Indie Film Release Guide: March 22nd [An ONTD Original]
Welcome to the spookiest weekend of March! Sony is giving us the only big studio release, which comes in the form of the most recent installment in the Ghostbusters franchise. On the indie side, there are a few horror releases coming this weekend, like Neon's Immaculate and IFC's Late Night with the Devil, plus a mix of dramas, documentaries, and comedies.
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: March 15th, March 8th, and March 1st.
Immaculate
Click to viewStars: Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Simona Tabasco, Benedetta Porcaroli
Writer: Andrew Lobel
Director: Michael Mohan
Genre: Horror
Plot: Cecilia, a woman of devout faith, is warmly welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clear to Cecilia that her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets.
What you should know: Sydney Sweeney auditioned for this film in 2014, but the project never materialized. Years later, she took on the role of a producer and reached out to the writer, acquired and revised the script, hired a director, found financiers, and sold the film to Neon.
Where to watch: In theaters
Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World
Stars: Ilinca Manolache, Ovidiu Pîrsan, Nina Hoss, Dorina Lazar
Writer/Director: Radu Jude
Genre: Comedy
Plot: An overworked and underpaid production assistant has to shoot a workplace safety video commissioned by a multinational company. But an interviewee makes a statement that forces him to re-invent his story to suit the company's narrative.
What you should know: It’s in several languages - Romanian, Hungarian, German, Italian and English.
Where to watch: In select theaters
Late Night with the Devil
Stars: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi
Writer/Director: Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes
Genre: Horror
Plot: A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation's living rooms.
What you should know: Actor David Dastmalchian was cast in the lead role and film's central character Jack Delroy after the film's directors read an article by him about regional horror TV hosts which he had written for Fangoria magazine.
Where to watch: In theaters
Shirley
Stars: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges
Writer/Director: John Ridley
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Plot: Shirley Chisholm makes a trailblazing run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination after becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress.
What you should know: The is the late Lance Reddick’s final film appearance.
Where to watch: Netflix
Femme
Stars: George MacKay, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Aaron Heffernan, John McCrea
Writer/Director: Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping
Genre: Thriller
Plot: Follows Jules, who is targeted in a horrific homophobic attack, destroying his life and career. Some time after that event he encounters Preston, one of his attackers, in a gay sauna. He wants revenge.
What you should know: Garnered 16 nominations and six wins on the 2023 film festival circuit.
Where to watch: In NYC theaters; expands over the next two weeks
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told
Director: P. Frank Williams
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta HBCU picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted ATL as a major cultural stage.
What you should know: Executive producers include Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, Jermaine Dupri and 21 Savage.
Where to watch: Hulu
Road House
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen
Writer: Anthony Bagarozzi , Chuck Mondry
Director: Doug Liman
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
What you should know: Based on the 1989 film of the same name, written by R. Lance Hill and Hilary Henkin.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
You Can Call Me Bill
Writer/Director: Alexandre O. Philippe
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: An intimate exploration of the life and career of William Shatner, from his unforgettable portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek to his diverse accomplishments of a 70+ year career across film, television, and the arts.
What you should know: Funded entirely by fans via LegionM.
Where to watch: In theaters March 22nd
Sleeping Dogs
Stars: Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Marton Csokas, Tommy Flanagan
Writer: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage
Director: Adam Cooper
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Plot: An ex-homicide detective with memory loss is forced to solve a brutal murder, only to uncover chilling secrets from his forgotten past.
What you should know: Based on The Book of Mirrors by E.O. Chirovici.
Where to watch: In theaters
You’ll Never Find Me
Stars: Brendan Rock, Jordan Cowan, Elena Carapetis, Angela Korng
Writer: Indianna Bell
Director: Josiah Allen, Indianna Bell
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Plot: Patrick, a strange and lonely resident, lives in a mobile home at the back of an isolated trailer park. After a violent storm, a mysterious young woman appears at his door seeking shelter from the elements.
What you should know: Won for best musical score at the 2023 Screamfest Festival.
Where to watch: Shudder
Expands
Problemista (Trailer)
Re-Releases
The Boy and the Heron (Trailer)
Disney’s Luca (Trailer)
Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (Trailer)
More New Releases
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Trailer) from Sony
Riddle of Fire (Trailer)
Dad & Step-Dad (Trailer)
Karaoke (Trailer)
Limbo (Trailer)
Free Time (Trailer)
New to Streaming
Bodies Bodies Bodies (Trailer) on Netflix
Anatomy of a Fall (Trailer) on Hulu
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?