We’re almost in October, so that means we can look forward to indie horror films trying to squeeze themselves onto the release schedule.  We get two this week, along with a pair of interesting documentaries and some other indie and foreign releases.  As always, check your local art house theaters to see when these might be coming to your area.

WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

A horrific family drama from director Jim Mickle (he directed the sci-fi/horror films Stake Land and Mulberry Street), We Are What We Are is about a family that keeps to itself because it adheres to traditions that modern society would doubtlessly reject. However, life begans to change for the daughters of the family when a storm hits their town and it becomes harder to keep family secrets to themselves.  So far, reviews have been very positive for this one.

AS I LAY DYING

Perhaps the most humorous aspect of this adaptation of William Faulkner’s classic 1930 novel – which has never been previously adapted – is that it was recently re-released with James Franco’s photo on the cover to coincide with the film’s release.  Franco not only stars but also wrote the screenplay and directed the film.  It’s gotten so-so reviews from critics so far after debuting at this year’s Cannes, so perhaps Franco bit off more than he can chew at this point of his career.

INEQUALITY FOR ALL (Documentary)

In the wake of the economic recession that started in 2008, one of the results of the “recovery” is that the economic gap is getting wider.  In other words, the mega-rich are getting richer and the middle class are getting poorer or, at best, seeing little economic growth.  Inequality For All follows Robert Reich, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton, as he looks at the problems caused by this economic disparity.  It won a Special Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance, where it premiered to rave reviews.

THE CITIZEN

Despite playing at a number of film festivals, few reviews on The Citizen have come out yet.  But it’s undoubtedly harrowing material about an Arab immigrant who arrives in New York City on September 10, 2001.  Based on a true story and co-written/directed by first time feature filmmaker Sam Kadi, this drama can be difficult to stomach at times for those who remember the fearful aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.

OUT IN THE DARK

Similar to last weekend’s Zaytoun, Out in the Dark is about the unlikely relationship between an Israeli and a Palestinian.  However, where this film differs is that it isn’t about the friendship between a man  and a boy, this is about the hidden forbidden romance between two men.  It has won a number of awards at international film festivals after premiering at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, though some critics have called it a bit predictable.

DARK TOUCH

Dark Touch is a horror film about the evil of child abuse and how a frightened, abused child uses her telekinesis to get revenge on those who seek to harm her… and even help her.  I saw it at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, and it honestly was one of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve ever had watching a movie — and I don’t mean that in a good way.  Not for the faint of heart, or maybe anyone with a heart at all.

MUSCLE SHOALS (Documentaries)

Muscle Shoals, Alabama might be the music industry’s best-kept secret.  After all, who would ever expect that some of the most soulful music ever,  recorded was done in two small recording studios in a tiny town in Alabama?  This documentary talks to some of music’s biggest legends as they tell the story of how FAME Studios became one of the most successful recording studios in the history of rock music.  I’ve seen dozens of music documentaries, and this is one of my recent favorites.

ON THE JOB

MORNING

THERESE