There might not be any big-name movie releases this weekend, but there is still a good selection to choose from if you’re headed to the theaters. This week’s new releases include a drama about a Holocaust survivor harboring a secret for 60 years that forms a transformative relationship with a troubled teen, a thriller about the host of a paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings that are mysteriously sent her way, a thriller about three friends who have their road trip take a terrifying turn when they witness a murder in a gated community, and much more!
The Gates (R)
Three friends’ road trip turns terrifying when they witness a murder in a gated community. Trapped inside, hunted by residents who blame them, their bond fractures as a charismatic yet sinister patriarch closes in.
Directed by John Burr
Starring: Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, Keith Powers, James Van Der Beek, Brad Leland
Release date: March 13
The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth
A Holocaust survivor harboring a 60-year secret forms a transformative friendship with a troubled teen. Their connection helps both find healing as Herbert finally shares his past with Abby.
Directed by Finn Taylor
Starring: Stephen Lang, Elsie Fisher, Luke David Blumm, Robin Weigert, Slavko Sobin
Release date: March 11
Per Aspera Ad Astra
Futuristic technology “Good Dreams” lets people live out desires in dream reality. Crisis emerges from these dreams, unfolding quietly.
Directed by Yan Han, Channing Huang
Starring: Dylan Wang, Victoria Song, Feng Zu, Haiqiong Luo, Duo Wang
Release date: March 13
Reminders of Him (PG-13)
After prison, a woman attempts to reconnect with her young daughter but faces resistance from everyone except a bar owner with ties to her child. As they grow closer, she must confront her past mistakes to build a hopeful future.
Directed by Vanessa Caswill
Starring: Maika Monroe, Bradley Whitford, Tyriq Withers, Lauren Graham, Lainey Wilson
Release date: March 13
Saipan
On the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the Irish captain Roy Keane forfeits his place in the squad at the team’s preparation base in Saipan, following a heated disagreement with the Irish manager Mick McCarthy.
Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn
Starring: Éanna Hardwicke, Steve Coogan, Peter McDonald, Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish
Release date: March 13
Scared to Death
Jasper, a young filmmaker, seizes a chance to direct when his crew attends a seance in a haunted children’s shelter. Trapped inside, they’re haunted by ghostly orphans and a sinister force.
Directed by Paul Boyd
Starring: Lin Shaye, Bill Moseley, Olivier Paris, Victoria Konefal, Jade Chynoweth
Release date: March 13
Undertone (R)
The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
Directed by Ian Tuason
Starring: Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung
Release date: March 13
