Capsule reviews for Sept. 6

Edie

Sheila Hancock shines in the title role, but this British drama about aging and redemption is more admirable for its life-affirming intention than sentimental execution. Hancock plays a stubborn octogenarian facing a lifetime of regret over her devotion to her domineering late husband. Seeking self-discovery, she challenges herself to climb a mountain in the Scottish Highlands, reluctantly trusting a young guide (Kevin Guthrie) along the way. The film deserves credit for not turning its protagonist into simply a bumbling geriatric or a bitter old crank. Yet its inspiring message of empowerment would have been more persuasive if Edie’s adventure was more grounded in reality. (Not rated, 102 minutes).

Ms. Purple

Both culturally specific and universally relevant, this richly textured drama from director Justin Chon (Gook) is appropriately mournful without wallowing in cheap sentiment. It takes place in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, where a female escort (Tiffany Chu) needs help in tending to her dying father. So she calls her estranged brother (Teddy Lee), whose caretaking methods are reckless but who shares her desire to reconcile under the circumstances. Some viewers might find the deliberately paced material too bleak, but behind that emotional hurdle is a sharply observed portrait of grief and family strife that benefits from Chon’s sensitive direction and stylish visual approach. (Not rated, 87 minutes).

Night Hunter

Lacking the narrative dexterity to balance elements of a psychothriller and a police procedural, this bland crime drama squanders its intriguing premise with formulaic execution. It follows a troubled Minnesota detective (Henry Cavill) trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter while becoming caught up in a murder investigation As a profiler (Alexandra Daddario) tries to extract clues from their suspect (Brendan Fletcher), their efforts are hindered by a vigilante (Ben Kingsley) trying to combat online predators. Rookie director David Raymond managed to lure a talented ensemble cast, although his convoluted script too often falls back on violent and preposterous twists rather than providing genuine suspense. (Rated R, 98 minutes).

Satanic Panic

It’s not funny enough to be campy or scary enough to be thrilling, but this subversive low-budget horror flick certainly doesn’t skimp on the gore, for what that’s worth. The story tracks a Dallas pizza delivery driver (Hayley Griffith) miffed about being shortchanged on a tip at a suburban mansion. So she confronts the owner, only to be sucked into a satanic cult whose leader (Rebecca Romijn) is looking for a virgin to sacrifice. Her attempted escape only leads to more trouble in this high-energy throwback feature debut for director Chelsea Stardust, which doesn’t provide much meaningful subtext amid the barrage of gross-out gags. (Not rated, 85 minutes).

Strange But True

A first-rate cast is squandered in this oddly titled domestic drama that examines the emotional complexities of grief and fractured families before exploiting them for cheap thrills. Five years after Ronnie’s death, his ex-girlfriend (Margaret Qualley) is pregnant and claims that the deceased teen is somehow the father. Ronnie’s bitter mother (Amy Ryan) is in disbelief, blaming her doctor ex-husband (Greg Kinnear). Ronnie’s brother (Nick Robinson) doesn’t buy into the conspiracy, and his quest for the truth reveals dark secrets that threaten them all. An intriguing premise is compromised by a series of increasingly preposterous second-half twists. The cast includes Brian Cox and Blythe Danner. (Rated PG-13, 96 minutes).