Here are this year’s must-see motion pictures, from the first man on the moon to young Han Solo.
1. Phantom Thread
The latest film from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) is allegedly Daniel Day-Lewis’s last. Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a London dressmaker in the 1950s, who engages in a love affair with Alma, played by Vicky Krieps, a spirited waitress. Much like There Will Be Blood, this film is for the patient viewer, but the reward is sheer visual delight and elegance. Now in theaters.
Photo courtesy of Vox
2. The Insult
This Lebanese film, nominated for best foreign language film at the Oscars, is about a Christian Lebanese man who sues a Palestinian man in Beirut. Their conflict over an illegal drain pipe that needs fixing may seem trivial, but the case becomes a symbol for the struggles between ethnic groups in Lebanon. The subject matter is weighty, but thankfully not depressing. In fact, this film may spark some hope in humanity, if you happen to have none. In theaters January 12.
Photo courtesy of Variety
3. The Darkest Hour
In the latest World War II drama (which takes place not long after the events in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk), Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill, in his finest role to date. It’s the early months of the war, and Churchill must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight against him. Besides Oldman, who may be the best cinema Churchill yet, the rest of the cast is impressive: Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Ben Mendelsohn, to name a few. Oldman has already won a Golden Globe for his performance. What will he win next? Now in theaters.
Photo courtesy of Variety
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Although this highly-anticipated film has been marred by rumors of conflict on set, including the replacement of directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller with safe bet Ron Howard, this is, after all, a Star Wars Story. That could mean a thrilling space adventure, full of Han-style debauchery and smuggling. Donald Glover plays Han’s famous companion and traitor, Lando Calrissian, and Alden Ehrenreich (Rules Don’t Apply; Hail, Caesar!) is Solo himself. This film could either be a jumbled mess or a nerf-herding masterpiece. In theaters May 25.
Photo courtesy of Collider
5. First Man
Although details on this film have been kept fairly secret, the little known is enough to get it on this list. It’s directed by virtuoso Damien Chazelle (Whiplash; La La Land), and stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. It reportedly centers around the Apollo 11 moon landing as well as Armstrong’s life. This director/actor pairing worked once, so why not again? In theaters October 12.
Photo Courtesy of Deadline
6. Annihilation
On the sinister side of sci-fi, director Alex Garland’s new offer is Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac as biologists. The film looks frightening and bizarre, which is everything we hope for after Garland’s debut film, Ex Machina. If you were a fan of that film, or Interstellar, or Arrival, this one is sure to surprise. In theaters February 23.
Photo courtesy of Observer
7. Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs is Wes Anderson’s latest directorial project, and, harking back to Fantastic Mr. Fox, it’s a stop-motion animated picture. This time Anderson has put a Japanese twist on his typically American and Euro-centric style. His usual cast, including Edward Norton and Bill Murray, is present, along with a few new names like Scarlett Johansson and Frances McDormand to name but two. In theaters March 23.
Photo courtesy of NME
8. Mary, Queen of Scots
In an interesting historical drama, Mary Stuart attempts to overthrow her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) is Mary and Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) is Elizabeth. With these two powerful actresses, serious Elizabethan betrayal, imprisonment, and execution is sure to ensue. In theaters November 2.
Photo courtesy of Frock Flicks
9. Red Sparrow
Action thrillers about Russian spies are bound to be worth investigating, and this picture doesn’t appear to be any different. Jennifer Lawrence is a kind of neo-KGB spy who uses every bloody trick to get results, not limited to sex and violence. She must go after a CIA agent, played by Joel Edgerton, which could mean the destruction of both world powers. At this point in our rocky relationship with Russia, we could use a Skyfall-meets-The Manchurian Candidate. In theaters March 2.
Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
10. Bohemian Rhapsody
The highly anticipated Freddie Mercury biopic is making headlines yet again, due to (former) director Bryan Singer’s sacking. Not much is known about this film, except that Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) has been cast as Mr. Mercury. This film makes the list because it could turn out to be completely unworthy of Queen’s legacy, or it turn out to be an instant classic, worthy of its title. In theaters December 25.
Photo courtesy of Planet Rock