7) The Overnighters (Oct. 10)
One of the year’s most awaited documentary titles after it debuted to rapturous reviews at Sundance, The Overnighters will finally get a release this fall. It may not have the easy appeal of other October films, but this compassionate, compelling glimpse into faith and community in North Dakota could be a major player in the Best Documentary race.
The film focuses on a small town as its recovers from the recession. To work on an oil rig in the town of Williston, North Dakota is a second chance for many beleaguered Americans. However, not everyone is so lucky to make a living, and so the town’s pastor, Jay Reinke, tries to help those who are still looking for work, shelter and safety in the program that gives the film its name. The Overnighters is already being heralded as evoking the spirit of John Steinbeck, with an inspiring, contemporary take on the search for the American Dream. Among filmmakers, it is being compared to the works of Errol Morris.
It is very easy for a filmmaker to poke fun at religion in the modern world, so it is a relief to see a documentary explore the role of faith in a way that is mature, complex and heartbreaking. 2014 has not been a very good years for successful documentaries; among limited releases, the highest-grossing title is Tim’s Vermeer. Without many high-profile players for the Oscar, expect a strong push from critics, and distributor Drafthouse Films, throughout the season.
Filled with sympathy but also story surprises – that reviews for this title do a good job of hiding – The Overnighters should be a major players for the Documentary Oscar.