The Brutalist
This Brady Corbet-directed epic is the one we are, hands-down, most excited to watch this month. An epic exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and creative vision, The Brutalist chronicles the journey of an architect and his wife as they pursue their dreams in post-war America. Sweeping and captivating, it delves into the creation of post-war America, examining the elements woven into its very foundation during its formative years. The story challenges viewers to consider whether the concept of ‘brutalism’ extends beyond architecture, probing the emotional and moral decay underlying the grand ideals of youth. In cinemas 24 January.
Nosferatu
This haunting Robert Eggers-directed reimagining of the 1922 horror classic stars Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult in gothic tale of the sinister vampire Count Orlok. Ellen (Depp) and Thomas (Hoult), a young couple deeply in love, find their lives turned upside down when Thomas is sent on a business trip to a remote region to close a property deal with the enigmatic Orlok. Against Ellen's heartfelt pleas for him to stay, Thomas embarks on the journey, unaware of the sinister forces awaiting him. As events unfold, both Thomas and Ellen become entangled in Orlok's dark and malevolent plans. A strange and unexplainable bond ties the Count to Ellen, threatening to unleash unspeakable terror unless they can find a way to thwart his malevolence. Expect moody visuals and spine-chilling suspense. In cinemas Jan 1.
Mickey 17
Oscar-winning South Korean director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, Memories Of Murder) brings, in his own words ‘the most human story’ he’s ever told to the big screen. He explains, ‘Ultimately, the story is about how pathetic humans can be. It’s almost like you can smell every human character in the film — their piss stains and their smelly socks.’ Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular Mickey, this is an existential sci-fi comedy, which sees him head out on a dangerous intergalactic colonisation mission on the proviso that he can be ‘re-printed’ every time he dies. Thought-provoking and darkly humorous. In cinemas Jan 31.
Wolf Man
In 2020, Leigh Whannell revitalised The Invisible Man as a gripping contemporary thriller. Now, he’s turning his attention to another vintage horror. Judging by the trailer, this adaptation doesn’t stray too far from familiar territory: a shadowy creature strikes in the forest, a secluded family struggles for survival in their remote home, a gravely injured father fights for his life, and there’s a heart-pounding moment featuring a broken-down truck that just won’t start. The tone is fierce and relentless, with Whannell taking a more visceral and biological approach to the monstrous transformation than previous iterations. In cinemas Jan 17.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
In Pantera: Den of Thieves 2, Gerard Butler’s grizzled lawman returns, this time navigating the shadowy underworld of Europe. His pursuit leads him to Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), now entangled with a ruthless network of diamond smugglers and the notorious Panther crime syndicate. As tensions rise, the stakes skyrocket with a daring plan to loot the globe’s most prominent diamond trading hub, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. In cinemas Jan 10.
A Real Pain
This poignant drama follows two cousins tracing their Jewish roots in Poland. Directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, alongside Succession’s magnificent Kieran Culkin, the story unfolds in a bittersweet blend of humour and unease, centred on David Kaplan (Eisenberg), a jittery New Yorker working in digital advertising. David’s tense, rapid-fire calls to his carefree and mischievous cousin Benji (Culkin) set the tone as the two prepare for a trip to Poland. The journey is driven by their late grandmother’s dying wish and their own unresolved feelings about the heavy legacy of history. Their grandmother, Dory, survived the horrors of the Holocaust as a Polish Jew and went on to rebuild her life, leaving behind a legacy that’s both inspiring and haunting. A Real Pain promises sharp wit and emotional depth. In cinemas January 10.
We Live In Time
John Crawley’s achingly romantic tale explores love, heartbreak, and the fleeting nature of time. With standout performances from Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this non-linear drama is sure to stir hearts and linger long after the credits roll. Do note: it deals with themes of grief and aggressive cancer diagnoses – just in case that all sounds a bit too much for the post-Christmas lull. In cinemas January 1.
