This year’s notable breakout indies include Fox Searchlight’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which opened in March, but continued to ride a wave of critical plaudits through May and early June to earn $157.6 million worldwide
Roadside Attractions’ “Chef,” which has cooked up a tasty $7.5 million since opening in limited release last month.
Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League says summer can be a good time for indie movies. “There are a lot of cinephiles who aren’t as excited about the next ‘X-Men,’ ” he says.
But Fox Searchlight co-president Stephen Gilula warns that in a genre in which films must be unique and distinctive, it can be tough to stand out amid a busy season.
Indies to Watch
Begin Again
Release Date: June 27
“Once” director Carney returns to the music world with this romantic drama. Weinstein has positioned the film opposite “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”
The film, which stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, world premiered at the 2013 Toronto Film Fest to nice response.
Boyhood
(IFC)
Release Date: July 11
Shot over 12 years, this film, tracing a boy’s coming of age, is original, funny, and frank.
Danger Signs: Linklater is an indie icon, but aside from studio films like “School of Rock,” his popularity is decidedly arthouse. “Boyhood” is nearly 3 hour long.
Calvary
(Fox Searchlight)
John Michael McDonagh (writer-director), Brendan Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd
Release Date: Aug. 1
This dark comedy about an Irish priest threatened by a parishioner has earned rave reviews. Plus, Fox Searchlight (“Little Miss Sunshine”) has a track record of backing indie summer hits.
Gleeson is sublime, but he’s no household name. Word-of-mouth will be crucial.
Magic in the Moonlight
(Sony Classics)
Stars: Emma Stone and Colin Firth
Release Date: July 25
Allen has become a summer institution, with “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “Midnight in Paris” and “Blue Jasmine” all receiving a warm response.
What If
(CBS)
Key Talent: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan
Release Date: Aug. 8
Daniel Radcliffe has honed his craft and broadened his fanbase past Hogwarts by appearing on Broadway and in the horror hit “The Woman in Black.”
Wish I Was Here
(Focus)
Zach Braff (director-star),
Release Date: July 18
Braff raised $3 million from fans to back this family drama, which stars Kate Hudson and Mandy Patinkin.
Indie Cinema 2014: Films That Matter
This year’s notable breakout indies include Fox Searchlight’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which opened in March, but continued to ride a wave of critical plaudits through May and early June to earn $157.6 million worldwide
Roadside Attractions’ “Chef,” which has cooked up a tasty $7.5 million since opening in limited release last month.
Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League says summer can be a good time for indie movies. “There are a lot of cinephiles who aren’t as excited about the next ‘X-Men,’ ” he says.
But Fox Searchlight co-president Stephen Gilula warns that in a genre in which films must be unique and distinctive, it can be tough to stand out amid a busy season.
Indies to Watch
Begin Again
Release Date: June 27
“Once” director Carney returns to the music world with this romantic drama. Weinstein has positioned the film opposite “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”
The film, which stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, world premiered at the 2013 Toronto Film Fest to nice response.
Boyhood
(IFC)
Release Date: July 11
Shot over 12 years, this film, tracing a boy’s coming of age, is original, funny, and frank.
Danger Signs: Linklater is an indie icon, but aside from studio films like “School of Rock,” his popularity is decidedly arthouse. “Boyhood” is nearly 3 hour long.
Calvary
(Fox Searchlight)
John Michael McDonagh (writer-director), Brendan Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd
Release Date: Aug. 1
This dark comedy about an Irish priest threatened by a parishioner has earned rave reviews. Plus, Fox Searchlight (“Little Miss Sunshine”) has a track record of backing indie summer hits.
Gleeson is sublime, but he’s no household name. Word-of-mouth will be crucial.
Magic in the Moonlight
(Sony Classics)
Stars: Emma Stone and Colin Firth
Release Date: July 25
Allen has become a summer institution, with “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “Midnight in Paris” and “Blue Jasmine” all receiving a warm response.
What If
(CBS)
Key Talent: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan
Release Date: Aug. 8
Daniel Radcliffe has honed his craft and broadened his fanbase past Hogwarts by appearing on Broadway and in the horror hit “The Woman in Black.”
Wish I Was Here
(Focus)
Zach Braff (director-star),
Release Date: July 18
Braff raised $3 million from fans to back this family drama, which stars Kate Hudson and Mandy Patinkin.