Critics’ picks, September 20–26, 2012

1. Damsels in Distress
Dir. Whit Stillman. 2011. PG-13. 99mins. Greta Gerwig, Analeigh Tipton, Adam Brody, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Carrie MacLemore.
It’s college frat comedy, Stillman style. In other words, expect both toga parties and hyper-articulate dialogue from the Metropolitan director’s first feature in 13 years. Available on demand widely Tue 25.

2. Shit Year
Dir. Cam Archer. 2010. N/R. 95mins. Ellen Barkin, Luke Grimes, Melora Walters, Bob Einstein.
Barkin delivers a bravely unglamorous performance in this strange and nonlinear melodrama, timidly retitled S Year for VOD consumption. Available on demand widely.

3. Munger Road
Dir. Nicholas Smith. 2011. PG-13. 85mins. Bruce Davison, Brooke Peoples, Randall Batinkoff, Trevor Morgan.
There are shades of Halloween in this sensationally scary, locally made horror film, about teenagers heading out into the woods of St. Charles, Illinois, the night a child murderer has escaped from prison. Available on demand widely.