Indie Film Release Guide: October 3rd [An ONTD Original]

While there are no new wide releases from major studios, this weekend brings Taylor Swift, The Rock, and a very good boy named Indy to theaters near you. Also in theaters are several re-releases, including the millennial-era classic Casper. Finally, there are a ton of films hitting streaming this weekend if you don’t feel like tangling with all of the Swifties at your local multiplex.

The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Five” – Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures. Note that some of the movies listed are in their first week or two of limited release in the USA, so it may take them a few more weeks (or months) to show up in your local arthouse theater or on VOD. Check out the posts from the past few weeks for more movies that may have just opened near you: September 26th, September 19th, and September 12th.

Good Boy

Stars: Indy, Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden
Writer: Alex Cannon, Ben Leonberg
Director: Ben Leonberg
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller
Plot: 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.
What you should know: Indy is director Ben Leonberger’s own dog.
Where to watch: In theaters

The Smashing Machine

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Jill Basey
Writer/Director: Benny Safdie
Genre: Drama, Sport
Plot: The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion, Mark Kerr.
What you should know: Director Benny Safdie won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Where to watch: In theaters

Anemone

Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samuel Bottomley, Paul Butterworth
Writer: Daniel Day-Lewis, Ronan Day-Lewis
Director: Ronan Day-Lewis
Genre: Drama
Plot: 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.
What you should know: This is Daniel Day-Lewis’s first film since 2017’s Phantom Thread.
Where to watch: In theaters

V/H/S Halloween

Stars: David Haydn, Samantha Cochran, Teo Planell, Lawson Greyson
Writer: Bryan M. Ferguson, Casper Kelly, R.H. Norman, Alex Ross Perry, Micheline Pitt, Paco Plaza, Anna Zlokovic, Alberto Marini
Director: Bryan M. Ferguson, Casper Kelly, R.H. Norman, Alex Ross Perry, Micheline Pitt, Paco Plaza, Anna Zlokovic
Genre: Horror
Plot: A collection of Halloween-themed videotapes unleashes a series of twisted, blood-soaked tales, turning trick-or-treat into a struggle for survival.
What you should know: This is the 8th film installment in the V/H/S series.
Where to watch: Shudder

Bone Lake

Stars: Alex Roe, Maddie Hasson, Marco Pigossi, Andra Nechita
Writer: Joshua Friedlander
Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan
Genre: Horror
Plot: 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.
What you should know: Director Mercedes Bryce Morgan last directed 2022’s Fixation.
Where to watch: In theaters

Coyotes

Stars: Mila Harris, Brittany Allen, Kate Bosworth, Norbert Leo Butz
Writer: Tad Daggerheart, Daniel Meersand, Nick Simon
Director: Colin Minihan
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Plot: Trapped in their Hollywood Hills home, a family fights for survival when caught between a raging wildfire and a pack of savage coyotes.
What you should know: Don’t watch the trailer if you are sensitive to animal violence.
Where to watch: In theaters

The Ice Tower

Stars: Marion Cotillard, Clara Pacini, August Diehl, Marine Gesbert
Writer: Geoff Cox, Lucile Hadzihalilovic, Alante Kavaite
Director: Lucile Hadzihalilovic
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Plot: 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.
What you should know: Premiered at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival in official competition
Where to watch: In theaters

Are We Good?

Writer: Julie Seabaugh
Director: Steven Feinartz
Genre: Comedy, Documentary
Storyline: 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.
What you should know: Premiered at SXSW 2025.
Where to watch: In theaters

Fairyland

Stars: Emilia Jones, Scoot McNairy, Nessa Dougherty, Geena Davis
Writer: Andrew Durham, Alysia Abbott
Director: Andrew Durham
Genre: Drama
Plot: A young girl recounts growing up in San Francisco in the ’70s and ’80s with her gay dad.
What you should know: Filmed in San Francisco, CA.
Where to watch: In theaters

Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5

Writer/Director: Raoul Peck
Genre: Documentary
Plot: The ultimate and comprehensive documentary film about the exceptional writer George Orwell.
What you should know: Damien Lewis provides voiceover.
Where to watch: In theaters

More New Releases

The Life of a Showgirl (Trailer)
Casper (Trailer) Re-release
Avatar: The Way of Water (Trailer) Re-release
GoldenEye (Trailer) Re-release
Perfect Blue (Trailer) Re-release
Scared Shitless (Trailer)