Indie Film Release Guide: January 1st [An ONTD Original]
Happy New Year’s Eve, ONTD! Obviously this week is weird for new releases, so here's a short version including some new ones, some shorts, and some older ones that are just hitting streaming this weekend. If I’ve missed anything else, let me know and I’ll put it in next week’s roundup alongside Pieces of a Woman.
The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Six” - Paramount, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Universal, Columbia/Sony and Disney. All films listed will be available at their respective sources on Friday unless otherwise noted. Check out the posts from the past few weeks for more movies that may have already come to VOD: December 23rd, December 18th, and December 11th.
Shadow in the Cloud
Click to viewStars: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Beulah Koale, Taylor John Smith
Writer: Max Landis, Roseanne Liang
Director: Roseanne Liang
Genre: Action, Horror, War
Plot: A female WWII pilot traveling with top secret documents on a B-17 Flying Fortress encounters an evil presence on board the flight.
What you should know: Nick Robinson and Chloë Grace Moretz also appeared together in 2016’s The 5th Wave.
Where to watch: In theaters, in virtual cinemas, and available VOD
Cops and Robbers
Stars: Timothy Ware-Hill
Writer: Timothy Ware-Hill
Director: Arnon Manor, Timothy Ware-Hill
Genre: Animation, Short, Drama
Plot: This animated short film is based on a spoken word poetry video created in response to the May 5, 2020, murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
What you should know: Director Arnon Manor has been a visual effects production executive on dozens of films.
Where to stream: Netflix
Two Ways Home
Stars: Tanna Frederick, Tom Bower, Elizabeth Bauman, Rylie Behr
Writer: Richard Schinnow
Director: Ron Vignone
Genre: Drama
Plot: A young woman living with bipolar disorder struggles to honor her grandfather's last wish while attempting to reunite with her estranged 12-year-old daughter.
What you should know: The film won awards at several smaller film festivals throughout 2019 and 2020.
Where to stream: Available now on VOD
Caregiver: A Love Story
Director: Kevin Gordon, Jessica Zitter
Genre: Documentary, Short
Storyline: After four years of battling cancer, 60-year-old Bambi Fass had had enough. Though a natural fighter and optimist, when her cancer went metastatic, she saw the writing on the wall and decided to forego additional painful radiation treatment and instead live out her final weeks in the comfort of her own home. Her decision was supported by her husband Rick, who was reluctant to let go of a woman he had met only three years earlier. A journey that begins with song-filled community gatherings, however, soon turns challenging as Rick is left alone to care for Bambi in her final weeks.
Where to stream: Virtual cinemas
The High Note
Stars: Tracee Ellis Ross, Dakota Johnson, June Diane Raphael, Ice Cube
Writer: Flora Greeson
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Genre: Drama, Romance
Plot: A superstar singer and her overworked personal assistant are presented with a choice that could alter the course of their respective careers.
What you should know: This is director Nisha Ganatra’s follow-up to last year’s Mindy Kaling starrer Late Night.
Where to Stream: HBO, January 2nd
Alaska is a Drag (2017)
Stars: Martin L. Washington Jr., Maya Washington, Matt Dallas, Chris O’Shea
Writer/Director: Shaz Bennett
Genre: Drama
Plot: Tough, but diva fabulous, Leo, an aspiring drag superstar, is stuck working in a fish cannery in Alaska. He and his twin sister are trapped in the monotony of fist fights and fish guts. Out of necessity, Leo learned to fight back, which catches the attention of the local boxing coach. When a new boy moves to town and wants to be his sparring partner, Leo has to face the real reason he's stuck in Alaska.
What you should know: Director Shaz Bennett has also directed on Queen Sugar and Billions.
Where to stream: Netflix
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD?