Indie Film Weekly [EP 2]: Bloody Axe Wound (2024) & Parasite (2019)
Indie Film Weekly
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 will first spotlight new indie films that are hitting theaters. For these films, I would suggest searching for them on Fandango or Google to see if they are showing in your city. And if you must travel across town, please do. It’s important to support indie films by getting to the theater. In addition, we will also highlight some recent standout indie films that, are not on a
streaming service like Netflix, but you can rent or download them on Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube Movies and Fandango at Home. It is also important to support indie film on these platforms. Not every indie film gets a Netflix deal.
Finally, we will also focus on one classic indie film that you can stream right now on Netflix, Hulu, Max or some other subscription service.
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New in Theaters
So let''‘s start with some films that will be in theaters this weekend! First up, we have Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri. The film follows a widow who steps into her late husband’s job as a police officer in rural India. While investigating a murder, she finds herself up against a ton of corruption. The film keeps things real with a mix of professional actors and locals, making it feel like you’re right there with her as she pieces together the clues. The film does a great job of mixing a murder mystery, with a personal story, about perseverance and finding strength in the face of corruption.
Also in theaters, there’s Bloody Axe Wound, directed by Matthew John Lawrence, is a wild mix of horror and comedy. It’s about Abbie Bladecut, a teenager trying to escape her family’s creepy tradition of recording real-life killings. This movie has it all—over-the- top gore, lots of laughs, and even a little heart. One standout feature is the way the practical effects were designed to balance humor with shock, creating scenes that are as funny as they are gruesome. Fun fact: the director says his own offbeat family inspired parts of the story. That, is very troubling!
Lastly, Harbin, directed by Woo Min-ho, tells the gripping story of a Korean independence activist who takes a stand against colonial rule by assassinating a Japanese Prime Minister. The visuals are stunning, and the performances hit hard. What really sets this film apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail, from the costumes to the architecture, bringing 1909 Harbin to life. Some of the film’s most intense scenes were shot in subzero temperatures, adding a chilling intensity to the story.
Look for these films in a theatre near you: Santosh, Bloody Axe Wound and Harbin.
Films to Rent or Download
Are you looking for something to rent or download this week? Here are some standout options you can find on Amazon, AppleTV or YouTube Movies:
First, Anora, directed by Sean Baker, is a thriller about a Brooklyn sex worker who marries into unimaginable wealth—only to find herself in a battle with her powerful in-laws. It’s tense and raw, with lead actress Mikey Madison diving deep into the role. One of the film’s highlights is how it uses opulent set designs in contrast with Anora’s gritty, street-smart character. I think this one has some Oscar heat around it.
Next movie to rent or download is Bookworm, directed by Ant Timpson. It’s about Mildred, a shy teenager who’s more comfortable with books than people, suddenly thrust into the wilds of New Zealand on a camping trip with her rugged dad. He’s trying to reconnect after her mom is hospitalized, but things don’t go smoothly. The film mixes moments of awkward humor with heartfelt growth as they both learn to navigate their new dynamic. Set against New Zealand’s jaw-dropping scenery, it’s as much about finding yourself as it is about finding family. The cinematography shines, capturing the raw beauty of the wilderness and mirroring the emotional journey of its characters.
Finally, Rumours, directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson, is a biting satire set during a chaotic G7 summit. The film follows a group of global leaders navigating a series of bizarre crises, from mysterious power outages to absurd diplomatic gaffes. It’s packed with surreal obstacles and absurd twists. Cate Blanchett was a fan of the director’s work so she jumped at the chance to join the project after reading the script. Her performance is so eccentric. There is a sense of unpredictability to every scene she’s in.
To recap, checkout Anora, Bookworm and Rumours anywhere you can rent or download a film.
Indie Classic on SVOD
And now on to our Indie Classic. This week, we’re celebrating the five-year anniversary of Parasite, Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying masterpiece, on Max. The story follows two families—the wealthy Parks and the struggling Kims—whose lives become deeply intertwined. The Kims infiltrate the Parks’ home by posing as highly skilled professionals, but their plans start to unravel in ways they never saw coming. It’s a sharp, suspenseful, and darkly funny look at class divisions and human nature. And here’s a fun detail: the iconic flood scene was shot using a massive water tank, and the production team spent weeks designing the set to capture the devastating impact of the flood on the Kims’ underground home. It’s a visually stunning moment that perfectly highlights the contrast between the two families' lives. The film’s writing and pacing keep you hooked from start to finish, with every twist landing just right. So, Parasite, check it out, or watch again, on Max.
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 on our weekly email newsletter. You can sign up for it 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 the Indie Film Weekly podcast —it’s a great way to support the indie film community. Until next week, keep watching, keep supporting indie film by going to the theater or renting these films, and I’ll see you back here soon!