This weekend’s specialty box office highlights a vibrant lineup of independent releases, headlined by the exclusive theatrical launch of Prime Minister, the acclaimed Sundance Audience Award-winning documentary by Magnolia Pictures. The film opens in 56 AMC theaters, with plans to expand to Laemmle locations and select arthouses in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister: A Political Portrait with Global Resonance
Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, Prime Minister chronicles the leadership of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a period of unprecedented global crisis. The film follows her journey through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Christchurch mosque shooting, and major legislative milestones including a semi-automatic weapons ban and the decriminalization of abortion.
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The documentary captures Ardern’s unique personal story as well — from assuming the highest office at age 37 while pregnant, to navigating public life as a new mother and leader. Today, she continues to influence public policy as an author and Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Women and Public Policy Program. AMC previewed the documentary across nearly 100 theaters, including a special Q&A with Ardern and CNN’s Abby Phillip.
Magnolia acquired the rights to Prime Minister from the Sundance Film Festival in collaboration with HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films.
Other Noteworthy Indie Openings
The Unholy Trinity, a western from Roadside Attractions, enters moderate release across 771 screens. Directed by Richard Gray and written by Lee Zachariah, the film stars Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Brandon Lessard. Set in 1870s Montana, the narrative follows Henry, a young man tasked with killing the man who framed his father. He finds himself torn between a moral sheriff (Brosnan) and a shadowy figure named St. Christopher (Jackson).
Tatami, an Israeli-Iranian sports drama that premiered at Venice, opens at IFC Center in New York. Directed by Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, the film tells the story of Leila, an Iranian judoka who defies her government’s orders during the World Championships. Based on real stories of athletes like Sadaf Khadem and Kimia Alizadeh, the film explores themes of resistance, identity, and the cost of personal freedom.
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Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible, a documentary about the legendary Scottish rock band, launches at IFC Center. Directed by Joss Crowley, the film coincides with the group’s North American tour. Featuring insights from band members Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, the documentary reflects on the group’s journey from Glasgow to global stardom.
Sex, the second film in Dag Johan Haugerud’s Oslo Trilogy, debuts at Film Forum. Following Love, which opened earlier this year, this installment delves into themes of gender and identity through the experiences of two Oslo chimney sweeps. Strand Releasing will conclude the trilogy with Dreams later this year.
Also from Strand Releasing is Meeting With Pol Pot, Rithy Panh’s reflective documentary that premiered at Cannes. It offers a nuanced look at political memory and post-war Cambodia.
Genre Spotlight: Cult Thriller
House of Abraham, a psychological thriller directed by Lisa Belcher, opens at LOOK Cinema NYC via Abramorama. The story follows a woman seeking solace in a mysterious cult, only to discover sinister truths beneath the surface. The cast includes Natasha Henstridge and Lin Shaye.
With Prime Minister leading the way and a diverse mix of international dramas, music documentaries, and genre films filling out the calendar, the specialty film scene continues to offer compelling alternatives to mainstream fare.
