Indie Film Release Guide: April 28th [An ONTD Original]
Next weekend’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may not be projected to do as well as its predecessors, but the other major studios have still refrained from releasing anything big this weekend. There are, as always, a handful of indies to check out, so read on for more info on those.
The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Five” - Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures. Note that some of the movies listed are in their first week or two of limited release in the USA, so it may take them a few more weeks (or months) to show up in your local arthouse theater or on VOD. Check out the posts from the past few weeks for more movies that may have just opened near you: April 21st, April 14th, and April 7th.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret
Click to viewStars: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie
Writer: Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.
What you should know: Based on the 1970 book of the same name.
Where to watch: In theaters
Polite Society
Stars: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Renu Brindle, Seraphina Beh
Writer/Director: Nida Manzoor
Genre: Action, Comedy
Plot: Ria Khan believes that she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting her friends' help, she attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists, in the name of independence and sisterhood.
What you should know: Writer and director Nida Manzoor created the series We Are Lady Parts.
Where to watch: In theaters
The End of Sex
Stars: Emily Hampshire, Jonas Chernick, Gray Powell, Lily Gao
Writer: Jonas Chernick
Director: Sean Garrity
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Plot: A couple feeling the pressures of parenting and adulthood, send their kids to winter camp for the first time and embark on a series of sexual adventures to reinvigorate their relationship.
What you should know: Filmed in Ontario.
Where to watch: In theaters
Sisu
Stars: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo
Writer/Director: Jalmari Helander
Genre: Action, War
Plot: When an ex-soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness tries to take the loot into the city, Nazi soldiers led by a brutal SS officer battle him.
What you should know: "Sisu" is a Finnish word described as stoic determination, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness.
Where to watch: In theaters
R.M.N.
Stars: Marin Grigore, Judith State, Macrina Bârlădeanu, Orsolya Moldován
Writer/Director: Cristian Mungiu
Genre: Drama
Plot: A ripping portrait of ethnic and economic resentments tearing at the fabric of a small mountain town.
What you should know: Six different languages are spoken in this film.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Eight Mountains
Stars: Luca Marinelli, Alessandro Borghi, Lupo Barbiero, Cristiano Sassella
Writer: Paolo Cognetti, Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch
Director: Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch
Genre: Drama
Plot: Follows the profound, complex relationship between Pietro and Bruno over four decades.
What you should know: Based on the book of the same title.
Where to watch: In theaters
Freaks Vs. The Reich
Stars: Franz Rogowski, Pietro Castellitto, Claudio Santamaria, Aurora Giovinazzo
Writer: Nicola Guaglianone, Gabriele Mainetti
Director: Gabriele Mainetti
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Plot: Four circus performers with special talents and their ringmaster, magician Israel, try to escape Fascist Italy in this jaw-droppingly wild historical fantasy.
What you should know: The film is also known by the title Freaks Out.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Nuclear Now
Writer: Joshua S. Goldstein, Oliver Stone
Director: Oliver Stone
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Explores the possibility for the global community to overcome the challenges of climate change and energy poverty to reach a brighter future through the power of nuclear energy.
What you should know: Director Oliver Stone’s last film was about JFK.
Where to watch: In theaters
Broadway
Stars: Elsa Lekakou, Foivos Papadopoulos, Stathis Apostolou, Rafael Papad
Writer/Director: Christos Massalas
Genre: Crime, Drama
Plot: A group of four young street performers and pick pockets in modern Athens find an unexpected refuge in the BroadwayStoa, an abandoned entertainment complex. The balances of their makeshift family will be upset when a former team member is released from prison.
What you should know: The project was developed through the Sundance Screenwriters Lab 2018 and the Atelier of the Cinéfondation.
Where to watch: In theaters; available VOD May 16th
Sid is Dead
Stars: Joey Bragg, Mary Stuart Masterson, Carla Gallo, Genevieve Hannelius
Writer: Peter Warren, Drew Frist, Tom Dolby
Director: Eli Gonda
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: The story of a socially invisible high school senior who, after slipping up and getting the school's biggest bully suspended, realizes he may only have two weeks left to experience everything he's ever missed out on.
What you should know: Director Eli Gonda has mainly worked in television.
Where to watch: In theaters
More New Releases
Big George Foreman (Trailer) from Sony
32 Sounds (Trailer)
New to Streaming
Peter Pan and Wendy (Trailer) on Disney+
Scream VI (Trailer) on Paramount+
Moonage Daydream (Trailer) on HBO (4/29)
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?