by Shane Conto
How many of you miss the going to the movies? During these crazy times, we are stuck inside and are forced to get used to new norms including streaming all of our movie content. No longer can we go to the theater and watch new releases on a big screen. But with so many of the big studio films getting postponed, we have the opportunity to enjoy plenty of smaller films that are gracing the smaller screen through rentals. My new habits of heading to the “virtual cinema” has opened the door to plenty of cool and interesting indie films you might never see on a big screen. Here are just a few of my favorite that I encourage you all to explore that are available to rentals:
Never Rarely Sometimes Always directed by Eliza Hittman
Before the quarantine occurred, what indie theater releases were you all excited for? When I first saw the trailer for Never Rarely Sometimes Always, I knew this was a special flick. The rawness of how it was shot and how real and relevant the story of a young woman trying to get an abortion caught my attention. This is a small film in both production and scope as the focus is so intimate that you feel so much for this young woman. Nothing is spelt out for the audience as you are taken on this stressful and traumatic journey. The film builds as the young woman’s desperation does as well. Hittman is able to capture the small details and the emotions that follow with them. Sidney Flanigan gives a powerful and understated performance in this drama that will capture your attention and emotions.
Saint Frances directed by Alex Thompson
What can be funnier than a young woman dealing with an abortion, struggling to nanny a rebellious young girl, and the filing marriage of her lesbian employers? My question may sound very odd but somehow star and screenwriter, Kelly O’Sullivan, is able to navigate these real issues and themes with such clever and humorous tone. O’Sullivan’s voice is unique and the secret weapon of this drama. The film centers around this young woman who balances a budding relationship, a surprise pregnancy, and her fear of being responsible for a child. O’Sullivan’s screenplay is able to balance her story along with themes of faith, homophobia, and marriage so deftly. This might seem like a lot to cram into one film but this indie gem is a must see.
Extra Ordinary directed by Mike Ahern & Enda Loughman
What can be a bigger selling point than ghosts and Will Forte singing some 1970’s style prog-rock music? This Irish horror comedy centers around a woman (played with seemingly effortless relatability by Maeve Higgins ) who has a checkered past of dealing with ghosts is brought into the fold by a man being harassed by the ghost of his deceased. Throw in the prog-rocker trying to make a Satanic pact through sacrificing virgins then we have a good time! The quirky tone of the film perfectly balances dark humor, fun B-movie effects, and plenty of heart to make a fun cinematic experience. For those fans of What We Do in the Shadows, Extra Ordinary captures that quirky humor mixed with horror elements.
Straight Up directed by James Sweeney
Who doesn’t love the age-old story of a young gay man meets young straight woman because he just might be straight to? What might sound contrived and problematic is handled with some much care and humor by writer, director, and star James Sweeney. Sweeney’s film stands out amongst the ocean of coming of age stories with its unique humor and heart. The chemistry between Sweeney and female lead Katie Findlay is off the charts as they navigate this unique relationship. Sweeney’s lead character is an interesting and relatable lead who just wants to find himself and not be alone. Throw in a cast of other strong young actors and veteran actors like Randall Park, you get an instant classic of the coming of age genre. You can trust me that you have not seen a film quite like this.
Color Out of Space directed by Richard Stanley
Who is everyone’s favorite cinematic train wreck that pops on screen and is instant magnetic to watch? Nic Cage of course! Before you see him portray everyone’s new favorite reality TV scumbag, Joe Exotic, check out this out of this world sci-fi acid trip. Color Out of Space takes a HP Lovecraft tale about a strange alien being terrorizing a family combined with John Carpenter style body horror. If you love the abstract and the incredible body horror of The Thing, this is the flick for you. If you needed anything else to sell you on this film, it features a batshit crazy performance from Cage. This is the alien possessed performance from Cage that cinephiles have been longing for. This is a crazy cinematic experience you will never forgettable…or probably be able to explain.
Sea Fever directed by Neasa Hardiman
How doesn’t love a good old-fashioned claustrophobic creature feature? Sea Fever centers around a crew of a ship who come in contact with a strange undersea creature who unleashes a terrifying infection upon the crew. The paranoia sinks in as the tension rises. Crew members turn on each other as the story has plenty of twists and turns. There are conspiracies, exploding body parts, and eerie creatures around every turn. The cast is solid and the thrillers will deliver for all of the horror fans out there. The film may feel familiar at times but in the end, it delivers on what it promises, a creepy and unnerving ride of scares. If your body is ready, that the deep dive into Sea Fever.