All Mistakes Buried When: Now Playing Where: Theaters, VOD Director: Tim McCann Starring: Sam Trammell, Vanessa Ferlito Why We’re Excited: The desperation and despair that accompanies addiction are explored in the latest dark drama from Film Independent Spirit Award nominee Tim McCann. Since being nominated for the Someone to Watch award in 1996, McCann has championed the craft of indie filmmaking. The film was a passion project for all involved, including True Blood alum Sam Trammell, who has received rave reviews for his performance as a struggling addict attempting to save his fragile marriage. Trammell, along with McCann and producer Shaun Sanghani, developed the project after working together on 2013’s White Rabbit, and the film is a bona fide testament to the art of independent filmmaking. Shot over the course of 12 blazing hot Louisiana days on a tiny DIY budget, the producing team decided to cast local drug dealers, addicts and exotic dancers (some of which are now incarcerated) who had no acting experience, allowing Trammell and his co-stars to rely heavily on improvisation. It sounds like this trio of men love what they do and aren’t afraid to gamble—especially if the end result is a gritty, realistic indie that will captivate their audience.
Meadowland When: February 2 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Reed Morano Starring: Olivia Wilde, Luke Wilson Why We’re Excited: Reed Morano’s first feature has one of the most awesome indie casts of last year, and is likely to tug at your heartstrings and blow away with the performance of its leading lady. Olivia Wilde appears like you’ve never seen her before, sinking her teeth into the intense, emotional chaos inhabited by her lead character. As a woman suffering an unthinkable loss, she and her husband (Luke Wilson) attempt to find the strength to move on and not fall victim to self-destructive methods of coping. Wilde shares the screen with indie darlings Elisabeth Moss, Merritt Weaver, Juno Temple, John Leguizamo and Giovanni Ribisi. Morano—a successful cinematographer who decided to shoot her first feature—tackles the heavy subject matter with a handheld, in-your-face approach that is raw and natural. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and came to fruition with the support of Film Independent Member Jennifer Levine, an executive producer of the project. An abundance of awesome, talented women working together to make this movie is reason enough for us to be excited, but the icing on the cake is Morano’s direction. Plus, the film is nominated for Best Cinematography at the upcoming Film Independent Spirit Awards!
How to Win at Checkers (Every Time) When: February 2 Where: DVD Director: Josh Kim Starring: Toni Rakkaen, Ingkarat Damrongsakkul, Thira Chutikul Why We’re Excited: After premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, Josh Kim’s first feature went on to become one of 2015’s most acclaimed and award-winning LGBT themed films. The Korean-American filmmaker spent time learning to speak and write Thai before shooting this touching drama in a foreign land. Based on the short stories of Rattawut Lapcharoensap, the film shares the moving journey of an 11-year old boy named Oat, who, when his parents suddenly pass way, is left under the supervision of his gay older brother. Further complications and the fears of an uncertain future arise once Oat’s brother is drafted into the military. Kim’s debut won Best First Feature at the Torino LGBT Film Festival, the Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and became Thailand’s Official Best Foreign Language Film entry for this year’s Academy Awards. As if this all weren’t enough to be excited about, Film Independent Fellow Edward Gunawan is one of the film’s producers.
Breathe When: February 2 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Mélanie Laurent Starring: Joséphine Japy, Lou de Laage Why We’re Excited: Actress and filmmaker Mélanie Laurent’s sophomore feature is a provocative examination of female adolescence in the tradition of Catherine Hardwicke’s Thirteen. Set in the suburbs of France, introverted and lonely 17-year-old Charlie finds herself invigorated after befriending a new student named Sarah. The wild, rebellious Sarah causes Charlie to evolve into a much more uninhibited young woman, but things turn ugly when their friendship begins to fade and Sarah shows signs of hopping from one new bestie to another. An exploration of insecurity, female bonding, uncertain desires and jealousy all collide in the film, which competed for the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival, where it also premiered.
Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong When: February 12 Where: Theaters Director: Emily Ting Starring: Jamie Chung, Bryan Greenberg Why We’re Excited: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, it’s Film Independent Fellow Emily Ting’s charming romantic comedy and feature film debut. This modern day love story follows Ruby (Jamie Chung), a Chinese-American woman taking her first trip to Hong Kong. There, she meets an American expat named Josh (Bryan Greenberg) and begins to fall in love—with both Josh and China—as they begin to explore the country together. As the pair gets more acquainted and passions flare, the dilemma is presented: what if you met the right person at the wrong time? This movie warms our heart for so many reasons. It’s a true labor of love straight out of the Los Angeles Film Festival, featuring the talents of Film Independent Fellows Ting and Associate Producer Dave Boyle—not to mention the fact that Film Independent Member Ishai Setton is a consulting Producer! Did we also mention the adorable fact that the leads are not only executive producers of the project, but got married IRL recently? How sweet is that?!
Remember When: February 12 Where: Theaters Director: Atom Egoyan Starring: Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau Why We’re Excited: For two decades now, pioneering Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan has been making movies independently and playing by his own rules. His evocative works first made an impact on American indie film culture when Exotica debuted in 1994, followed by The Sweet Hereafter, which earned the director two Academy Awards nominations and won the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film. Many of Egoyan’s films tend to focus on the human spirit, while introducing extremely flawed characters who don’t fit the standard mold of a mainstream protagonist, or who are even necessarily likeable. In this dramatic thriller that premiered at the Venice Film Festival, seasoned actor Christopher Plummer plays a man with dementia on a mission to find the Nazi guard who murdered his family over 70 years prior. The film co-stars Martin Landau, and Film Independent Member Brian Cox is one of the Executive Producers.
Trumbo When: February 16 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Jay Roach Starring: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren Why We’re Excited: If you love movies as much as we do and missed this true Hollywood story when it was in theaters late last year, now’s your chance to finally catch Bryan Cranston in his Oscar-nominated role. Joined by an amazing supporting cast, Cranston plays Dalton Trumbo, one of Tinseltown’s most successful screenwriters during the 1940’s. A biographical drama with a sense of humor, the film tells the story of Trumbo and several other artists who were either blacklisted or jailed because of their political beliefs. It’s quite the departure for Roach, who directed the Austin Powers and Meet the Parents movies, so we expect to laugh while being filled with rage at the idea that there once was a time where freedom of speech came with a price.
The Witch When: February 19 Where: Theaters Director: Robert Eggers Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie Why We’re Excited: Set in creepy New England during the 1600s, Robert Eggers’ feature film debut is eerie enough as it is without even knowing the premise. Featuring a breakthrough performance from its young leading lady Anya Taylor-Joy, this haunting tale of black magic and witchcraft wisely utilizes psychological filmmaking techniques to manipulate its audience—as opposed to big budget special effects and cheap jump scare. Audiences at the Sundance Film Festival were the first to have the hairs on their arm raise when the film premiered there in 2015, and judging from those initial reactions, this has potential to be one of the year’s most horrifying films. How spooky was it to be on set for Film Independent Fellow and Executive Producer Alexandra Johnes?! The trailer alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. Film Independent Member Rodrigo Teixeira was also one of the brave souls to produce the film.
Neerja When: February 19 Where: Theaters Director: Ram Madhvani Starring: Sonam Kapoor Why We’re Excited: On September 5, 1986, terrorists in Pakistan hijacked Pan Am Flight 73. Amid 359 passengers trembling in fear, one incredibly brave flight attendant stared death in the face and made it her duty to try and protect them. This is the courageous true story of Neerja Bhanot, a hero whose story may not have been well known until now. Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor takes on the role in this dramatic thriller, which journalistically recounts the tragic and terrifying events that took place that fateful day. The film is the sophomore feature from India’s Ram Madhvani, and opens in both India and America on the same day. Neerja is sure to be a powerfully moving portrait of one woman’s unforgettable act of courage.
Triple 9 When: February 26 Where: Theaters Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Chiwetel Ejiofor Why We’re Excited: If you’ve seen any of director John Hillcoat’s suspense-driven films (Lawless, The Proposition, The Road) then you’ve probably already added this thrilling crime drama to your must-see list. In his latest pulse-pounding adventure, Hillcoat brings an all-star cast and riveting tale to the big screen. Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Casey Affleck and Norman Reedus are joined by Film Independent Spirit Award winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (Best Supporting Male in 2008 for Talk to Me) in this tense tale of corrupt cops, the Russian mafia and a seemingly impossible heist with a huge payout. Playing an intense game of good cop/bad cop, the thugs involved in the heist plot to kill an innocent police officer in order to deflect attention from their score—causing a 999, or “officer down” signal. We already know Hillcoat can keep us on the edge of our seats, and the cast is top notch. To top it all off, Film Independent Members Steve Golin and Sarah E. Johnson are two of the film’s Executive Producers.
Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters
title: “10 Don T Miss Indies What To Watch In February” ShowToc: true date: “2024-05-05” author: “Maggie Rangel”
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 When: February 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Chad Stahelski Starring: Keanu Reeves, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan Why We’re Excited: For fans of neon-colored carnage and tales of aggrieved pet owners kicking, punching and shooting their way through a luxury hotel full of Eastern European bad guys, 2014’s John Wick was manna from genre-flick heaven. This time, Reeves’ titular hitman-with-a-heart-of-gold is forced out of retirement to help seize control of an international assassins’ guild—, all set against the picaresque backdrop of Rome. With Chapter 1 co-director (with David Leitch) Chad Stahelski, a former stuntman, returning to the captain’s chair, John Wick: Chapter 2 is sure to be yet another high-octane blast of knowingly B-grade action movie fun, co-starring Orange is the New Black breakout Ruby Rose and a who’s-who of veteran character actors, from Lance Reddick to Ian McShane. (MW)
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO When: February 3 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Raoul Peck Starring: Samuel L. Jackson (voice) Why We’re Excited: Based on an unfinished manuscript by subject James Baldwin, Raoul Peck’s new documentary is absolute essential viewing for these turbulent times—let alone the perfect way to honor Black History Month. Multiple-time Film Independent Spirit Award winner/nominee Samuel L. Jackson narrates Baldwin’s academic-yet-fascinating meditation on the history of institutionalized racism in the United States, centered on Baldwin’s own personal reminiscences of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers. The stirring film has gone on to great acclaim since premiering at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, and is currently nominated for a Spirit Award for Best Documentary. (MW)
TULIP FEVER When: February 24 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Justin Chadwick Starring: Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, Christoph Waltz Why We’re Excited: Fresh off the glory of her Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress in The Danish Girl, Alicia Vikander stars in Justin Chadwick’s latest period drama. Focusing around the “Tulip Mania” of 17th-century Amsterdam, Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) brings Deborah Moggach’s novel to life in exquisite fashion, focusing on the love triangle that forms when Vikander becomes enamored with the artist (Dane DeHaan) hired to paint a portrait of her husband (Christoph Waltz). The film has been on the back burner since 2004, when it was originally set to star Jude Law and Keira Knightley. But the stars have finally aligned, even setting audiences up for a surprise turn from funnyman Zach Galifianakis, who co-stars. (CL)
xx When: February 17 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Directors: Roxanne Benjamin, Sofìa Carrillo, Karyn Kusama, St. Vincent, Jovanka Vuckovic Starring: Natalie Brown, Melanie Lynskey, Shelia Vand, Breeda Wool, Christina Kirk Why We’re Excited: Fresh of its premiere in the Midnight section of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, xx is perfectly calibrated to tickle the pleasure centers of gorehounds who have thrilled to such previous horror anthologies as V/H/S and The ABCs of Death. The hook here is that each of xx’s four stories–interspersed with striking stop-motion interludes created by Sofìa Carrillo—are helmed by female filmmakers, and feature female protagonists. The first story follows a mother (Natalie Brown) whose family begins starving to death after a mysterious subway encounter. The second follows harried housewife Melanie Lynskey as she attempts to dispose of her husband’s dead body. In the third, Breeda Wool (UnREAL) runs afoul of some ancient demons while camping in the desert. And finally, mom Christina Kirk learns that having a teenage son can be (literal) hell. Film Independent Member Karyn Kusama (The Invitation) is one of the film’s directors. Line producer Gabriela Gonzalez is also a Member. (MW)
LOVESONG When: February 17 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: So Yong Kim Starring: Riley Keough, Jessie Ok Gray, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Jena Malone Why We’re Excited: A 2017 Spirit Award nominee for the John Cassavetes Award, So Yong Kim’s microbudget indie follows Sarah (Riley Keough, a 2017 Spirit Award Best Supporting Female nominee for American Honey) as her unhappy marriage sends her on an impromptu road trip to reunite with estranged best friend Mindy (Jena Malone)—who soon embarks on her own troubled marriage. This Sundance drama explores many of life’s main events: love, friendship and marriage as well as the challenges each one presents. You don’t want to miss this riveting character study from up-and-comer Kim, definitely one of the most impressive new voices in independent storytelling. (Also, don’t forget to vote for this year’s Spirit Awards. Learn how here.) (CL)
KING COBRA When: February 14 Where You Can Watch: DVD/VOD Director: Justin Kelly Starring: Christian Slater, James Franco, Garrett Clayton Why We’re Excited: In the 1990s, Brent Corrigan rose to fame as gay porn’s biggest superstar—so sought after, in fact, that the contract he signed with one particular production company eventually led to bloodshed. Justin Kelly (director of last month’s Don’t-Miss Indies pick I am Michael) rips apart the prurient headlines to deliver a provocative, flesh-filled, edge-of-your seat with an all-star cast including two-time Spirit Award winner James Franco, Christian Slater, Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwald. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, where it was hailed as “a movie of such wit and daring, it could transcend LGBT appeal to become a crossover hit” (Graham Fuller, Screen Daily) and was picked up for release on DVD and VOD by IFC Films. (CL)
ALL WE HAD When: February 28 Where You Can Watch: DVD/VOD Director: Katie Holmes Starring: Katie Holmes, Judy Greer, Luke Wilson Why We’re Excited: Katie Holmes has definitely come a long way from her days as Joey on the hit TV series Dawson’s Creek. In All We Had—her directorial debut—Holmes stars as Rita, a single mother trying to provide the best life she can for 13-year-old daughter Ruthie (Stefania LaVie Owen). Soon, the two find themselves the newest residents of a town called Fat River and are welcomed by the townspeople, including transgender waitress “Peter Pam” (Eve Lindley), who helps Rita land a job at the diner. Fat River becomes the first place that Rita and Ruthie can call home. But comfort doesn’t come easy. Holmes showcases yet another facet of her talent by sitting in the director’s chair, and her performance was acclaimed by critics when the film premiered at last year’s TIFF. (CL)
T2 TRAINSPOTTING When: February 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Danny Boyle Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller Why We’re Excited: It’s been over 20 years since Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting became one of the biggest hits of the entire Miramax era, earning praise from film critics and condemnations (including one from 1996 GOP Presidential nominee Bob Dole) for its allegedly cavalier depiction of heroin use. Well: Boyle’s long-in-the-works follow-up has finally arrived, and with much of the original film’s cast intact. Based only in part on novelist Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting follow-up Porno (published in 2002), the film finds Ewan McGregor’s reformed ex-addict Renton returning home to Edinburgh to reunite with estranged “mates” Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Things don’t exactly go as planned from there, if indeed there ever was a plan. (MW)
DYING LAUGHING When: February 24 Where You Can Watch: Theater Director: Lloyd Stanton, Paul Toogood Starring: Stephen K. Amos, Dave Attell, Sandra Bernhard, Jerry Seinfeld Why We’re Excited: Directed by Film Independent Members Lloyd Stanton and Paul Toogood, Dying Laughing premiered as part of the US Documentary Competition at last year’s LA Film Festival. Delving deep into the psychology and process behind one of entertainment’s most deceptively simple art forms, Stanton and Toogood’s fascinating documentary captures a wide range of insight, analysis and anecdote from many of today’s most successful comedians, including Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Jamie Foxx, Steve Coogan, Billy Connolly and Amy Schumer, making it a must-see for fans of contemporary comedy.
GROWING UP SMITH When: February 3 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Frank Lotito Starring: Jason Lee, Anjul Nigam, Brighton Sharbino, Roni Akurati Why We’re Excited: Set in ochre-and-lime-colored year of 1979, Frank Lotito’s feature directorial debut follows the travails of an upbeat Indian family who moves stateside in timeless pursuit of the American dream. Settling in the South, 10-year-old Smith (Roni Akurati) becomes obsessed with reinventing himself as the archetypical American “good ‘ol boy”—especially as inspired by a local handyman played by My Name is Earl’s Jason Lee. Film Independent Member Dan Coplan is a co-producer of the quirky family comedy, which is sure to inspire audiences to reconsider the sartorial value of gold chains and flared pant cuffs; just check out the trailer’s nod to Saturday Night Fever. (MW)
Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner or Nominee First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters [NOTE: Blurbs written by Matt Warren where indicated (MW)]
