Movie of the Week

• Black Bag

Cinemas

• Opus
• Last Breath
• In the Lost Lands
• Sister Midnight
• The Rule of Jenny Pen
• All Happy Families
• Oh My Goodness!

Streaming/On-Demand

• The Electric State
• Old Guy
• The Fabulous Four

Re-Releases

• O Brother, Where Art Thou?
• Away

CAST: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan

CREW: Steven Soderbergh (director, cinematographer, editor), David Koepp (writer), Gregory Jacobs and Casey Silver (producers), David Holmes (composer)

PLOT: George (Fassbender) and Kathryn (Blanchett) are a married couple who are also legendary agents of a secretive London agency. However, when Kathryn is accused of betraying her country, George must decide who he is more loyal to: his country, or his wife…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Steven Soderbergh follows up his chilling ghost story Presence with a more traditional but no less engaging spy thriller
• The Oscar-winning filmmaker has assembled a starry ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Back to Black star Marisa Abela, and even former 007 Pierce Brosnan
• Soderbergh also reunites with his Presence writer David Koepp, who has created a script filled with unpredictable twists and shocking turns
• It is a much more grounded spy universe than most, with plenty of dry dialogue and a focus on the groundwork that doesn’t get as much attention in these kinds of films
• You’ll be on the edge of your seat as the surprising plot reaches a conclusion that few will correctly predict

Black Bag is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Young Mazino, Tatanka Means, Tony Hale, Melissa Chambers, Tamera Tomakili, Aimee McGuire, Chris Highlands, Justin Perry

CREW: Mark Anthony Green (director, writer, producer), Josh Bachove, Colin Creighton, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson and Brad Weston (producers), Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans, Nile Rodgers and The-Dream (composers), Tommy Maddox-Upshaw (cinematographer), Ernie Gilbert (editor)

PLOT: Ariel (Edebiri), a young journalist, is invited to the secretive compound of reclusive pop star Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), who’s about to make his comeback after thirty years away from the spotlight. However, as Ariel finds herself surrounded by Moretti’s cult of sycophants, she begins to discover his true horrifying plan…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• This provocative and unsettling thriller takes aim at the rampant cult of celebrity that tends to plague our current society
• It is the brainchild of writer-director Mark Anthony Green, who makes his feature debut after receiving acclaim for his short film Trapeze, U.S.A
• Emmy-winning The Bear star Ayo Edebiri leads a committed ensemble cast, including John Malkovich as the mysterious and potentially dangerous pop star at the centre of everything
• The film premiered to high buzz at January’s Sundance Film Festival, in the Midnight section where many cult classics are often screened first
• You’ll come away having second thoughts about worshipping your favourite cultural icon, after you see how terrifyingly such fan devotion can be manipulated

Opus is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis, Mark Bonnar, MyAnna Buring, Bobby Rainsbury, Josef Altin

CREW: Alex Parkinson (director, writer), David Brooks (writer, producer), Mitchell LaFortune (writer), Paul Brooks, Norman Golightly, Stewart Le Marechal, Anna Mohr-Pietsch, Al Morrow, Jeremy Plager and Hal Sadoff (producers), Paul Leonard-Morgan (composer), Nick Remy Matthews (cinematographer), Tania Goding (editor)

PLOT: During a routine repair mission at the bottom of the North Sea, seasoned deep-sea diver Chris Lemons (Cole) is left trapped 100 metres underwater with only minutes of oxygen, leaving his colleagues Duncan Allcock (Harrelson) and David Yuasa (Liu) to brave the raging elements in order to rescue him…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• An extraordinary true story is dramatized in this tense survival thriller about overcoming some of the most impossible odds within nature
• It is a narrative remake of the acclaimed 2019 documentary of the same name, with its co-director Alex Parkinson steering this version as well
• Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu embrace their star power as the heroic divers who risked everything to save one of their own, played by Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole
• Some breath-taking (in both senses of the word) underwater cinematography makes things all the more suspenseful as Cole’s seemingly helpless diver navigates the deep dark depths of the ocean
• You’ll be glad you took the plunge with a film that features everything from nail-biting tension to a crowd-pleasing tone that will have you terrified and cheerful all at once

Last Breath is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Dave Bautista, Milla Jovovich, Arly Jover, Amara Okereke, Fraser James, Simon Lööf, Deirdre Mullins, Sebastian Stankiewicz, Jacek Dzisiewicz, Tue Lunding, Ian Hanmore, Eveline Hall, Kamila Klamut, Caoilinn Springall, Pawel Wysocki, Jan Kowalewski, Nicolas Stone, Tomasz Cymerman

CREW: Paul W. S. Anderson (director, producer), Constantin Werner (writer, producer), Dave Bautista, Jeremy Bolt, Milla Jovovich and Jonathan Meisner (producers), Paul Haslinger (composer), Glen MacPherson (cinematographer), Niven Howie (editor)

PLOT: In a distant post-apocalyptic future, the powerful and feared witch Gray Alys (Jovovich) is sent into the “Lost Lands” – a dangerous landscape inhabited by dangerous mythical creatures – to retrieve a magical artefact. She hires mysterious hunter Boyce (Bautista) to assist her on the journey, and the two of them soon face immense odds as they venture deeper into the realm…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Cult filmmaker Paul W. S. Anderson dips back into familiar post-apocalyptic territory in his action-packed new sci-fi fantasy epic
• He adapts the eponymous short story by George R. R. Martin, the author best known for the book series that went on to inspire Game of Thrones
• Anderson regular (and his other half) Milla Jovovich headlines in another badass lead role, opposite Dave Bautista who brings quiet intensity as her mysterious co-star
• Some gripping visual effects bring to life a bleak world filled with terrifying creatures and jaw-droppingly beautiful environments that would make Zack Snyder ruin his jeans
• It’s a bona fide epic that viewers can get lost within over and over again, thanks to its remarkable world-building and engrossing characters

In the Lost Lands is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe, Navya Sawant, Dev Raaz, Chaitanya Solankar

CREW: Karan Kandhari (director, writer), Alastair Clark, Anna Griffin and Alan McAlex (producers), Paul Banks (composer), Sverre Sørdal (cinematographer), Napoleon Stratogiannakis (editor)

PLOT: In Mumbai, young Uma (Apte) is forced into an arranged marriage that she quickly feels disillusioned within. Finding solace in her independent ventures into the city, she soon begins showing symptoms of a mysterious illness that threaten to consume her very existence…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• In the wake of the glorious success of The Substance comes an all-new comedy-horror that taps into another pocket of feminine strife in society
• The India-set film marks the striking debut of filmmaker Karan Kandhari, who neatly blends physical comedy with terrifying body horror that sends a powerful and timely message
• Lead actor Radhika Apte delivers an all-consuming performance as a woman finding her own independence in the most twisted of manners
• It was nominated for the Camera D’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, while later gaining several nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, including Best Lead Performance for Apte
• A must-watch for lovers of comedy and horror, Sister Midnight is bound to become a midnight classic in its own right

Sister Midnight is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Geoffrey Rush, John Lithgow, Nathaniel Lees, Thomas Sainbury, Ian Mune, Irene Wood, George Henare, Maaka Pohatu, Bruce Phillips, Holly Shanahan, Paolo Rotondo, Yvette Parsons, Ginette McDonald, Hilary Norris, Anapela Polataivao, Semu Filipo, Hannah Lynch, Nick Blake

CREW: James Ashcroft (director, writer), Eli Kent (writer), Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart (producers), Matt Henley (cinematographer), Gretchen Peterson (editor)

PLOT: After suffering a near-fatal stroke, arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush) is left partially paralyzed in a retirement home. There, he encounters Dave Crealy (Lithgow), a seemingly gentle resident who is actually torturing the home with a sadistic game involving a dementia doll…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Retirement homes are made scarier than they already are in this chillingly twisted New Zealand psychological horror
• Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush stars opposite a menacing John Lithgow and his creepy porcelain doll that serves as the face of some sinister activity
• Director and co-writer James Ashcroft adapts the short story of the same name by Owen Marshall, after previously bringing the author’s Coming Home in the Dark to the big screen
• The film already has a major fan in horror maestro Stephen King, who publicly declared it to be one of his favourite films of 2024 whilst urging everyone to watch it – high praise, indeed!
• With an unsettling tone and atmosphere, this is a full-on horror that you’ll definitely be hearing a lot about in the months and years to come

The Rule of Jenny Pen is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Josh Radnor, Chandra Russell, Rob Huebel, Becky Ann Baker, Colleen Camp, John Ashton, David Pasquesi, Rodney Crowell

CREW: Haroula Rose (director, writer, producer), Coburn Goss (writer, producer), Liz Cardenas, Ian Keiser and Mary Munez (producers), Oliver Hill and Zac Rae (composers), Johanna Coelho (cinematographer), Caralyn Moore and Alex Márquez (editors)

PLOT: Graham (Radnor), a struggling actor, must deal with his various family members, including his more successful brother Will (Huebel), when they reunite to help renovate their ancestral home…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• This charming comedy-drama highlights the unbreakable bond that is family during a routine but impactful situation
• How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor leads a strong ensemble cast that perfectly fit the roles of doting but well-meaning family members from all walks of life
• It is the second feature by director and co-writer Haroula Rose, who previously gained strong acclaim for her 2020 debut Once Upon a River
• Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is credited as an executive producer, a sign that the film speaks to his down-to-earth persona that is easily relatable to most people
• You’ll recognise several members of your own family in this dysfunctional unit, thanks to a script that captures exactly what it is to deal with such close relatives

All Happy Families is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Valérie Bonneton, Camille Chamoux, Claire Nadeau, Guilaine Londez, Louise Malek, Sidse Babett Knudsen, François Morel, Jean-Michel Lahmi, Claire Duburcq

CREW: Laurent Tirard (director), Cécile Larripa and Christophe Pinel (writers), Olivia Lagache (producer), Mathieu Lamboley (composer), Eric Blanckaert (cinematographer), Anne-Sophie Bion and Sahra Mekki (editors)

PLOT: In order to save their nursing home from foreclosure, Mother Veronique (Bonneton) and her fellow nuns enter a cycling race with a €25,000 cash prize – the problem being, they are all terrible cyclists…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The hilarious French comedy glides its way in UK cinemas and into the hearts of audiences looking for a fun time
• Local star Valérie Bonneton leads the game ensemble of holy would-be cycling champions, while Danish actor Sidse Babett Knudsen takes on a devilish antagonist role
• It is sadly the final film of director Laurent Tirand, who passed away last year after losing his battle with cancer
• Many of the film’s absurd and downright cartoonish gags call back to the anything-goes screwball spirit of comedy classics like Airplane! and The Great Race
• With its upbeat nature and crowd-pleasing mentality, it’s a feel-good romp that will also have you rolling in the aisles with laughter!

Oh My Goodness! (Juste Ciel!) is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, Woody Norman, Martin Klebba, Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Alexander, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, Billy Bob Thornton, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, Rob Gronkowski, Billy Gardell

CREW: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (directors, producers), Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (writers), Chris Castaldi, Mike Larocca, Patrick Newall and Angela Russo-Otstot (producers), Alan Silvestri (composer), Stephen F. Windon (cinematographer), Jeffrey Ford (editor)

PLOT: In an alternate 1997, when the world has fallen to ruins following a robot uprising, teenager Michelle (Brown) travels across the country with former soldier Keats (Pratt) and a small band of robots to find her missing brother…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Before they return to the MCU for the upcoming Avengers sequels, the Russo brothers bring to life a creative dystopian world in this sci-fi blockbuster
• The source material is Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel of the same name, which has gained a significant cult following in the years since its first publication
• The directors have gathered a great ensemble cast including Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt among the humans, while there are plenty of recognisable voices as the robots such as Woody Harrelson and Jenny Slate
• Expect plenty of action and adventure to go along with the contemplative commentary on society’s reliance on technology
• It’s set to be Netflix’s latest attempt to kickstart a franchise with the Russos, and hopefully it’ll go better than The Gray Man

The Electric State is streaming exclusively on Netflix from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, Cooper Hoffman, Desmond Eastwood, Ryan McParland

CREW: Simon West (director), Greg Johnson (writer), Martin Brennan, Norman Golightly, Petr Jákl, Jib Polhemus and Hal Sadoff (producers), Andrew Simon McAllister and Zero VU (composers), Martin Ahlgren (cinematographer), Chris Gill, Andrew MacRitchie and Todd E. Miller (editors)

PLOT: Terry (Waltz), an aging hitman, is caught off-guard when much younger killer Wihlborg (Hoffman) is brought in to replace him, but after the unlikely duo find themselves double-crossed by their bosses, they apply their unique generational skills for the ultimate payback…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• This hugely entertaining crime caper pits two different styles of killing against one another to humorous effect
• Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz shares solid chemistry with his younger co-star, Licorice Pizza’s Cooper Hoffman, with Lucy Liu also popping up in an important supporting role
• Director Simon West is no stranger to delivering awesome action, having previously been behind cult classics like Con Air, Wild Card and The Expendables 2
• You’ll be pleasantly surprised by some of the game-changing twists that keep the plight of our anti-heroes engaging
• It’s a great film to put on and unwind in front of, with its clever and thoughtful action as well as some A-list actors letting loose in pleasing ways

Old Guy is available to rent/buy on digital platforms from Monday 10 March 2025

CAST: Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Bruce Greenwood, Timothy V. Murphy, Michael Bolton, Sophie von Haselberg, Déjà Dee, Brandee Evans, Renika Williams, Abigail Dolan, David Goren, Kadan Well Bennett

CREW: Jocelyn Moorhouse (director), Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly (writers), Lauren Hantz and Richard Barton Lewis (producers), David Hirschfelder (composer), Roberto Schaefer (cinematographer), Gabriella Muir (editor)

PLOT: Lou (Sarandon), Alice (Mullally) and Kitty (Ralph) are lifelong friends who reunite for a trip to Florida for the surprise Florida wedding of their fellow friend Marilyn (Midler), but soon their past revelations threaten to derail the journey…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The sun is out, and so are some of our most iconic actors in this rowdy and fun-filled friendship comedy
• Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler are just some of the classic names headlining director Jocelyn Moorehouse’s wacky new feature
• The idyllic Key West area of Florida provides the summer-drenched backdrop for all the usual shenanigans you’d expect to find in this kind of film
• At its riotous centre is a tender look at the friendships we hold dear and close to us, especially ones that last well into our twilight years
• It’s got laughs, charm, drama, and Bette Midler doing TikTok dances – what more could you ask for?

The Fabulous Four is available to rent/buy on digital platforms from Monday 10 March 2025

CAST: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Chris Thomas King, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Daniel von Bargen, Wayne Duvall, Ray McKinnon, Frank Collison, Michael Badalucco, Stephen Root, Lee Weaver, Mia Tate, Musetta Vander, Christy Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch

CREW: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (directors, writers, producers, editors), T Bone Burnett (composer), Roger Deakins (cinematographer), Tricia Cooke (editor)

PLOT: In the 1930s Deep South, Everett (Clooney), Pete (Turturro) and Delmar (Nelson) are convicts who escape their chain gang and embark on an all-encompassing adventure to locate and retrieve some hidden treasure…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• The Coen brothers’ madcap historical comedy makes a daring break-in to the big screen for its 25th anniversary
• It is a humorous retelling of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey (soon to be adapted by Christopher Nolan), with an updated setting of the 30s Deep South that’s filled with that Coen brand of eccentricity
• George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson form the hapless trio at the centre of it all, with their priceless chemistry fuelling
• The soundtrack, put together by musician T Bone Burnett, became an album chart-topper and even won a Grammy for its memorable folk-heavy tunes
• A quarter of a century after its debut, it’s remembered as one of the Coens’ most entertaining and thoroughly realised movies, as well as one of their funniest

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025

CAST: N/A

CREW: Gints Zilbalodis (director, writer, producer, composer, cinematographer, editor)

PLOT: A teenage boy finds himself on a strange island where he is pursued by a mysterious monster. After finding a young chick and a motorcycle, the boy embarks on a journey across the island in search of others…

FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED:

• Before the anticipated UK release of his Oscar-winning animated adventure Flow, don’t miss your chance to check out Gints Zilbalodis’ similarly striking debut feature
• The Latvian filmmaker first gained attention for creating the entire film by himself using the computer graphics software Maya
• While there is no spoken dialogue throughout the entire film, Zilbalodis provides enough storytelling material in his visual that there’s ultimately no need for words here
• The imagery is simply beautiful to look at, outdoing even many other live-action examples, as the viewer goes on this wondrous journey with simplistic but lovable characters
• With the filmmaker receiving even wider acclaim for his follow-up film (out next week), here’s a golden opportunity to see how Zilbalodis started out as a true classic storyteller

Away is showing in cinemas from Friday 14 March 2025