Films opening this week
“Daddy’s Home 2” (PG13): Two fathers (Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell) team up to give their kids a perfect Christmas, but things go awry when their fathers (Mel Gibson and John Lithgow) arrive to celebrate the holiday, too, with their sons and grandchildren. Co-written and directed by Sean Anders. “God’s Own Country” (Unrated): A young Englishman working on his family’s farm is drawn to a good-looking migrant worker from Romania. With Josh O’Connor, Alec Secareanu and Gemma Jones. Written and directed by Francis Lee. In limited release.
“Lady Bird” (R): A nurse in Sacramento struggles to keep the family afloat after her husband loses his job, while their teenage daughter tries to assert her independence. With Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts. Written and directed by actress and first-time filmmaker Greta Gerwig. Opens Friday in San Francisco only, and expands Nov. 17
“Murder on the Orient Express” (PG-13): Director Kenneth Branagh, who plays Hercule Poirot, puts his own stamp on a new adaptation of the beloved (and much-filmed) novel by Agatha Christie. With
Daisy Ridley, Leslie Odom Jr., Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench and Willem Dafoe.
“Last Flag Flying” (R): Vietnam vets reunite in 2003to escort the body of their buddy’s son, who was killed in Iraq. With Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne. Co-written and directed by Richard Linklater. Opens Friday in San Francisco only, and expands Nov. 17. “The Square” (R): An art installation designed to inspire altruism sets a high bar for a museum curator whose own behavior leaves something to be desired. With Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss and Dominic West. Written and directed by Ruben Östlund. In limited release.
“Wait for Your Laugh” (Unrated): A documentary on the life and career of singer, actress, comic and sitcom star Rose Marie. In limited release.
Expanding
“Novitiate” (R): In the 1950s, a youngwoman discovers God through the Catholic Church and follows a path to serving him into the turbulent ’60s. With Margaret Qualley, Melissa Leo and Julianne Nicholson. Written and directed by Maggie Betts.