“Heaven Knows What” and “Man from Reno” open at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N. 13th St., on July 17. Both films run through July 23.

Grueling and rewarding in equal measure, “Heaven Knows What” hits hard and serves as a powerful calling card for its captivating star, Arielle Holmes. Directed by celebrated filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, “Heave Knows What” blends fiction, formalism and raw documentary as it follows a young heroin addict (Holmes) who finds mad love in the streets of New York. The film is based on Holmes’ soon-to-be-published memoir, Mad Love in New York City. Rated R.

“Man from Reno” rises on the strength of solid performances and a sharp script, adding up to a densely plotted neo-noir with some subtle twists. A stranger in the increasingly strange city of San Francisco, Japanese crime novelist Aki (Ayako Fujitani) is unsure of what role she has to play in a real-life murder mystery involving ambiguous MacGuffins and amorphous identities.Dave Boyle’s moody thriller uncovers exhilarating new takes on genre conventions. Consequently, it’s an alluring l’homme fatal who supplies Aki with the breadcrumb trail of clues that entices her into a labyrinthine plot of sinister dealings. In turn, the aging sheriff (Pepe Serna), who should be riding to her rescue, proves to be equally out of his depth. The game is afoot, the chase is exhilarating and the stakes are perilously high in this inspired neo-noir. Unrated.

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