A decade-old friendship gets put to the test across some of Scotland’s most punishing terrain.

The North follows Chris, a Dutchman (Bart Harder), and Lluis, a Spaniard (Carles Pulido), as they reconnect for a 330-mile trek through the Scottish Highlands along the West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail. The reunion carries both excitement and uncertainty, and the hike becomes more than just a physical challenge. Between stunning mountain views, creekside camps, relentless rain, and encounters with fellow travelers searching for something, the journey takes on a rhythm all its own.

The film was shot over 16 consecutive days with a skeleton crew of just six people, all hiking and camping in real time. There’s no added score, just the sound of wind, water, and footsteps. It’s a bold choice that pulls you into the experience rather than cueing you how to feel.

The North clocked a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its theatrical run, a strong sign that audiences are hungry for stories that strip things down. Director Bart Schrijver, along with Pulido and sound designer Tom Holscher, will appear for post-screening Q&As in NYC on October 9th and 10th.

For indie filmmakers looking to capture something real without the gloss, this one’s worth studying. Sometimes all you need is two people, a trail, and a microphone.

Willem Dafoe leads a Mediterranean-set psychological thriller that just hit Lionsgate+ on Prime Video.

The Birthday Party follows Marcos Timoleon, an Aristotle Onassis-style tycoon throwing a lavish bash for his daughter Sofia on his private island in the late 1970s. The party becomes a powder keg when Sofia arrives with news of her own, just as her controlling father secretly plots a major decision about her future.

Writer-director Miguel Ángel Jiménez crafted the drama around the clash between Marcos and Sofia as the party spirals into chaos. The cast includes Vic Carmen Sonne, Joe Cole, Emma Suárez, and Carlos Cuevas. Producers Giorgos Karnavas, Adria Mones, Erik Glijnis, Leontine Petit, and Kurban Kassam brought the 103-minute feature to life.

The film taps into themes of power, control, and family secrets, set against the Mediterranean backdrop. As guests arrive and night falls, the decadent celebration builds toward what the filmmakers describe as a heartbreaking climax.

Lionsgate+ offers the film ad-free as part of its $6.99 monthly subscription on Prime Video, with a seven-day free trial available. The service positions itself as the streaming home for Lionsgate’s extensive catalog of dramas, action franchises, and comedies.

For indie filmmakers, it’s another example of how talent-driven thrillers can find their audience through streaming platforms, even without a traditional theatrical run.

Paul Greengrass brought his signature gritty realism to medieval England, and now you can watch it at home.

“The Uprising” just landed on digital, with 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and a limited edition Steelbook arriving November 3. The film stars Andrew Garfield as the leader of a rebellion against King Richard II, drawing from the true events that inspired the Robin Hood legend.

Greengrass, known for “Captain Phillips” and the Bourne films, turns his visceral style on 1381 England. The result is what Screenrant called “a riveting cinematic epic” that puts audiences right in the middle of the revolt.

The home release comes loaded with bonus material. There’s behind-the-scenes footage with Garfield and Greengrass breaking down the film’s historical roots, plus looks at the detailed sets and costumes that transformed modern locations into 14th-century England. Eight deleted scenes round out the extras.

It’s a story about ordinary people standing up to power, the kind of underdog tale that resonates whether it’s set in the Middle Ages or today. And with Greengrass’s documentary-like approach, it feels less like a costume drama and more like you’re there in the mud and chaos.

For filmmakers looking to blend historical accuracy with modern energy, this one’s worth studying.