Indie Film Release Guide: April 19th [An ONTD Original]
This April continues to be a fairly quiet month for new films. Universal is releasing Abigail, and Lionsgate has the latest Guy Ritchie film, but those are this weekend’s two biggest releases. Meanwhile, previously released films like Civil War and Monkey Man are looking to pick up some more box office cash.
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: April 12th, April 5th, and March 29th.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Click to viewStars: Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Eiza González
Writer: Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel
Director: Guy Ritchie
Genre: Action, Drama, War
Plot: The British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II.
What you should know: Based on the 2014 book Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII by Damien Lewis.
Where to watch: In theaters
We Grown Now
Stars: Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, Jurnee Smollett, S. Epatha Merkerson
Writer/Director: Minhal Baig
Genre: Drama
Plot: Two young boys, best friends Malik and Eric, discover the joys and hardships of growing up in the sprawling Cabrini-Green public housing complex in 1992 Chicago.
What you should know: Nominated for several 2024 Independent Spirit Awards.
Where to watch: In theaters
Hard Miles
Stars: Sean Astin, Matthew Modine, Jackson Kelly, Leslie David Baker
Writer: R.J. Daniel Hanna, Christian Sander
Director: R.J. Daniel Hanna
Genre: Drama, Sport
Plot: A prison social worker assembles a cycling team of teenage convicts and takes them on a transformative 1,000-mile ride.
What you should know: Inspired by the life of Greg Townsend and the Ridgeview Academy cycling team.
Where to watch: In theaters
Stress Positions
Stars: John Early, Qaher Harhash, Elizabeth Dement, Theda Hammel
Writer: Theda Hammel, Fahim Ali
Director: Theda Hammel
Genre: Comedy
Plot: Terry, in strict quarantine in his ex-husband's Brooklyn home, cares for his injured nephew, a 19-year-old Moroccan model named Bahlul, drawing attention from everyone in his life.
What you should know: Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2024.
Where to watch: In theaters
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver
Stars: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Skrein
Writer: Shay Hatten, Kurt Johnstad, Zack Snyder
Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Plot: Kora and surviving warriors prepare to defend Veldt, their new home, alongside its people against the Realm. The warriors face their pasts, revealing their motivations before the Realm's forces arrive to crush the growing rebellion.
What you should know: Follows Rebel Moon - Part One which was released late last year.
Where to watch: Netflix
Blood for Dust
Stars: Scoot McNairy, Kit Harington, Josh Lucas
Writer: Rod Blackhurst, David Ebeltoft
Director: Rod Blackhurst
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Plot: Cliff, a traveling salesman drowning under the weight of providing for his family and the myth of the American dream, finds himself on a dangerous path after a chance encounter with Ricky, a colleague from a dark past.
What you should know: Won Best Feature Film at the 2023 San Diego International Film Festival.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Little Empty Boxes
Director: Max Lugavere, Chris Newhard
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Once a strong and independent woman, Kathy Lugavere finds herself struggling with her memory. In a quest to find his mother the best care, 32-year-old son Max moves home to New York City and begins to consult with top health experts to investigate the origins of Dementia.
What you should know: Dementia is a disease which now affects a staggering 55 million people globally.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Three Musketeers - Part II: Milady
Stars: François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmaï
Writer: Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre de La Patellière, Alexandre Dumas
Director: Martin Bourboulon
Genre: Action, Adventure
Plot: D'Artagnan is forced to join forces with Milady to save Constance, who was kidnapped before his eyes. But as war is declared and Athos, Porthos and Aramis have already joined the front, a secret from the past shatters old alliances.
What you should know: Won Best Production Design at the 2024 César Awards.
Where to watch: In theaters
Egoist
Stars: Ryohei Suzuki, Hio Miyazawa, Yûko Nakamura, Iori Wada
Writer: Makoto Takayama, Daishi Matsunaga, Kyôko Inukai
Director: Daishi Matsunaga
Genre: Drama, Romance
Plot: Kosuke, a fashion magazine editor in his mid-30s, revels in the blessings of his comfortable lifestyle. When he hires Ryuta, a personal trainer, in order to get into shape, he gets more than he bargained for.
What you should know: It’s in Japanese
Where to watch: In theaters
Villains Incorporated
Stars: Mallory Everton, Colin Mochrie, Jason Gray, Matt Meese
Writer: Jason Gray, Matt Moen, Jeremy Warner
Director: Jeremy Warner
Genre: Comedy
Plot: After the death of their villainous boss, low-level henchpeople Beatrix, Cain , and Harold are left destitute living in an abandoned grocery store. Not content with the situation they find themselves in, Beatrix is determined for them to strike out on their own and take over the world by any means necessary.
What you should know: Picked up a few awards on the film festival circuit.
Where to watch: In theaters
Expands
Sasquatch Sunset (Trailer)
More New Releases
Abigail (Trailer) from Universal
Spy x Family Code: White (Trailer) from Sony
New to Streaming
Migration (Trailer) on Peacock
Argylle (Trailer) on Apple TV+
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?