With a new year comes a new crop of must-see blockbusters to populate your favorite multiplex from now until next Oscar Bait SZN™. We've already detailed which among the hundreds of movies deserve the most attention (as well as the ones that don't), but as any halfway cinephile knows, that list goes deeper than sequels, superheroes, and franchises. A new year also means new indies—the smaller films, most of which are destined for cult status, and that's only if they can snag a wide release date at all. To try and slot those in amongst the big boys would be unjust and overshadowing, so we're narrowing the spotlight. Here are all the VOD gems, indies finally going wide, and brand spanking new releases that you need to pay attention to if you're really about this Film Nerd life.
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus
What We Do in the Shadows
'71
Faults
Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter
It Follows
While We're Young
Director: Noah Baumbach
Stars: Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Grodin, Brady Corbet, Adam Horovitz, Maria Dizzia
Release date: March 27
White God
True Story
Ex Machina
Felt
Eden
Knight of Cups
Zeroville
Spring
The Nightmare
Dope
The End of the Tour
99 Homes
High-Rise
In a Valley of Violence
Green Room
Sleeping With Other People
Director: Leslye Headland
Stars: Alison Brie, Jason Sudeikis, Natasha Lyonne, Amanda Peet, Adam Scott, Marc Blucas, Jason Mantzoukas, Daniella Pineda, Andrea Savage
Release date: Premieres at the Sundance Film Festival