Indie Darlings: 5 New Indie Films Cinephiles Need To Check Out This Week

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With so many new movies hitting theaters and streaming services, don’t forget to explore some independent films! This month has already delivered some excellent dramas, comedies, and horror movies, each offering a distinctive and compelling experience.

This month’s independent film releases are wonderfully diverse, ranging from serious documentaries about global issues to delightfully quirky movies like drag queen zombie flicks. These films prove that you don’t need a big Hollywood budget to create something amazing and meaningful. Here are five indie gems you won’t want to miss.

Queens Of The Dead

As a big horror fan, I recently checked out Queens of the Dead, and it’s a really fun, silly take on zombie movies. It doesn’t just copy what’s been done before, though – it’s got its own personality. The story is about a zombie outbreak happening right in the middle of New York City, and it all unfolds around a drag queen bar, which makes for a wonderfully wild ride!

Tina Romero’s film, Queens of the Dead, is both a tribute to the work of George A. Romero and a celebration of gay culture. Featuring a naturally endearing cast, the movie skillfully blends dark humor with classic zombie horror.

However, the film’s real strength lies in its emotional heart, particularly the believable and touching connection between Katy O’Brian and Jaquel Spivey as former friends. Queens of the Dead is both funny and frightening, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys scary movies with well-developed characters and a good sense of humor.

Queens of the Dead is now playing in select theaters

After All

After All, a new film from Brainstorm Media, is a moving drama about the complicated relationships between American women across different generations. The film, starring Erika Christensen, Penelope Ann Miller, and Kiara Muhammad, explores the unresolved conflicts and hidden truths that keep them apart.

With genuine emotion and a standout performance by Erika Christensen, After All is a moving drama carried by its dedicated cast. The relationships between the characters across three generations feel authentic and impactful.

Although it initially seems like a typical emotional drama, the script for After All, written by Jack Bryant, gradually unfolds with a surprising depth that makes it truly captivating. If you enjoy heartfelt family stories like Steel Magnolias, After All will likely be a moving and effective film.

After All is now playing in select theaters, before coming to VOD on Nov. 17.

Lurker

Directed by Alex Russell and streaming on MUBI, Lurker is a chilling and captivating thriller that explores the dark side of seeking fame today. The film follows an up-and-coming musician who forms a connection with a solitary shop worker in Los Angeles, and their relationship uncovers how capable they both are of being cruel and self-centered.

Alex Russell, who wrote and directed Lurker, brings the same realistic and tense atmosphere to this film that made his work on The Bear so good. As the movie progresses, the characters’ sense of right and wrong starts to break down, becoming increasingly disturbing, yet captivating.

If you enjoyed character studies like Nightcrawler, you’ll likely be captivated by Lurker. This film explores how fame can corrupt even well-intentioned people, and how society often glorifies their descent. Be warned: Lurker is a dark, disturbing, and intensely gripping movie that isn’t for the squeamish.

Lurker is now streaming on MUBI.

Orwell: 2+2=5

Raoul Peck’s latest documentary, brought to us by Neon, takes a deep look at the life and work of George Orwell. Titled Orwell: 2+2=5, the film uses old footage and entries from Orwell’s personal diaries to reveal his creative process, all brought to life by a captivating narration from Damian Lewis.

What makes this film so unsettling is its clever connection between Orwell’s life and the enduring relevance of books like 1984, and how those connect to current events that feel ripped from his dystopian novels. It’s more frightening than any horror movie released this year, thanks to its sharp editing and focused direction, which prevent it from becoming overly focused on itself.

Both unsettling and deeply thought-provoking, the documentary Orwell: 2+2=5 is particularly impactful because it challenges us to consider our own role in the issues George Orwell predicted. It’s a film that even people who don’t usually watch documentaries might find valuable and insightful.

Orwell: 2+2=5 is now playing in select theaters.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

As a total movie fan, I’m already predicting awards buzz for A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – it’s honestly one of the best dramas I’ve seen all year. And Rose Byrne? Wow. She delivers a truly powerhouse performance. The film centers around a mom who’s really struggling to keep it all together, and it’s all brought to life with really sharp direction and a fantastic script from Mary Bronstein.

Bronstein’s second film showcases her talent for skillfully combining emotional depth with surprising humor, all thanks to strong performances from a dedicated cast. Cameos from A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien add to the film’s appeal, keeping it lighthearted even as the story explores darker and more serious themes.

The film truly shines thanks to Byrne, a seasoned Hollywood actress delivering one of her best performances in this deeply personal story about the complexities of being a woman. It’s a powerful, emotional film – a sort of companion piece to Uncut Gems – and stands out as one of the year’s most compelling dramas.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is now playing in select theaters.

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2025-10-30 04:21