While the mainstream options aren’t particularly appealing this week, there are plenty of indie options opening in limited release.
Brahms: The Boy 2
Written by Stacey Menear – Directed by William Brent Bell
Starring: Katie Holmes
In the middle of horror renaissance, why The Boy needed a sequel is beyond me. I’m guessing it has to do with the relatively low budget and potential profit margin. The first film grossed more than $70-million globally, seven times its production budget, so William Brent Bell and Stacey Menear came back to make another. It looks like it has its creepy moment and adding Katie Holmes to the mix probably gives this one some legs at the box office but don’t feel too bad skipping this one.
The Call of the Wild
Novel by Jack London – Screenplay by Michael Green – Directed by Chris Sanders
Starring: Harrison Ford and Karen Gillan
This film is looking to provide an adventure that’s absent from the market right now. However, the majority of the audience that’s going to see this are likely unfamiliar with Jack London’s 1903 novel. Fortunately, that shouldn’t matter too much. I have faith in Harrison Ford and Karen Gillan so, for me, it boils down to the CGI dog. I understand the need to go that route but not exactly compelling either. That said, you could do worse with your movie dollar this week.
Emma – *Limited*
Novel by Jane Austen – Screenplay by Eleanor Catton – Directed by Autumn de Wilde
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth, and Bill Nighy
It seems like adaptations are the flavor of the week as Autumn de Wilde and Eleanor Catton’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel leads the indie market. Anya Taylor-Joy has really started to carve out a nice niche for herself and she gets to stretch her wings a little more with this role. Bill Nighy is one of those insanely charismatic actors no matter what role he takes on and he looks like he’s going to be having fun in this one. If you’re a fan of the novel this should be a treat but, even if you’re not, have faith in the cast.
Goldie – *Limited*
Written & Directed by Sam de Jong
Starring: Slick Woods, George Sample III, and Danny Hoch
This is really just the second full-length feature film for Sam de Jong but this film looks like it buzzes with the energy of a young filmmaker. This kind of movie is going to require a really strong lead performance from Slick Woods who’s stepping into her first feature film. It reminds me of another recent indie film that I can’t quite seem to recall right now but the style is going to have to be in balance with substance.
The Night Clerk – *Limited* – *Editor’s Pick*
Written & Directed By Michael Cristofer
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas, Helen Hunt, and John Leguizamo
Creepy, cerebral thrillers are usually pretty interesting. The one has a definite Psycho vibe…Norman Bates at the least…mixed with a little bit of a detective whodunnit. The cast is really strong for an off the radar offering and that says a lot about Michael Cristofer in the director’s chair. I’m super curious about the tone and the energy that’s present in the trailer and that’s enough to get me in the door.
Premature – *Limited*
Written by Rashaad Ernesto Green & Zora Howard – Directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green
Starring: Zora Howard, Joshua Boone, and Michelle Wilson
It’s tough to tell where a story of young love falls on the scale right now. It looks like it has that indie flair and a big heart but releasing after Valentine’s is sure to get this movie buried in obscurity. As you can see, Zora Howard wrote the film with her director Rashaad Ernesto Green so the project is obviously close to their hearts but getting that across to the audience is a different question. If you’re into indie films, this is certainly one that could check all the right boxes.
Have fun at the movies!