Indie Film Release Guide: July 8th [An ONTD Original]
While the level of enthusiasm for the latest Marvel offering may wane in comparison to prior superhero films, Thor: Love and Thunder will still handily win the upcoming weekend at the box office. There is no counterprogramming coming from the major studios, but you can check out this post for the indie offerings also premiering this weekend.
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: July 1st, June 24th, and June 17th.
Fire of Love
Click to viewDirector: Sara Dosa
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Intrepid scientists and lovers Katia and Maurice Krafft died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of volcanoes by capturing the most explosive imagery ever recorded.
What you should know: Nominated for the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2022.
Where to watch: In theaters
This Much I Know to be True
Director: Andrew Dominik
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Explores the creative relationship and songs from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' last two studio albums, "Ghosteen" and "Carnage".
What you should know: Director Andrew Dominik also directed the upcoming film Blonde, starring Ana de Armas.
Where to watch: MUBI
Cop Secret
Stars: Auðunn Blöndal, Egill Einarsson, Sverrir Þór Sverrisson,
Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir
Writer: Nína Petersen, Hannes Þór Halldórsson, Sverrir Þór Sverrisson,
Director: Hannes Þór Halldórsson
Genre: Action, Comedy, LGBT
Plot: A cop in denial of his sexuality, falls in love with his new partner, while investigating a string of bank break-ins.
What you should know: The film is in Icelandic, English, Mandarin and German.
Where to watch: In theaters
Both Sides of the Blade (fka Fire)
Stars: Juliette Binoche, Vincent Lindon, Grégoire Colin, Bulle Ogier
Writer: Christine Angot, Claire Denis
Director: Claire Denis
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
Plot: A love triangle story about a woman caught between two men, her long-time partner and his best friend, her former lover.
What you should know: It’s in French.
Where to watch: In theaters; available VOD August 23rd
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
Stars: Jordan Fisher, Talia Ryder, Ayo Edebiri, Nico Hiraga
Writer: Amy Reed, Ben York Jones
Director: Michael Lewen
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Plot: After making a pact to break up before college, Claire and Aidan retrace the steps of their relationship on one last epic date, revisiting familiar and unexpected places as they question: stay together or say goodbye forever?
What you should know: Based on the book by Jennifer E. Smith
Where to watch: Netflix, available now
The Day the Music Died
Director: Mark Moormann
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: 50 years after its release, Don McLean shares the secrets behind his iconic song 'American Pie', one of the great musical touchstones of the 20th century.
What you should know: The day in question was February 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa
Where to watch: In theaters; available on Paramount+ on July 19th
Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel
Director: Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: The end of a long upmarket renovation of the legendary Chelsea Hotel is partly longed for and partly dreaded by the artists who still live there. The film grants us access to their apartments and interweaves the past with the present.
What you should know: The building was a haven for famous artists and intellectuals including Patti Smith, Janis Joplin and the superstars of Warhol's Factory.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
The Sea Beast
Stars: Zaris-Angel Hator, Karl Urban, Dan Stevens, Jared Harris
Writer: Nell Benjamin, Chris Williams
Director: Chris Williams
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Plot: When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters - and make history to boot.
What you should know: Hails from the Netflix Animation division.
Where to watch: Netflix
Girl in the Picture
Director: Skye Borgman
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Plot: A young mother's mysterious death and her son's subsequent kidnapping blow open a decades-long mystery about the woman's true identity, and the murderous federal fugitive at the center of it all.
What you should know: The film contains reenactment segments.
Where to watch: Netflix
Big Wave Guardians
Writer: Luke Stirtz
Director: Jim Kempton
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: Hawaii’s North Shore is the world’s most dangerous 7-mile stretch of beach. Massive swells, life-and-death rescues, and “the best job in the world” - yet often most hazardous one - is the compelling drama of Hawaii’s Big Wave Guardians. As surfers push the limits and crowds increase, a small group of heroes have reinvented water safety on a parallel track to the rising dangers. Addicting thrills VS inherent peril - they are caught up in both. Surfing’s elite hell-men risk their lives to save their friends while challenging a realm beyond.
What you should know: This is director Luke Stirtz’s first feature film.
Where to watch: In select theaters
More New Releases
Thor: Love and Thunder (Trailer) from Disney
Moon, 66 Questions (Trailer)
Murina (Trailer)
Take the Night (Trailer)
New to Streaming
Gold (Trailer) on Hulu
Last Night in Soho (Trailer) on HBO Max
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What have you been watching lately? Seeing anything this weekend?