Sound Of My Voice

This little indie gem rocked me when I first saw it during Sundance last year (we’re talking “walked the long way home, through the snow, lost in my own thoughts” rocked me), and it has stayed with me ever since. The simple conceit of a couple infiltrating a cult by joining it was compelling enough to get it added to my must-see list during the fest, but I was not prepared for how the story would take hold of me and leave me wanting to immediately to re-play the moment the credits came up. I happily forked over my money for that re-watch when it hit theaters earlier this year and I encourage everyone who is a fan of movies that leave with more questions than when you began (or even simply fans of indie films) to add this one to your must-see lists as well. Plus Brit Marling’s performance in this defines captivating and will give you a jump on the discussion when her name inevitably starts getting tossed around as a serious talent to watch. (And she helped write the darn thing!) – Allison Loring

Take This Waltz

In the hands of anyone else but Sarah Polley, Take This Waltz and its steaming, seething, overripe tale of infidelity in its many forms would likely be the feel-bad ickfest of the summer, but Polley (and particularly her wonderful leading lady, Michelle Williams) has crafted a richly emotional and relatable tale about dreams (and romances) deferred. Perhaps not to be seen with your significant other, Take This Waltz is the best relationship drama of the year and is more than due one (or more) watches by anyone who has ever been in – and then out – of love. – Kate Erbland

Your Sister’s Sister

Though this film merely tells a small story about three people sharing a weekend in a confined space and navigating their tangled relationships, it’s also got several things going for it that should have earned it more than the typical indie film limited-release-with-minimal-marketing. It’s a Lynn Shelton (Humpday) movie, so you know it’s going to be amusing and insightful, but it also stars that funny guy people like watching on The League (Mark Duplass) and that pretty British girl who Roger Sterling didn’t want Matt Damon to end up with in that one movie (Emily Blunt). These are marketable stars who, when added to Rosemarie DeWitt, become a trio of talented performers whose chemistry makes this material soar. Just give audiences a taste of Duplass’ Revenge of the Nerds eulogy that opens this film and they would be hooked, let them get to the emotional depths of the third act and they’d be glad that they were. – Nathan Adams