Indie Film Release Guide: April 15th [An ONTD Original]

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There are just a couple of major studio releases this weekend, with Warner Bros. pushing out another Fantastic Beasts film and Sony subjecting us to more Mark Wahlberg than we ever asked for in Father Stu. If neither of these films is grabbing your interest (seems likely!), read on for more options or check back over the last couple of weeks of posts to see what you've missed.

The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Six” - Paramount, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Studios, Universal, Columbia/Sony 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: April 8th, April 1st, and March 25th.

Dual

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Stars: Karen Gillan, Aaron Paul, Beulah Koale, Theo James
Writer/Director: Riley Stearns
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Plot: A woman opts for a cloning procedure after she receives a terminal diagnosis but when she recovers her attempts to have her clone decommissioned fail, leading to a court-mandated duel to the death.
What you should know: Filmed in Finland.
Where to watch: In theaters



Paris, 13th District

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Stars: Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, Noemie Merlant, Jehnny Beth
Writer: Jacques Audiard , Nicolas Livecchi, Léa Mysius, Céline Sciamma
Director: Jacques Audiard
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Plot: Émilie meets Camille who is attracted to Nora, who crosses paths with Amber. Three girls and a boy - They're friends, sometimes lovers and often both.
What you should know: Based on short stories by Adrian Tomine.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD

Choose or Die

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Stars: Asa Butterfield, Eddie Marsan, Robert Englund, Kate Fleetwood
Writer: Simon Allen, Toby Meakins, Matthew James Wilkinson
Director: Toby Meakins
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Plot: After firing up a lost 80s survival horror game, a young coder unleashes a hidden curse that tears reality apart, forcing her to make terrifying decisions and face deadly consequences.
What you should know: This is the directorial debut of Toby Meakins.
Where to watch: Netflix

The Cellar

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Stars: Elisha Cuthbert, Eoin Macken, Dylan Fitzmaurice Brady, Abby Fitz
Writer/Director: Brendan Muldowney
Genre: Horror
Plot: Keira Woods' daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house. She soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family's souls forever.
What you should know: Filmed in Ireland.
Where to watch: In theaters, and on Shudder

Islands

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Stars: Rogelio Balagtas, Sheila Lotuaco, Esteban Comilang, Vangie Alcasid
Writer/Director: Martin Edralin
Genre: Drama
Plot: Joshua, a shy middle-aged Filipino immigrant, has lived in the comfort of his parents' home his entire life. As their health declines he longs for a partner, terrified of being alone after they pass.
What you should know: It’s in English and Filipino.
Where to watch: Select theaters

Chariot

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Stars: Thomas Mann, Rosa Salazar, John Malkovich, Scout Taylor-Compton
Writer/Director: Adam Sigal
Genre: Sci-Fi
Plot: A story about a corporation and a doctor that oversees the process of reincarnation, and a young man who becomes a glitch in the system when he encounters a woman he loved in a previous life.
What you should know: Writer/director Adam Sigal’s last film was 2019’s Stakeout.
Where to watch: In select theaters

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair

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Stars: Anna Cobb, Holly Anne Frink, Michael J. Rogers
Writer/Director: Jane Schoenbrun
Genre: Drama, Horror
Plot: Alone in her attic bedroom, teenager Casey becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game, wherein she begins to document the changes that may or may not be happening to her.
What you should know: Nominee at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Where to watch: In NYC theaters; available VOD on 4/22

Navalny

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Director: Daniel Roher
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Follows the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent in August 2020. During his months-long recovery he makes shocking discoveries about the attempt on his life and decides to return home.
What you should know: Won several documentary awards at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Where to watch: In select theaters April 14th

Room 203

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Stars: Francesca Xuereb, Viktoria Vinyarska, Eric Wiegand, Scott Gremillion
Writer: Ben Jagger, John Poliquin, Nick Richey
Director: Ben Jagger
Genre: Horror
Plot: Two best friends and roommates are terrified by the vengeful spirits dwelling in their apartment.
What you should know: Based on the novel by Nanami Kamon.
Where to watch: Available VOD

Waterman

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Writer: Scott Elder, Josh Harmon
Director: Isaac Halasima
Genre: Documentary
Plot: Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges.
What you should know: The film is narrated by Jason Momoa.
Where to watch: Select theaters

More New Releases

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (Trailer) from Warner Bros.
Father Stu (Trailer) from Sony

New to Streaming

The Forever Purge (Trailer) on HBO Max
The Hating Game (Trailer) on Hulu

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What have you been watching lately, ONTD?