Indie Film Release Guide: September 8th [An ONTD Original]
The Nun is making her second leading lady appearance on the big screen for Warner Bros this weekend, and she has no major studio challengers. She will have some competition, in the form of the third film in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding series and last weekend’s third Equalizer film. But otherwise, look to the indies for alternatives on a quiet weekend.
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: September 1st, August 25th, and August 18th.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Click to viewStars: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Elena Kampouris
Writer/Director: Nia Vardalos
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Plot: After travelling to Greece for a family reunion, a woman attempts to locate her deceased father's childhood friends.
What you should know: The family patriarch, played by Michael Constantine, died in 2021.
Where to watch: In theaters
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Stars: Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria
Writer: Aitch Alberto, Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Director: Aitch Alberto
Genre: Drama
Plot: Two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery.
What you should know: Based on the YA novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Where to watch: In theaters
Rotting in the Sun
Stars: Jordan Firstman, Rob Keller, Vitter Leija, Gerardo Sierra
Writer: Pedro Peirano, Sebastián Silva
Director: Sebastián Silva
Genre: Comedy, Mystery
Plot: Follows social media celebrity Jordan Firstman as he starts a search for filmmaker Sebastian Silva who went missing in Mexico City. He suspects that the cleaning lady in Sebastian's building may be involved in his disappearance.
What you should know: Won a Screenwriting Grand Jury Prize at L.A. Outfest 2023.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Mubi September 15th
Joyce Carol Oates: A Body in the Service of Mind
Writer: Stig Björkman, Dominika Daubenbüchel, Stina Gardell
Director: Stig Björkman
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Joyce Carol Oates has written over one hundred novels in a variety of genres over an award-winning career. Years of friendship and tireless research gave director Stig Björkman unprecedented access to the writer's solitude.
What you should know: Featuring readings by Oscar winner Laura Dern.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
El Conde
Stars: Alfredo Castro, Catalina Guerra, Paula Luchsinger, Diego Muñoz
Writer: Guillermo Calderón, Pablo Larraín
Director: Pablo Larraín
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, History
Plot: A satire that portrays a universe in which Augusto Pinochet, a 250-year-old vampire who, tired of being remembered as a thief, decides to die.
What you should know: In Competition at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Netflix September 15th
Megalomaniac
Stars: Eline Schumacher, Benjamin Ramon, Hélène Moor, Wim Willaert
Writer/Director: Karim Ouelhaj
Genre: Horror
Plot: In 1997, the “Butcher” - one of the world’s most notorious serial killers - strikes and abruptly vanishes. Now his children must carry on with his brutal legacy. They take over his wrath and, through agony and revenge, fall into a world of absolute darkness.
What you should know: Winner of the Cheval Noir Award at Fantasia Film Festival 2022
Where to watch: In theaters; available VOD September 26th
Amerikatsi
Stars: Michael A. Goorjian, Hovik Keuchkerian, Nelli Uvarova, Mikhail Trukhin
Writer/Director: Michael A. Goorjian
Genre:
Plot: In 1948, decades after fleeing Armenia to the US as a child, Charlie returns in the hopes of finding a connection to his roots, but what he finds instead is a country crushed under Soviet rule. After being unjustly imprisoned, Charlie falls into despair, until he discovers that he can see into a nearby apartment from his cell window - the home of a prison guard.
What you should know: Writer, director and star Michael A. Goorjian is best known for his role as Bob in SLC Punk!
Where to watch: In theaters
A Million Miles Away
Stars: Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar, Julio Cesar Cedillo, Veronica Falcón
Writer: Bettina Gilois, Hernán Jiménez, Alejandra Márquez Abella
Director: Alejandra Márquez Abella
Genre: Drama
Plot: Follows Jose Hernandez, the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. A tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish an impossible dream.
What you should know: Based on the book by José M. Hernández
Where to watch: In theaters; on Amazon Prime September 15th
Hello Dankness
Writer/Director: Soda Jerk
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Music
Plot: Assembling hundreds of film clips and media images, artist duo Soda Jerk's s narration about the changes undergone by American society since Trump, while relishing in reflecting on contemporary cultural values.
What you should know: The film is the 2022 biennial Art & Moving Image commission by the Adelaide Film Festival, in partnership with the Samstag Museum of Art.
Where to watch: In theaters
My Animal
Stars: Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Amandla Stenberg, Heidi von Palleske, Stephen McHattie
Writer: Jae Matthews
Director: Jacqueline Castel
Genre: Horror, Romance
Plot: Heather, an outcast teenage goalie, falls for newcomer Jonny, an alluring but tormented figure skater. As their relationship deepens, Heather's growing desires clash with her darkest secret, forcing her to control the animal within.
What you should know: Premiered at Sundance 2023.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Paramount+ September 15th
More New Releases
The Nun II (Trailer) from Warner Bros
State of the Unity (Trailer)
8 Found Dead (Trailer)
The Sudbury Devil (Trailer)
Shadow Island (Trailer)
New to Streaming
The Little Mermaid (Trailer) on Disney+
The Banshees of Inisherin (Trailer) on Hulu
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?