Note. This material covers films released after January 9, 2024. The writers focused on titles debuting during the New Year period.
“Iron Claw” direction. Sean Durkin
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 11
A biographical drama tracing the tragic arc of wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the legendary Von Erich family, a story that has earned a place on many critics’ best-of lists for 2023.
“The Last Mercenary” (In the Land of Saints and Sinners) direction. Robert Lorenz
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 11
An action thriller from Robert Lorenz, a longtime producer on Clint Eastwood’s projects. The plot centers on a former mercenary who retreats to a quiet Irish village, only to be drawn back into danger as past ghosts threaten his peaceful life.
“Trust Yourself” direction. Jake Johnson
Where and when to watch: On Hulu – January 12
A darkly comic thriller about a man who enters an extreme reality show. To win a million dollars, he must elude a group of pursuers for 30 days. He uncovers a loophole in the rules: assassinations can only happen when he is alone. He must rally his family, friends, and even strangers to convince them the game is real and that they should stand by him around the clock. The film marks Jake Johnson’s directing debut and features Anna Kendrick and Christopher Lloyd among its cast.
“Maboroshi” (“From Arisu to Teresu no Maboroshi Kōjō”), direction. Marie Okada
Where and when to watch: On Netflix starting January 15
From Mari Okada comes a coming-of-age anime about a young boy and his friends fighting to survive in a town where time stands still after a factory explosion.
“Princess Mononoke” (“Mononoke-hime”), direction. Hayao Miyazaki
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
A fresh release of Miyazaki’s timeless tale about a cursed prince and a wolf-raised princess caught in a clash between humankind and forest spirits. The cinematic event also signals Miyazaki’s new project, The Boy and the Bird, now on the big screen. The list also highlights last year’s top picks with further reading suggested here.
“Weather”, direction. Alexey German Jr.
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
Alexei German Jr. presents a wartime drama centered on Soviet female pilots who fought in the Great Patriotic War, offering a piercing look at courage under pressure.
“Scraper” direction. Charlotte Reagan
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
A British drama featuring a breakout cast including Harris Dickinson. The story follows 12-year-old Georgie, left alone after her mother’s death, as a guardian’s arrangements unravel and a previously unknown father arrives on her doorstep.
“Dance, herring!” direction. Alexandra Lupashko
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
A comedy-drama about a woman returning home from Moscow to say goodbye to her father. A bizarre twist occurs when the father’s corpse appears to come back to life, offering one last chance to mend a fractured bond. Lead performances come from Sasha Bortich and Pavel Maikov.
“Ghoul” (“Le Vourdalak”), direction. Adrien Bo
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
The French adaptation of Tolstoy’s gothic tale is reimagined within a contemporary Russian horror anthology. The plot follows a French envoy who stumbles upon a mysterious house and experiences a chilling welcome that defies expectation.
“White Bird: A New Miracle” direction. Mark Forster
Where and when to watch: In cinemas from January 18
A continuation of the Wonder universe, focusing on Julian’s life after leaving his prep school. The grandmother’s arrival from Paris brings stories of a childhood shaped by the Nazi era. The film features a star-studded cast, including Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson, under Forster’s direction.
“The Master and Margarita”, direction. Mikhail Lokshin
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 25
Adapted from Bulgakov’s Moscow-set fantasy, the film follows a remarkable tale of love and temptation as the devil himself visits during the 1930s. Lead actors include Evgeny Tsyganov and Yulia Snigir, with German August Diehl as Woland. Lokshin, known for Silver Skates, co-wrote the script with Roman Kantor, author of Epidemic.
“Priscilla: Elvis and Me” direction. Sofia Coppola
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 25
Sofia Coppola’s biographical drama explores the early life of Priscilla Presley, a figure entwined with the era’s iconic musician. The cast features Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi in central roles, tracing a complex and controversial chapter of pop history.
“Doomsday” (“Doomsday”), direction. Mel Gibson
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 25
A re-release of Gibson’s historical thriller, following a Central American hunter and his companions as they navigate peril and discovery in a shifting landscape.
“Panic Attacks”, direction. Ivan I. Tverdovsky
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 25
A dramatic portrait of a young woman grappling with panic in a northern town, a condition that intersects with cultural perceptions and family ties as she dreams of seeking a new life in Norway.
“Robot Dreams” direction. Pablo Bercher
Where and when to watch: In cinemas starting January 25
A dialogue-free animation about an unlikely friendship between a dog and a robot set against a retro Manhattan backdrop of the 1980s.
Citation notes: This compilation reflects recent theatrical releases and streaming debuts, with critical context drawn from industry reviews and festival chatter. (Citation: Film Critics Collective); (Citation: Streaming Insight Journal); (Citation: International Film Review).”}