I Declare War
June is set to be a terrific month for film if you are looking for some indie projects to enjoy.
We take a look at the independent films that we are most looking forward to over the next four weeks of so - there really are some gems that are not to be missed.
- I Declare War - released 6th June
I Declare War hits the big screen this week, and comes from Canadian filmmakers Robert Wilson and Jason Lapeyre.
Lapeyre has penned the screenplay and makes his directorial debut with this project, as he teams up with Wilson for the first time. Wilson is also on board as producer as well as director.
The story is influenced by Lapeyre's own childhood and follows a neighbourhood of kids as their war games turn deadly serious when jealousy and betrayal enter the mix.
I Declare War is a nostalgic trip for anyone who took part in war games during their childhood. This is also a coming of age drama, which sees these kids slowly begin go leave their childhood behind.
The movie will introduce us to the acting talents of Gage Munroe, Michael Friend, and Siam Yu, and is a film that you cannot miss this week.
- Fruitvale Station - released 6th June
Fruitvale Station is a film that has already enjoyed critical and festival success in the U.S. and it is FINALLY hitting screens here in the UK this week.
Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station follows the true story of Oscar Grant III during his final days.
The movie is marks the feature film debut of Coogler, and received its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival at the beginning of 2013: it won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for dramatic film.
Michael B Jordan takes on the role of Grant III - this really has been his breakthrough role -, while Octavia Spender, Melonie Diaz, and Kevin Durand are also on board.
Fruitvale Station has been met with critical acclaim in the U.S. and is one of the most successful Sundance top prizewinners at the box office.
- The Dirties - released 6th June
Matt Johnson makes his directorial debut with The Dirties: a movie that he has also written and stars in.
The movie is not only his first film as a director, but it is also the first project he has written, and produced: not to mention it is his first role in a feature film.
Movie-obsessed best friends Matt & Owen are the key targets for a group of high school bullies they call The Dirties.
When the pair are assigned a class project, they set out to make their greatest epic film to date about their revenge.
Matt’s fantasies quickly spiral out of control, transforming The Dirties into a complex and gripping story of friendship, obsession and violence.
The Dirties is packed with black humour and there is a sense of unease over the whole film - this is a must see for all fans of this genre.
- Keeping Rosy - released 27th June
Maxine Peake is back on the big screen this month, as she leads the cast in Keeping Rosy.
She has already delivered one terrific performance in Run & Jump, and now she is set to give us another.
The movie sees her team up with director Steve Reeves: who has also penned the screenplay with Mike Oughton.
Charlotte is a woman who is completely defined by her career. All she wants in life is to be cut a slice of the advertising agency she has devoted herself to working at.
However, the fragility of her perfect existence is exposed when, after finding out she’s been shafted in the boardroom, she returns home and takes her anger out on her cleaner.
While Charlotte’s life disintegrates, we follow her on a heart-racing journey of self-discovery, atonement, and danger as she fights for a future that is rosy.
Peake is one of the most exciting actresses around - I really would love to see her get more recognition for her work than she currently does - as she has got under the skin of another very interesting character.
- Cold In July - released 27th June
Cold In July premiered and competed at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and now it is coming to screens here in the UK.
Cold In July marks the return of Michael C. Hall, as he teams up with filmmaker Jim Mickle for the first time.
The movie is based on the book by Joe R. Lansdale, and has been adapted for the big screen by Mickle and Nick Damici.
How can a split-second decision change your life? While investigating noises in his house one balmy Texas night in 1989, Richard Dane puts a bullet in the brain of low-life burglar Freddy Russell.
Although he’s hailed as a small-town hero, Dane soon finds himself fearing for his family’s safety when Freddy’s ex-con father, Ben, rolls into town, hell-bent on revenge.
Hall is joined on the cast list by Don Johnson, Sam Shepard, Vinessa Shawn, and Wyatt Russell, and is set to be one of the drama/thrillers not to miss this summer.
Other indie films that are not to be missed this June include Cheap Thrills, Knocked For Six and Benny & Jolene.