“Death of a Unicorn” is a fun take on the mystical creatures
Director Alex Scharfman delivers a unique film for his debut in Death of a Unicorn from A24. Elliot (Paul Ridd) is a lawyer headed to a weekend retreat looking to close a big deal for his billionaire bosses Odell (Richard E. Grant) and Belinda (Téa Leoni). Along for the ride is his college-aged daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega), with whom he’s looking to reconnect following the death of their matriarch and before she leaves for college.
“Memories of Love Returned” is a lush and artistic tribute
Versatile actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s directorial debut, “Memories of Love Returned,” is an intimate cinematic journey that explores the historical contributions and artistic legacy of Ugandan photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo. The journey begins as a personal investigation but transforms into a profound reflection on the intersection of history and community while showcasing love’s endurance against erasure.
“Opus” is a out of tune genre mash up
Mark Anthony Green teams up with Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich for writing and directing debut, “Opus” from A24.
“Black Bag” is a gripping spy thriller
After the delightful “Presence,” Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh brings another thriller to grip audiences in “Black Bag” from Focus features. Legendary screenwriter David Koepp lends his talents to the script.
“Cold Wallet” delivers a crypto heist thriller
Director Martin Campbell delivers another female-led action film in Cleaner from Lionsgate. Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, and Paul Andrew Williams pen the film’s screenplay. Set in present-day London, a group of radical activists led by Marcus (Clive Owen) takes over an energy company’s annual gala, seizing 300 hostages to expose the hosts’ corruption.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” is an earnest look at the grief process
After an incident at work, Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, is forced to attend therapy. Despite the best efforts of her VA group counselor, Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman), Merit remains aloof in her perspective on the world. She also has a strained but tough-love relationship with her mother, Kris (Gloria Reuben).
Christoph Waltz’s natural charm fails to save “Old Guy”
Two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz collaborates with genre director Simon West on “Old Guy,” which The Avenue produces. Greg Jonson writes the screenplay.
“Cleaner” is a quick and enjoyable “Die Hard” variation
Director Martin Campbell delivers another female-led action film in Cleaner from Lionsgate. Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, and Paul Andrew Williams pen the film’s screenplay. Set in present-day London, a group of radical activists led by Marcus (Clive Owen) takes over an energy company’s annual gala, seizing 300 hostages to expose the hosts’ corruption.
“Everyone Is Going To Die” takes a different approach to the invasion genre
After gaining some experience with a short film and a documentary, director Craig Tuohy shifts to the horror genre for his feature debut, “Everyone Is Going to Die,” produced by Saban Films. The story follows British real estate entrepreneur Daniel (played by Brad Moore), who seems to have it all: wealth and a young girlfriend named Julie (Marina Lazaris). However, due to his infidelity, he now has a strained relationship with his daughter Imogen (Gledisa Arthur).
Sundance 2025 Review : “Ricky”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a film critic is the opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival and observe an actor for whom one has long stood in support, finally achieving a significant breakthrough role. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the case of actor Stephan James, who collaborates with first-time director Rashad Frett in “Ricky,” an adaptation of Frett’s short film of the same title.
Frankie Muniz takes on the world of AI in the enjoyable ‘Renner’
Renner (Muniz), a reclusive computer genius driven by a need for control, designs an AI named Salenus (voiced by Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden) to help him overcome his crippling social anxieties and find love. Encouraged by Salenus, Renner connects with his alluring neighbor Jamie (Violett Beane) and her brother Chad (Taylor Gray).
“Valliant One” is a lost cinematic mission
Producer Steve Barnett, known for genre favorites like “300,” “Land of the Dead,” and last year’s captivating “Hit Man,” makes his directorial debut with the military thriller “Valliant One,” produced by Briarcliff Entertainment. Barnett also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Tipton, based on a story he developed with Tipton.