Dark Comedy ‘Buddy’, Thriller ‘Colony’, John Boorman Doc Hit Theaters – Specialty Preview
News Source
•Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:30:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
New independent films hit theatres this weekend, the second-last of summer. Dark comedy Buddy opens on 1,258 screens from Roadside Attractions. It is set inside a fake 1990s kids TV show where a unicorn named Buddy, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key, spreads happiness until a child refuses to play along.
Korean zombie thriller Colony opens from the director of Train to Busan, Yeon Sang-ho. A virus breaks out at a biotech conference and survivors fight for their lives inside a sealed facility. It premiered at Cannes.
Other releases include raunchy road-trip comedy Idiots, a Power Rangers reunion film Legend of the White Dragon, and rom-com Finding Emily, which held screenings only for people named Emily.
🔍 The Backstory
Specialty preview is how distributors test small films before wider releases. Buddy earned a Certified Fresh 87 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes after premiering at Sundance. A viral video of Buddy ambushing a movie theatre employee helped build buzz.
Train to Busan turned Yeon Sang-ho into a global horror name. A remastered version of the 2016 film was released this month for its 10th anniversary, which helps Colony's opening.
Finding Emily comes from the producers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. The marketing stunt of screening it only for people named Emily drew attention in Los Angeles and New York.
🎯 Why It Matters
Big blockbusters get all the noise, but indie films often become cultural favourites. Weekend specialty releases show there is room for smart, weird and heartfelt stories. Watching them also supports smaller theatres.
New independent films hit theatres this weekend, the second-last of summer. Dark comedy Buddy opens on 1,258 screens from Roadside Attractions. It is set inside a fake 1990s kids TV show where a unicorn named Buddy, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key, spreads happiness until a child refuses to play along.
Korean zombie thriller Colony opens from the director of Train to Busan, Yeon Sang-ho. A virus breaks out at a biotech conference and survivors fight for their lives inside a sealed facility. It premiered at Cannes.
Other releases include raunchy road-trip comedy Idiots, a Power Rangers reunion film Legend of the White Dragon, and rom-com Finding Emily, which held screenings only for people named Emily.
Specialty preview is how distributors test small films before wider releases. Buddy earned a Certified Fresh 87 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes after premiering at Sundance. A viral video of Buddy ambushing a movie theatre employee helped build buzz.
Train to Busan turned Yeon Sang-ho into a global horror name. A remastered version of the 2016 film was released this month for its 10th anniversary, which helps Colony's opening.
Finding Emily comes from the producers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. The marketing stunt of screening it only for people named Emily drew attention in Los Angeles and New York.
Big blockbusters get all the noise, but indie films often become cultural favourites. Weekend specialty releases show there is room for smart, weird and heartfelt stories. Watching them also supports smaller theatres.