Indie Film Release Guide: December 7th [An ONTD Original]
There may not be any big studio releases this week, but there are several award-contending hopefuls coming to theaters, all with decidedly different vibes. Want a period piece? Go for Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie’s Mary, Queen of Scots. In the mood for a drug drama? Check out the Julia Roberts starring Ben is Back. If you want something a little different, watch Natalie Portman transform into a pop star in Vox Lux. If none of these films are opening near you, The Favourite is continuing a slow rollout, while The Wife is being re-released to give Glenn Close some renewed best actress buzz.
The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Six” - Paramount, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Universal, Columbia and Disney. 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: November 30th, November 21st, and November 16th.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Click to viewStars: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, David Tennant, Gemma Chan
Writer: Beau Willimon, based on the book by John Guy
Director: Josie Rourke
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Plot: Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary Stuart defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. Each young Queen beholds her sister in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.
What you should know: They filmed on location throughout Scotland and England.
Opens in: NY & LA, expands everywhere by December 21st
Vox Lux
Stars: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Raffey Cassidy, Jennifer Ehle
Written and directed by: Brady Corbet
Genre: Drama, Music
Plot: An unusual set of circumstances brings unexpected success to a pop star.
What you should know: No spoilers, but the first ten minutes or so are intense. So be prepared for that.
Opens in: NY, LA & SF, everywhere December 14th.
The Party’s Just Beginning
Stars: Karen Gillan, Lee Pace, Paul Higgins, Matthew Beard
Written and directed by: Karen Gillan
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: When her best friend takes his own life, Liusaidh has to deal with stresses of such a situation.
What you should know: The film had its US premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, receiving overall positive reviews.
Opens in: Select cities
Ben is Back
Stars: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Kathryn Newton
Written and directed by: Peter Hedges
Genre: Drama
Plot: A drug addicted teenage boy shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve.
What you should know: This is Lucas and Kathryn’s third movie together, having previously starred in 2017’s Three Billboards and Lady Bird.
Opens in: NY & LA
Back Roads
Stars: Alex Pettyfer, Juliette Lewis, Jennifer Morrison, Robert Patrick
Writer: Tawni O’Dell, Adrian Lyne
Director: Alex Pettyfer
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Plot: A young man's life spirals out of control when he has a dangerous affair with an older married woman in rural Pennsylvania.
What you should know: Based on the novel by Tawni O’Dell, this is Alex Pettyfer’s directorial debut.
Opens in: Select cities, and available on demand
Drug$: The Price We Pay
Director: Jonathan Marshall Thompson
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: A story that unpacks the mystery of modern medicine's skyrocketing price tag and how it affects the people struggling to stay alive.
What you should know: The documentary is narrated by J.K. Simmons.
Opens in: New York; on Amazon and digital December 15th
Swimming With Men
Stars: Rupert Graves, Rob Brydon, Thomas Turgoose, Adeel Akhtar
Writer: Aschlin Ditta
Director: Oliver Parker
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Plot: A man who is suffering a mid-life crisis finds new meaning in his life as part of an all-male, middle-aged, amateur synchronised swimming team.
What you should know: It’s based on a true story.
Opens in: Select cities
Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes
Director: Alexis Bloom
Genre: Documentary
Plot: A documentary that explores the rise and fall of the late Roger Ailes from his early media influence on the Nixon presidency to his controversial leadership at Fox News.
What you should know: Another good documentary about Fox News is 2004’s Outfoxed.
Opens in: Select cities, and available on demand.
Clara’s Ghost
Stars: Paula Niedert Elliott, Chris Elliott, Abby Elliott, Bridey Elliott
Written and directed by: Bridey Elliott
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: Clara Reynolds who, fed up with constant ribbing from her self-absorbed showbiz family, finds solace in and guidance from the supernatural force she believes is haunting her.
What you should know: The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Opens in: Select cities, and available on demand.
Bernie the Dolphin
Stars: Lola Sultan, Logan Allen, Kevin Sorbo, Stelio Savante
Writer: Terri Emerson, Marty Poole
Director: Kirk Harris
Genre: Action, Comedy, Family
Plot: A brother and sister befriend a badly sunburned dolphin that has been separated from its family, uncovering a secret plan that could destroy the beach and their new friend's home.
What you should know: Looking at his IMDB credits, Kevin Sorbo works waaaaay more than you’d think/hope.
Opens in: Select cities, and available on demand.
Also opening: Nona (Trailer), Elephants (Trailer), Dumplin’ (Trailer), Amazing Grace (Trailer), Asher (Trailer), The Charmer (Trailer)
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 seen lately? What are you looking forward to seeing soon?