The approaching weekend might not offer any major studio premiers, yet avid indie film fans have a variety of new and intriguing prospects. Ethan Coen’s latest piece, Honey Don’t, has garnered a myriad of responses, reminiscent of his previous year’s work, Drive Away Dolls. For followers of Dakota Johnson, the independently-produced Splitsville is certainly on the cards. In a surprising turn of events, the creation of Ron Howard, starring Vanessa Kirby, Ana de Armas, and Jude Law, finds itself released by none other than Vertical studios, a year after its screening at TIFF. Interestingly, all these films hail from studios that diverge from the well-known “Big Five”, namely Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures.
Honey Don’t is no ordinary film. It showcases a commendable lineup of stars such as Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, and Lera Above. The writing credits belong to Tricia Cooke in collaboration with director Ethan Coen. A unique blend of comedy, crime, and thriller, this movie spins a macabre narrative of Honey O’Donahue. Playing the role of a private investigator in a small town, Honey finds herself knee-deep in a perplexing case of unexplained fatalities linked to a cryptic church.
The indie flick, Splitsville, offers a delightful platform for Dakota Johnson to showcase her acting prowess alongside co-stars Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Michael Angelo Covino. Directed by Michael Angelo Covino, Splitsville revives the genre of comedy, setting the plot around a divorce case. As Ashley initiates the separation, the congenial Carey resorts to the comforting presence of his friends, Julie and Paul. Unbeknownst to him, their well-kept secret to happiness is an unconventional open marriage. However, when Carey oversteps this delicate arrangement, their interpersonal dynamics spiral into a tumultuous mess.
Eden features a star-studded cast led by Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl. The creative minds behind this thriller are Noah Pink and Ron Howard, with Howard attiring the director’s cap as well. Based on true events, the story takes us to a deserted island inhabited by a group of pariahs. In their fight for survival, they soon realize that the perilous weather or lethal fauna doesn’t pose the greatest threat, but rather their internal mistrust and rivalries.
Trust, directed by Carlson Young, is another thriller on the list, with Sophie Turner, Rhys Coiro, Billy Campbell, and Peter Mensah in leading roles. Penned by Gigi Levangie, the story revolves around a famous Hollywood actress seeking refuge in a secluded cabin post a scandal. As the plot unfolds, she’s faced with cruel deception and a struggle to outlive the treachery of a onetime ally.
Lurker, a drama-thriller with musical elements, documents the life of an ordinary retail worker worming his way into a popular artist’s inner circle. This plot, coupled with the performances of Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, and Havana Rose Liu, promises an engaging watch. Both written and directed by Alex Russell, the narrative accentuates the implications of gaining close access to the star-on-the-rise.
Taking an entertainingly thrilling turn, Eeenie Meanie puts former teenage driver with a criminal background at its center. The leading roles are played by Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Andy Garcia, and Steve Zahn. Independence is a precious attribute for the protagonist until a past employer drags her back into the underworld by offering her an opportunity to save her consistently irresponsible ex.
Relay, a thrilling action drama, pivots around a broker who manages payoffs between corrupt enterprises and those endangering them. Starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James, Sam Worthington, and Willa Fitzgerald, and directed by David Mackenzie, the story takes a twist when the broker shatters his set rules for a client seeking his protection.
Pools, a dramatic comedy, explores a touching story wrapped in humor. The film stars Odessa A’zion, Mason Gooding, Michael Vlamis, and Tyler Alvarez. As her life disintegrates, Kennedy embarks on a journey to reconnect with her father who is no more. Writer-director Sam Hayes narrates the young woman’s endeavor to live on her own terms through an adventurous escapade of diving into the lavish pools of her college town.
Wrapping up a diverse list, Afterburn offers a blend of comedy, drama, horror, and sci-fi. Dave Bautista, Samuel L. Jackson, Olga Kurylenko, and Daniel Bernhardt come together in this film directed by J.J. Perry. Following a gigantic solar flare’s devastation, a fearless treasure hunter embarks upon a journey to Europe in pursuit of Mona Lisa. However, in the process, he realizes that the world is in dire need of a hero rather than a piece of art.
The post Indie Movie Spotlight: From Ethan Coen’s ‘Honey Don’t’ to Ron Howard’s ‘Eden’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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