Coming to an indie cinema near you this November
November 2017 brought a striking slate of independent films to screens, each carrying its own distinct voice and perspective. From intimate character studies to bold genre experiments, the lineup reflected the range of stories that defined the indie cinema circuit that season.
The Light of the Moon Directed by: Jessica M. Thompson Distributed by: Imagination Worldwide Synopsis: The Light of the Moon is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of relationships in the face of a tragedy. US release date: 1 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
Last Flag Flying Directed by: Richard Linklater Distributed by: Amazon Studios Synopsis: In 2003, 30 years after they served together in the Vietnam War, former Navy Corps medic Richard “Doc” Shepherd reunites with ex-Marines Sal and Mueller on a different type of mission: to bury Doc’s son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War. US release date: 3 November, 2017 UK release date: 26 January, 2018 Watch the trailer now
Most Beautiful Island Directed by: Ana Asensio Distributed by: Samuel Goldwyn Films Synopsis: A psychological thriller set in the world of undocumented female immigrants hoping to make a life in New York City. US release date: 3 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
Lady Bird Directed by: Greta Gerwig Distributed by: A24 Films Synopsis: Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. US release date: 3 November, 2017 UK release date: 16 February, 2018 Watch the trailer now
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Directed by: Martin McDonagh Distributed by: Fox Searchlight Synopsis: After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter’s murder case, Mildred Hayes makes a bold move, commissioning three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby, the town’s revered chief of police. US release date: 10 November, 2017 UK release date: 12 January, 2018 Watch the trailer now
Mayhem Directed by: Joe Lynch Distributed by: RLJ Entertainment Synopsis: In Mayhem, an airborne virus infects the corporate tower of a major law firm on the day attorney Derek Saunders is wrongfully fired. US release date: 10 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
In Between Directed by: Maysaloun Hamoud Distributed by: Film Movement Synopsis: In Between follows the lives of three strong and independent-minded Israeli-Palestinian women who share an apartment in Tel Aviv. US release date: 10 November, 2017 UK release date: 22 September, 2017 Watch the trailer now
Santa & Andrés Directed by: Carlos Lechuga Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures Synopsis: The story of an improbable friendship between a revolutionary country girl and a noncompliant gay writer she has to watch over for three consecutive days. US release date: 10 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
Mudbound Directed by: Dee Rees Distributed by: Netflix Synopsis: Set in the post-WWII South, Mudbound is an epic story of two families pitted against a barbaric social hierarchy and an unrelenting landscape as they simultaneously fight the battle at home and the battle abroad. US release date: 17 November, 2017 UK release date: 17 November, 2017 Watch the trailer now
Sweet Virginia Directed by: Jamie M. Dagg Distributed by: IFC Films Synopsis: A mysterious stranger sends shockwaves through a close-knit community in this nerve-jangling slice of raw suspense. US release date: 17 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
Wonder Directed by: Stephen Chbosky Distributed by: Lionsgate Synopsis: Based on the New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. US release date: 17 November, 2017 UK release date: 1 December, 2017 Watch the trailer now
The Florida Project Directed by: Sean Baker Distributed by: A24 Film Synopsis: Set on a stretch of highway just outside the imagined utopia of Disney World, The Florida Project follows six-year-old Moonee and her rebellious mother Halley over the course of a single summer. The two live week to week at “The Magic Castle,” a budget motel managed by Bobby, whose stern exterior hides a deep reservoir of kindness and compassion. US release date: TBC UK release date: 10 November, 2017 Watch the trailer now
I Love You, Daddy Directed by: Louis C.K. Distributed by: The Orchard Synopsis: A bittersweet comedy about successful TV writer/producer Glen Topher, who panics when his spoiled 17-year-old daughter China starts spending time with 68-year-old Leslie Goodwin, a legendary film director with a reputation for dating underage girls. US release date: 17 November, 2017 UK release date: TBC Watch the trailer now
Call Me By Your Name Directed by: Luca Guadagnino Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics Synopsis: A sensual and transcendent tale of first love, based on the acclaimed novel by André Aciman. US release date: 24 November, 2017 UK release date: 27 October, 2017 Watch the trailer now
Awards Recognition and Legacy
Lady Bird, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Mudbound, Call Me by Your Name, and The Florida Project all received Academy Award nominations or wins. Mudbound marked a historic first with Rachel Morrison’s cinematography nomination, the first time a woman earned that distinction in the category.
Box Office and Commercial Performance
Wonder grossed $315 million worldwide. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri grossed over $162 million worldwide. Lady Bird grossed nearly $80 million, becoming A24’s highest-grossing film at the time.
Distribution and Platform Shifts
Mudbound released day-and-date on Netflix. I Love You, Daddy’s planned release was canceled following allegations against its director-star, with the film having premiered at TIFF but seeing limited or no wide theatrical distribution.
Critical Reception Highlights
Lady Bird maintained near-perfect scores, holding a 99 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes for an extended period. Most Beautiful Island earned a 93 percent score on the same platform.
These titles, once positioned as upcoming releases for independent theaters, now form part of a documented chapter in indie cinema history. Their combined awards, box office results, and distribution stories illustrate how the 2017 slate moved from festival circuits and limited runs into lasting cultural conversation.
