Indie Film Release Guide: February 23rd [An ONTD Original]
There are no big studio releases this weekend, likely in anticipation of one of the bigger openings of 2024 coming next weekend, in the form of Dune: Part 2. However, there are a multitude of films from smaller distributors coming out this weekend alongside a couple of big studio re-releases - Les Misérables and Tenet.
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: February 16th, February 9th, and February 2nd.
Drive-Away Dolls
Click to viewStars: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo
Writer: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Director: Ethan Coen
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Plot: Jamie regrets her breakup with her girlfriend, while Marian needs to relax. In search of a fresh start, they embark on an unexpected road trip to Tallahassee. Things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals.
What you should know: This is writer and director Ethan Coen’s first directorial effort without the involvement of his brother, Joel.
Where to watch: In theaters
Io Capitano
Stars: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall, Issaka Sawadogo, Ndeye Khady Sy
Writer: Matteo Garrone
Director: Matteo Garrone
Genre: Drama
Plot: Chronicles the epic journey of a teenage boy and his cousin as they decide to leave Dakar in Senegal for the promise of Europe. They confront a myriad of challenges, from the harsh realities of the desert to the harrowing experiences in Libyan detention centers and the risks of the open sea.
What you should know: Nominated for Best International Feature Film as Italy’s submission at the 96th Academy Awards.
Where to watch: In theaters
Ordinary Angels
Stars: Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones
Writer: Kelly Fremon Craig, Meg Tilly
Director: Jon Gunn
Genre: Drama
Plot: A fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters.
What you should know: Based on a true story.
Where to watch: In theaters
About Dry Grasses
Stars: Deniz Celiloğlu, Musab Ekici, Merve Dizdar, Ece Bagci
Writer: Akin Aksu, Ebru Ceylan, Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Genre: Drama
Plot: A young teacher hopes to be transferred to Istanbul after four years of mandatory service in a remote village, but is accused of inappropriate contact by two students. After losing hope, a colleague offers him new perspectives on life.
What you should know: Official submission of Turkey for Best International Feature at the 96th Academy Awards
Where to watch: In theaters
Drugstore June
Stars: Esther Povitsky, Beverly D’Angelo, James Remar, Haley Joel Osment
Writer: Nicholaus Goossen, Esther Povitsky
Director: Nicholaus Goossen
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Plot: After the pharmacy in her small town is robbed, a girl who still lives at home with her parents takes matters into her own hands to solve the crime, while at the same time trying to get over her ex-boyfriend and become more of an adult.
What you should know: Writer and director Nicholaus Goossen also directed the 2006 comedy Grandma’s Boy.
Where to watch: In theaters
Parallel
Stars: Aldis Hodge, Danielle Deadwyler, Edwin Hodge
Writer: Aldis Hodge, Edwin Hodge, Jonathan Keasey
Director: Kourosh Ahari
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Plot: Follows the journey of Vanessa, a grief-stricken woman who mysteriously finds herself navigating between parallel spaces.
What you should know: Aldis and Edwin Hodge are brothers.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Lovely, Dark and Deep
Stars: Georgina Campbell, Nick Blood, Wai Ching Ho, Edgar Morais
Writer/Director: Teresa Sutherland
Genre: Horror
Plot: Lennon, a new back-country ranger, travels alone through the dangerous wilderness, hoping to uncover the origins of a tragedy that has haunted her since she was a child.
What you should know: Nominated for the Cheval Noir Award for Best Film at Fantasia Fest 2023.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods Story
Director: JJ Anderson
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Set against the culturally historical backdrop of one of America’s oldest Black boarding schools, this film amplifies the journeys of several Piney Woods School students and staff members.
What you should know: Piney Woods was founded in 1909.
Where to watch: Hulu
Stopmotion
Stars: Aisling Franciosi, Stella Gonet, Tom York, Caoilinn Springall
Writer: Robin King, Robert Morgan
Director: Robert Morgan
Genre: Animation, Horror
Plot: A stop-motion animator struggles to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother.
What you should know: Won Best Director at Fantastic Fest 2023.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Red Right Hand
Stars: Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell, Garret Dillahunt, Brian Geraghty
Writer: Jonathan Easley
Director: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: Cash is trying to live an honest and quiet life, but when Big Cat forces him back into her services, he proves capable of anything to protect the town and the only family he has left.
What you should know: Filmed in Kentucky.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
More New Releases
Tenet (Trailer) Re-release
Les Misérables (Trailer) Re-release
The Invisible Fight (Trailer)
Kiss the Future (Trailer)
They Shot the Piano Player (Trailer)
New to Streaming
Mea Culpa (Trailer) on Netflix
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Trailer) on Amazon
Squealer (Trailer) on Peacock
Mercy Road (Trailer) on Hulu
All of Us Strangers (Trailer) on Hulu
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?