Must-see movies
From a hilarious take on Stalin’s death to Han Solo’s origin story, these are the films to see in the next year, writes James Croot.
Never fear moviegoers – any proclamations that cinema is dead have been greatly exaggerated. I’ve seen the future (well, a few movies headed our way in 2018) and it’s looking bright. Quality dramas abound and there will be no shortage of movies to keep the multiplex crowd happy. After sifting through the forward lists to see what will be playing near you next year, I’ve come up with 20 must-sees.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, (January 1)
This Martin McDonagh ( In Bruges) black comedy focuses on one mother’s crusade to get justice for her daughter. Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Peter Dinklage star.
Darkest Hour, (January 11)
If you though Brian Cox’s performance in Churchill was good, just wait till you see Gary Oldman play the British prime minister in Joe Wright’s excellent World War II drama. Scripted by our own Anthony McCarten, this focuses on the tense days in May 1940 as the German forces began to sweep closer towards an attack on Britain.
The Post, (January 11)
A dream team of Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg combine for this based-on-fact political thriller which looks at the time when journalists from The Washington Post and The New York Times uncovered a US government conspiracy that spanned four American presidents. It’s been nominated for six Golden Globes.
The Shape of Water, (January 18)
The latest visual masterpiece from Guillermo Del Toro focuses on a mute woman at a high- security government laboratory who befriends a captured amphibian creature. Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spencer star.
I, Tonya, (January 25)
Margot Robbie proves to be an excellent choice to play the controversial US figure skater Tonya Harding in this subversive take on her life and that incident involving fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan. However, the show is stolen by a brilliant Allison Janney, essaying Harding’s acerbic mother LaVona.
Molly’s Game, (February 1)
Best-known for his trademark writing on TV shows like The West Wing and The Newsroom (as well as Oscar-winner The Social Network), Aaron Sorkin steps behind the camera for the first time for this based-on-fact drama inspired by the life of underground poker queen Molly Bloom. Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner star.
Phantom Thread, (February 1)
Daniel Days Lewis’ final film before his self-imposed retirement sees him re-team with There Will Be Blood director Paul Thomas Anderson for this drama set in the world of London couture in the 1950s. Day Lewis plays renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock.
Lady Bird, (February 15)
Acclaimed indie actress Greta Gerwig makes her directorial debut in this critically acclaimed coming-of-age dramedy about a Californian teen and the turbulent relationship she has with her mother. Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf and Timothee Chalamet star.
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, (March 1)
Based on the memoir of the same name by Peter Turner, this focuses on his relationship with actress Gloria Grahame during the last years of her life. The impressive cast includes Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Vanessa Redgrave and Julie Walters.
The Death of Stalin, (March 15)
The movie Armando Iannucci gave up Veep for. Featuring one of the best casts on display at September’s Toronto Film Festival (Steve Buscemi, Michael Palin, Jeffrey Tambour, Olga Kurylenko), this is a hilarious look at what might have happened when the Russian leader popped his clogs in 1953.
Early Man, (March 29)
Bristol’s finest export, Aardman Animations, returns with what looks to be another plasticine masterpiece. Featuring an all-star vocal cast, which includes Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams and Timothy Spall, the film tells the story of Dug and Hognob, who are forced to unite their tribe against a mighty enemy in order to save their home.
Ready Player One, (March 29)
Steven Spielberg directs this adaptation of Ernest Cline’s critically-acclaimed 2011 futuristic novel. Set in 2044, it follows protagonist Wade Watts on his search for an ‘‘Easter Egg’’ in a virtual reality game, which could lead him to inherit a fortune in a world wrecked by an energy crisis.
Sweet Country, (April 12)
Sixteen years after Dirty Deeds, Sam Neill and Bryan Brown reunite in Warwick Thornton’s already award-winning Western set on the Northern Territory frontier in the 1920s. It is the tale of an aged Aboriginal farmhand who is forced to go on the run after he shoots a white man in self-defence.
Chappaquiddick, (May 10)
Everest’s Jason Clarke delivers a fantastic performance as Senator Ted Kennedy in this compelling drama which looks at the scandal surrounding the death of one of his young campaign strategists, Mary Jo Kopechne. Ed Helms, Kate Mara and Bruce Dern costar.
Solo: A Star Wars Story, (May 24)
This second Star Wars spin-off movie has had something of a troubled production, with Ron Howard stepping in late in the piece to seemingly save the day. Not much is known about this prequel to the events of A New Hope. The cast includes Emilia Clarke, Paul Bettany and Woody Harrelson.
Deadpool 2, (May 31)
2016’s boldest and brashest boxoffice smashing superhero is back for another adventure. Yes, Ryan Reynolds’ acerbic, potty-mouthed vigilante returns, this time to battle Josh Brolin’s ‘‘timetravelling cybernetic mutant soldier’’ Cable. New Zealand’s own Julian Dennison has an undisclosed role.
Ocean’s 8, (June 7)
A sort of sequel-cum-genderswapping-reboot of George Clooney’s noughties heist movie franchise (itself inspired by a 1960s Rat Pack caper) this sees Danny Ocean’s estranged sister Debbie attempting to pull off the heist of the century at New York City’s star-studded annual Met Gala. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway and Helen Bonham Carter make up just some of the excellent cast.
Incredibles 2, (June 28)
Thirteen years after the Pixar original blew away the competition with its parodying of action-hero tropes, the Parr family are back and this time battling John Ratzenberger’s Underminer, as well as work-life balance. Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk also joins the vocal action.
On Chesil Beach, (July 26)
One of two Ian McEwan adaptations (Emma Thompson’s The Children’s Act was the other) at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, this devastating drama rivals Atonement as one of the best adaptations of his work. Saoirse Ronan is particularly stunning as the young honeymooner struggling with what comes after marriage.
Mary Queen of Scots, (September 13)
Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie and David Tennant headline this lavish looking period drama which focuses on Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and her subsequent imprisonment. The script is by US House of Cards creator Beau Willimon.