Indie Film Release Guide: December 15th [An ONTD Original]
The release schedule is a bit light this week ahead of the incoming holiday glut, but there is still plenty to choose from in theaters right now. This weekend’s major release is Wonka from Warner Bros, but award-contenders American Fiction and The Zone of Interest are also opening, and Poor Things expands to more theaters.
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: December 8th, December 1st, and November 23rd.
American Fiction
Click to viewStars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Sterling K. Brown
Writer/Director: Cord Jefferson
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: A novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from "Black" entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
What you should know: Based on the novel by Percival Everett, the film won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF 2023.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Zone of Interest
Stars: Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth
Writer: Martin Amis, Jonathan Glazer
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Genre: Drama, History, War
Plot: The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
What you should know: Martin Amis, author of the source novel, died on May 19, 2023, the same day the film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Where to watch: In theaters
Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire
Stars: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Jena Malone, Ed Skrein
Writer: Shay Hatten, Kurt Johnstad, Zack Snyder
Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Plot: When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.
What you should know: Was originally a Star Wars spinoff that got shelved and reworked into its own project.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Netflix December 22nd
The Family Plan
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Ciarán Hinds, Maggie Q
Writer: David Coggeshall
Director: Simon Cellan Jones
Genre: Action, Comedy
Plot: A former top assassin living incognito as a suburban dad must take his unsuspecting family on the run when his past catches up to him.
What you should know: Michelle Monaghan and Maggie Q both appeared in Mission: Impossible 3.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Godard Cinema
Writer/Director: Cyril Leuthy
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: With the release of Breathless in 1960, Jean-Luc Godard established himself overnight as a cinematic rebel and symbol for the era's progressive and anti-war youth. Sixty-two years and 140 films later, Godard is among the most renowned artists of all time, taught in every film school yet still shrouded in mystery.
What you should know: It’s in French.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Christmas Detective
Stars: Javicia Leslie, Brad James, Arnold Pinnock, Kimberly Huie
Writer: Tobin Addington
Director: Winnifred Jong
Genre: Mystery, Romance
Plot: Coming out of a career in pageantry Kate Bennett is struggling to follow her dreams as a private investigator. But when a local art gallery experiences a theft just before its grand opening, Kate will team up with police detective Derek "Oak" Oakley to solve the case before Christmas and finally prove she has what it takes.
What you should know: Originally aired on OWN.
Where to watch: Max, on December 17th
Immediate Family
Director: Denny Tedesco
Genre: Documentary
Plot: Documentary follows the work and lives of legendary 1970s session musicians who were featured on some of the most iconic recordings of the era.
What you should know: Director Denny Tedesco is the son of Tommy Tedesco, a preeminent session guitarist of the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available on VOD
Heaven Down Here
Stars: Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford, Juan Riedinger, Richard Harmon
Writer: Shana Lloyd, Alison McKenzie
Director: Anne Wheeler
Genre: Romance
Plot: Inspired by Mickey Guyton's song of the same name, "Heaven Down Here" tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town.
What you should know: Originally made for Hallmark.
Where to watch: Peacock
Ruthless
Stars: Dermot Mulroney, Jeff Fahey, Manu Intiraymi, Texas Battle
Writer: Art Camacho, James Dean Simington, Javier Reyna
Director: Art Camacho
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: A high school coach, whose teenage daughter was murdered, takes matters into his own hands by going after the men who kidnap his student for their human trafficking operation.
What you should know: Director Art Camacho has spent most of his career in stuntwork.
Where to watch: Available VOD
Awards Qualifying Run
The Taste of Things
Stars: Juliette Binoche, Benoît Magimel, Emmanuel Salinger, Galatéa Bellugi
Writer: Anh Hung Tran, Marcel Rouff
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Plot: The story of Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the fine gourmet with whom she has been working for over the last 20 years.
What you should know: Leads Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel are exes. They were together for several years, and have a 23 year-old daughter together, but they did not stay close after the breakup.
Where to watch: NYC & LA; returns to theaters for a full release in February
More New Releases
Wonka (Trailer) from Warner Bros
New to Streaming
Barbie (Trailer) on Max
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Trailer) available VOD
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Trailer) on Netflix
Finestkind (Trailer) on Paramount+
Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?