IFC Films

CHICAGO – In an extraordinary flash of timing, the new French film “Happening” gets a general release in select theaters on May 13th, right in the midst of an another abortion debate in the U.S. The story of a young woman seeking the procedure in 1963 features Anamarie Varolomei and is adapted by director Audrey Diwan. They spoke to HollywoodChicago.com.

CHICAGO – One of the great indie films of 2021 is “The Novice,” written and directed by Lauren Hadaway, and featuring Isabelle Fuhrman. This intimate and fascinating look at female student athletes in crew (rowing) has many underlying themes and relationships. It opens at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago on December 26th. See below for details.

CHICAGO – Creating a complex story and delivering it in a spectacular way was the accomplishment of two self-described “best friends.” Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe are the co-writers, directors and friends of the new film “The Beta Test” – releasing November 5th, 2021 – a thriller that takes on the darker side of human motivations.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on the new filmmaker-on-filmmaker narrative film “Bergman Island” – the first English language film by Mia Hansen Løve – currently in select theaters, see local listings for theaters and show times.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 24th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Werewolves Within,” in theaters beginning June 25th, and through Video-On-Demand July 2nd.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on the new film “Holler,” an IFC Films new release about a brother and sister trying to survive in a dying factory town. In select theaters and through Video On Demand beginning June 11th, 2021.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review, a perspective on “My Salinger Year,” a new release adaptation of the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff. The Salinger is of course J.D. Salinger, the legendary author and recluse. In theaters and through VOD beginning March 5th, 2021.

CHICAGO – Now that the socially distanced Thanksgiving is past us, it’s time to turn to Christmas and the films that are associated with that holiday. Documentary director Dana Nachman has a series of emotional and true stories in her latest film “Dear Santa,” an overview of a gift-giving charity that starts with a child’s letter.

CHICAGO – When a prominent and influential producer made the transition into solo directing, she sought stories that matched her intuitive and natural passions. Lydia Dean Pilcher chose “A Call to Spy,” a World War II-era drama that focuses on three women who defied their obstacles and became early war heroes.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 1st, 2020, reviewing the new films On the Rocks” (In select theaters October 2nd and on AppleTV+ starting October 23rd.) and “A Call to Spy” (In theaters & Video-On-Demand).