrant working at a fortune cookie factory in Fremont, California. As she navigates her new life in America, she grapples with feelings of isolation and longing for home. The film’s quiet humor and introspective tone create a deeply resonant experience. Fremont also premiered at Sundance, where it was celebrated for its unique storytelling and authentic performances.
Next on VOD, The Elephant 6 Recording Co., directed by C.B. Stockfleth, is a captivating documentary about the groundbreaking musical collective that gave rise to bands like Neutral Milk Hotel, The Olivia Tremor Control, and of Montreal. With rare footage and insightful interviews, the film provides a nostalgic yet inspiring look at one of indie music’s most influential movements. It’s a must for music lovers and anyone interested in the creative process.
Finally, Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose, directed by Adam Sigal. It’s a whimsical mystery-comedy based on true events. Simon Pegg stars as a paranormal investigator who travels to the Isle of Man to investigate claims of a talking mongoose. The film’s quirky humor and eccentric premise make it a delightfully offbeat watch. If you’re a fan of oddball comedies with a touch of the supernatural, this one’s for you.
To recap, check out Fremont, The Elephant 6 Recording Co., and Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose on your preferred rental or download platform.
Indie Classic
And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re spotlighting The Trip to Bountiful, directed by Peter Masterson and adapted from Horton Foote's 1953 play of the same name., which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Released in 1985, this beautifully crafted drama stars Geraldine Page in her Oscar-winning performance as Carrie Watts, an elderly woman determined to return to her hometown one last time. The film’s poignant exploration of memory, loss, and resilience has made it a timeless classic. It was filmed in Waxahachie, Texas, contributing to the town's reputation as "The Best Little Hollywood in Texas" during the 1980s.If you haven’t seen The Trip to Bountiful, now is the perfect time to rediscover this 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