Half a dozen new indie releases compete for attention this weekend, May 17-19:

• Sightseers. A black comedy about an English couple who take a trip to the countryside that turns murderous. I think so highly of Ben Wheatley’s first two films, Down Terrace and Kill List, that I believe a blind recommendation is warranted. Not previewed. (Landmark Magnolia)
• The Iceman. Michael Shannon gives a powerhouse performance as a cold-blooded killer / family man. With Ray Liotta and Winona Ryder; directed by Ariel Vroman. Recommended with reservations. Reviewed here. (Angelika Dallas, Angelika Plano)
• Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. Ostensibly a documentary, this plays like an advertorial for rich people who love high-fashion clothing. Directed by Michael Miehle. Not recommended. Reviewed here.  (Angelika Dallas)
• Black Rock. Three women travel to a deserted wilderness island to relax and reconnect, but an unexpected encounter with three war veterans turns into a weekend of terror. With Kate Aselton, Lake Bell, and Kate Bosworth; directed by Aselton. Not previewed. (Angelika Plano)
• Koch. Former New York City Major Ed Koch is profiled. Not previewed. (Angelika Dallas)
• Erased. Aaron Eckhart and Olga Kurylenko star in an action thriller. Not previewed. (Cinemark Hollywood USA)

Opening in wide release:

• Star Trek Into Darkness. The continuing adventures of the Starship Enterprise; this time, the crew is pitted against an implacable foe (Benedict Cumberbatch). Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, and Simon Pegg return, joined by Peter Weller and Alice Eve. Directed by J.J. Abrams. Recommended. Reviewed here.