New Movies This Weekend: October 3-5
Photos from A24/IFC Films
From Jeff Nelson
October is here, which means spooky season is in full effect! The month opens with indie horror, awards titles, and plenty of re-releases. Get ready to jump in the ring with Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, search for the creepy apparitions in the dog-set ghost story Good Boy, or get the Halloween spirit going with Casper.
‘The Smashing Machine’ (Docudrama, 123 minutes, R)
“The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion, Mark Kerr.”
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (Action/Sci-Fi, 192 minutes, PG-13) — Re-Release
“Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.”
‘Casper’ (Comedy/Family, 100 minutes, PG) — 30th Anniversary Re-Release
“An afterlife therapist and his daughter meet a friendly young ghost when they move into a crumbling mansion in order to rid the premises of wicked spirits.”
‘Perfect Blue’ (Thriller/Animation, 81 minutes, NR) — Remastered Re-Release
“A pop singer gives up her career to become an actress, but she slowly goes insane when she starts being stalked by an obsessed fan and what seems to be a ghost of her past.”
‘Good Boy’ (Horror, 72 minutes, PG-13) – Limited
“A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.”
‘Anemone’ (Drama, 121 minutes, R) – Limited
“In Northern England, a man heads out on a journey into the woods to reconnect with the estranged hermit brother with whom he shared a complicated past that was altered by life-changing events decades ago.”
‘Are We Good?’ (Documentary/Comedy, 97 minutes, NR) – Limited
“Comic and podcast pioneer Marc Maron reflects on loss and growth after the death of his partner, Lynn Shelton. As he processes grief and crafts comedy, he revisits his career, family struggles, and the evolving comedy world at 60.”
‘Bone Lake’ (Horror/Thriller, 94 minutes, R) – Limited
“A couple's vacation at a secluded estate is upended when they're forced to share the mansion with a mysterious couple. A dream getaway spirals into a nightmarish maze of sex, lies, and manipulation, triggering a battle for survival.”
Read Jeremy’s review here.
‘Coyotes’ (Thriller/Comedy, 92 minutes, R) – Limited
“Trapped in their Hollywood Hills home, a family fights for survival when caught between a raging wildfire and a pack of savage coyotes.”
Read Jeremy’s review here.
‘Fairyland’ (Drama, 116 minutes, R) – Limited
“A young girl recounts growing up in San Francisco in the '70s and '80s with her gay dad.”
‘The Ice Tower’ (Drama/Fantasy, 117 minutes, NR) – Limited
“Jeanne, a 15-year-old orphan, witnesses the shoot for a film adaptation of the fairy tale The Snow Queen, and she becomes fascinated by its star, Cristina, an actress who is just as mysterious and alluring as the Queen she is playing.”
‘Orwell 2+2=5’ (Documentary/History, 119 minutes, R) – Limited
“The ultimate and comprehensive documentary film about the exceptional writer George Orwell.”
‘Scared Shitless’ (Horror/Comedy, 76 minutes, NR) – Limited
“A plumber and his germophobic son are forced to get their hands dirty to save the residents of an apartment building, when a genetically engineered, blood-thirsty creature escapes into the plumbing system.”
‘Steve’ (Drama/Comedy, 93 minutes, R) – Netflix
“Follows headteacher Steve battling for his reform college's survival while managing his mental health. Concurrently, troubled student Shy navigates his violent tendencies and fragility, torn between his past and future prospects.”
‘The Lost Bus’ (Thriller/Drama, 129 minutes, R) – Apple TV+
“A wayward school bus driver and a dedicated school teacher battle to save 22 children from a terrifying inferno.”
‘Play Dirty’ (Action/Drama, 125 minutes, R) – Prime Video
“A ruthless thief and his expert crew stumble onto the heist of a lifetime.”
‘V/H/S/Halloween’ (Horror, 115 minutes, NR) – Shudder
“A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.”
Read Jeremy’s review here.
