Indie Film Weekly [EP 9]: Rounding (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
Let’s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend!
First up is Rounding, directed by Alex Thompson. After a traumatic incident, a driven young medical resident transfers to a rural hospital for a fresh start. But his demons begin to catch up with him when he becomes consumed by the case of a patient with mysterious symptoms. With its atmospheric tension and layered performances, Rounding is an intense psychological drama that delves into the complexities of trauma and healing.
Next, we have Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin. This surreal comedy follows two women who discover frozen cash and attempt to retrieve it, a tour guide leading tourists around Winnipeg’s quirky sites, and a man who quits his job to visit his mother. Maddin’s signature style blends absurdity and charm, creating a whimsical and offbeat cinematic experience.
Finally, The Dead Thing, directed by Elric Kane, is a haunting romance with a dark twist. The story revolves around a young woman trapped in meaningless connections until she falls for a charismatic man hiding a sinister secret. The film’s eerie visuals and emotional depth make it an unsettling yet captivating exploration of obsession and desire.
So, look for these films in a theater near you: Rounding, Universal Language, and The Dead Thing.
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, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, adapts William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novel. Set in Mexico City, the film chronicles an American expatriate’s pursuit of a young Navy serviceman while recounting his experiences among a community of expats. Guadagnino brings his signature visual flair to this raw and reflective story, capturing the yearning and isolation of its protagonist.
Next, Heavier Trip, directed by Jukka Vidgren and Juuso Laatio, follows the misadventures of Finnish metal band Impaled Rektum as they break out of prison to perform at a major festival. With their guitarist’s home on the line, they face off against police, a relentless record exec, and absurd obstacles. This hilariously chaotic comedy celebrates the unyielding spirit of musicians chasing their dreams.
Finally, One Night in Tokyo, directed by Joshua Woodcock, is an intimate drama about two strangers forging an unexpected bond in a city that never sleeps. When Sam’s plans are disrupted, he spends the night exploring Tokyo with Ayaka, whose guarded demeanor slowly softens. With its heartfelt performances and atmospheric depiction of Tokyo, the film captures the fleeting magic of human connection.
To recap, check out Queer, Heavier Trip, and One Night in Tokyo on your preferred rental or download platform.
Indie Classic
And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of Memento, directed by Christopher Nolan. This groundbreaking thriller stars Guy Pearce as Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss who is on a mission to track down his wife’s killer. With its non-linear storytelling and mind-bending twists, Memento remains a masterclass in cinematic innovation. If you haven’t experienced this film, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime—just don’t forget to write yourself a note to watch it!
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!