Indie Film Release Guide: January 24th [An ONTD Original]
It’s a late January weekend, and you know what that means - not a ton of new big studio stuff at the box office. Steven Soderbergh makes his Presence known via Neon, but most of this week’s releases are from smaller studios like IFC and Kino Lorber. There are also some expansions of best picture nominees like The Brutalist, so keep your eyes open for films like that in theaters near you.
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: January 17th, January 10th, and January 3rd.
Presence
Click to viewStars: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Calliana Liang
Writer: David Koepp
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Plot: A family becomes convinced they are not alone after moving into their new home in the suburbs.
What you should know: The film was shot in three weeks, almost entirely in one house.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Colors Within
Stars: Sayu Suzukawa, Akari Takaishi, Taisei Kido, Yasuko
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Director: Naoko Yamada
Genre: Anime, Animation, Drama, Music
Plot: A girl who can see colors in people's hearts joins a band with two other people.
What you should know: The music was written by Kensuke Ushio.
Where to watch: In theaters
Inheritance
Stars: Phoebe Dynevor, Rhys Ifans, Ciara Baxendale, Kersti Bryan
Writer: Neil Burger, Olen Steinhauer
Director: Neil Burger
Genre: Thriller
Plot: When Maya learns her father Sam was once a spy, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an international conspiracy.
What you should know: Filmed entirely on an iPhone.
Where to watch: In theaters
Grafted
Stars: Eden Hart, Jess Hong, Jared Turner, Mark Mitchinson
Writer: Lee Murray, Sasha Rainbow, Mia Maramara
Director: Sasha Rainbow
Genre: Drama, Horror, Romance, Thriller
Plot: A bright but socially awkward exchange student takes her craving for popularity to horrifying heights.
What you should know: Filmed in Auckland, New Zealand.
Where to watch: Shudder
This is the Tom Green Documentary
Director: Tom Green
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Comedian Tom Green's journey takes unexpected turns as he shifts from wild MTV stunts to confronting serious health challenges, ultimately finding peace away from Hollywood on his Canadian farm.
What you should know: The title of the documentary references the show he is perhaps best known for, titled The Tom Green Show.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Liza: A Truly Terrific True Story
Writer/Director: Bruce David Klein
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: This star studded tribute brings into focus the dazzling, complex period of Liza Minnelli’s life in the 1970s - just after the tragic death of her mother Judy Garland- as she confronts a range of personal and professional challenges on the way to becoming a bona fide legend.
What you should know: Director Bruce David Klein previously directed documentaries about Carl Icahn and Meat Loaf.
Where to watch: In select theaters in NYC; expands to LA next weekend
Marked Men: Rule + Shaw
Stars: Chase Stokes, Sydney Taylor, Alexander Ludwig, Natalie Alyn Lind
Writer: Sharon Soboil
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Genre: Romance
Plot: Shaw Landon has loved Rule Archer since she saw him, but Rule doesn't see her as a suitable match. A night of drinking and secrets leads them to question if they can be together without ruining their relationship...or each other.
What you should know: Director Nick Cassavetes is the son of Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes.
Where to watch: In theaters on January 22nd & 23rd only
Brave the Dark
Stars: Jared Harris, Sasha Bhasin, Will Price, Nicholas Hamilton
Writer: Lynn Robertson Hay, Dale G. Bradley, Damian Harris
Director: Damian Harris
Genre: Drama
Plot: Haunted by torturous childhood memories, Nate Williams finds himself engulfed in darkness. When his drama teacher, Mr. Deen bails him out of jail and takes him in, Nate must confront his past before it leads to his own destruction.
What you should know: You may be wondering how Jared Harris ended up in an Angel Studios production. Fun fact - the director is his brother.
Where to watch: In theaters
Into the Deep
Stars: AnnaMaria Demara, Richard Dreyfuss, Quinn P Hensley, Maverick Kang Jr.
Writer: Chad Law, Josh Ridgway
Director: Christian Sesma
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: Modern day pirates on the hunt for sunken drugs kidnap a boat of tourists and force them to dive into shark infested waters to retrieve the contraband.
What you should know: Director Christian Sesma has made an almost impressive number of films with a rating of less than 5 stars on IMDB, including this one.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Flight Risk
Stars: Michelle Dockery, Mark Walhberg, Topher Grace, Leah Remini
Writer: Jared Rosenberg
Director: Mel Gibson
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Plot: A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.
What you should know: This is Mel Gibson’s first directing gig since 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge.
Where to watch: In theaters
Expanding
The Brutalist (Trailer)
More New Releases
Rose (Trailer)
New to Streaming
The Sand Castle (Trailer) on Netflix
Blink Twice (Trailer) on Amazon Prime
The Wild Robot (Trailer) on Peacock
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What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?