Indie Film Release Guide: November 17th [An ONTD Original]
It's the weekend before Thanksgiving, and releases are kicking into high gear through the end of the year. Sony is delivering Thanksgiving to the masses a week early, while Universal adds another film to its Trolls universe. But the biggest new opening of the weekend is from Lionsgate's popular Hunger Games series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
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: November 10th, November 3rd, and October 27th.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Click to viewStars: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Hunter Schafer
Writer: Michael Lesslie, Michael Arndt
Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Plot: Coriolanus Snow mentors and develops feelings for the female District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games.
What you should know: Based on the book by Suzanne Collins
Where to watch: In theaters
Saltburn
Stars: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Archie Madekwe, Carey Mulligan
Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Plot: A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.
What you should know: Some filming took place at the University of Oxford, which is also the alma mater of director/writer Emerald Fennell, an alumnus of Greyfriars, and star Rosamund Pike, a graduate of Wadham College.
Where to watch: In select theaters; expands next week
May/December
Stars: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, Chris Tenzis
Writer: Samy Burch, Alex Mechanik
Director: Todd Haynes
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
What you should know: Natalie Portman brought the script to Todd Haynes as a potential collaboration.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Netflix December 1st
Fallen Leaves
Stars: Alma Pöysti, Martti Suosalo, Jussi Vatanen, Alina Tomnikov
Writer/Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles - from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.
What you should know: Official submission of Finland for the Best International Feature Film category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
Where to watch: In theaters
Next Goal Wins
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane
Writer: Taiki Waititi, Iain Morris
Director: Taiki Waititi
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Plot: The story of the infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0.
What you should know: Armie Hammer was originally in this film, but his character was replaced in reshoots with Will Arnett.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Disappearance of Shere Hite
Director: Nicole Newnham
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Shere Hite's bestselling book The Hite Report liberated female orgasm by revealing most private experiences of thousands of anonymous surveys. Her findings rocked American establishment and current conversations about gender and sexuality.
What you should know: Garnered 7 nominations and 3 wins on the film festival circuit.
Where to watch: In theaters
Best. Christmas. Ever!
Stars: Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs, Matt Cedeño
Writer: Todd Calgi Gallicano, Charles Shyer
Director: Mary Lambert
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Plot: Friendships are put to the ultimate test over a boastful holiday newsletter.
What you should know: This is Brandy’s first film role since 2016.
Where to watch: Netflix
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived
Director: Dan Hartley
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: A coming-of-age documentary of Daniel Radcliffe and his stunt double David Holmes, whose close friendship endures a life-changing accident.
What you should know: This is director Dan Hartley’s first feature documentary.
Where to watch: Max
Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later
Director: Daniel Peddle
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Follows up on the lives of four subjects of The Aggressives, which was the first documentary to center masculine presenting people of color - all assigned female at birth. The film intimately followed their lives as they sought love, happiness, and self-realization despite not always feeling included or represented by the language and culture of the LGBTQ world.
What you should know: The Aggressives was released in 2005.
Where to watch: In theaters
Pig Killer
Stars: Jake Busey, Lew Temple, Bai Ling, Kate Patel
Writer/Director: Chad Ferrin
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Horror
Plot: Inspired by the terrifying story of Robert "Willy" Pickton, the pig farmer and prolific killer of women whose horrific crimes shocked the world.
What you should know: Director Chad Ferrin’s last film was 2021’s Night Caller.
Where to watch: In theaters
More New Releases
Thanksgiving (Trailer) from Sony
Trolls Band Together (Trailer) from Universal
New to Streaming
Rustin (Trailer) on Netflix
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain (Trailer) on Peacock
Dashing Through the Snow (Trailer) on Disney+
JFK: What the Doctors Saw (Trailer) on Paramount+
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?