Our critics have been busy watching the latest films, and they’ve narrowed down seven must-see releases you should know about this week. From gripping dramas to heartwarming romances and even a family-friendly film (with a parental advisory!), prepare for some truly remarkable cinema.
Movie 1: One Battle After Another
‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece follows Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a washed-up revolutionary who must rescue his daughter from a formidable old adversary.
This film is a vibrant, epic tale exploring themes of good versus evil, violence, power, human rights, and the fight against injustice. At its heart, it’s also a powerful love story. It brilliantly reflects the failures of both the past and present, yet steadfastly points towards the promise of the future. The direction is superb, but its true brilliance lies in how profoundly it connects with our current times—a rare feat for American fiction. It feels incredibly urgent and is surprisingly hilarious, even when the laughter comes with a touch of anger.
This critic’s pick is currently playing in theaters. For deeper insights, be sure to read our complete review.
Movie 2: Eleanor the Great
‘Eleanor the Great’
Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with this dark comedy. It tells the story of an elderly woman grappling with grief who fabricates a past as a Holocaust survivor, and the ambitious young journalist eager to chronicle her tale.
The individual elements of this film are strong, and all the necessary components are present; they just haven’t quite found their perfect harmony. Despite this imbalance, “Eleanor the Great” remains compelling, especially thanks to the genuinely moving bond between two women who desperately need each other to overcome their personal sorrows. If only the surrounding narrative had been crafted with equal care.
This film is currently showing in theaters. Discover more in our full review.
Movie 3: All of You
‘All of You’
Imogen Poots and Brett Goldstein star as a couple navigating a near-future world where a pivotal test can reveal your true soul mate. This captivating romance is directed by William Bridges.
“All of You” is a tender, sweeping love story, fully aware of its own romantic ambitions. Yet, it never resorts to cheap sentiment. Its strength lies entirely in the performances of Goldstein and Poots. They form an outstanding duo, effortlessly portraying the deep history and easy rapport of best friends who never quite became a couple, only to then gracefully navigate the complex journey of lovers we want to believe in, even if we know we perhaps shouldn’t.
Available for streaming on Apple TV+. Read our complete analysis in the full review.
Movie 4: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’
Based on the popular Netflix series and directed by Ryan Crego, this animated feature sees a young girl confronting a powerful tycoon who has stolen her magical dollhouse.
To put it simply: “Gabby’s Dollhouse” is strictly unsuitable for anyone beyond childhood. If parents hope to stay conscious through the predictable plot, we highly recommend bringing a good book to keep yourself entertained.
This film is currently playing in theaters. For more details, see our full review.
Movie 5: Ruth & Boaz
‘Ruth & Boaz’
This contemporary adaptation of the biblical Book of Ruth, produced by Tyler Perry Studios, reimagines the classic love story between an R&B singer and a dedicated farmer.
The primary issue with this modern retelling, directed by Alanna Brown, is how the screenwriters rely heavily on the audience’s familiarity with the original text and rush the development of the love story. It might be a case of preaching primarily to those already familiar with the narrative.
Stream this movie on Netflix. You can find our full review there.
Movie 6: Dead of Winter
‘Dead of Winter’
Emma Thompson stars in this chilling thriller as a grieving widow who travels to a remote part of northern Minnesota, only to uncover sinister secrets among her new neighbors.
Director Brian Kirk masterfully captures the formidable and daunting atmosphere of the setting; viewers will appreciate its stark beauty while simultaneously feeling the intense dread of being stranded there. While Thompson’s portrayal initially echoes Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson from the classic thriller “Fargo,” the actress, as she always does, develops her own unique take, creating a compelling character we genuinely root for.
Catch this film in theaters. Read the complete review for more.
Movie 7: French Lover
‘French Lover’
Nina Rives directs this uninspired romance where movie star Abel falls for waitress Marion, only to struggle with their vastly different lifestyles.
One has to wonder who the film aims to offend more: its main characters (Marion, who naively believes Abel performs his own stunts, and Abel, who is too pampered to handle basic chores); the public (portrayed as desperate for mindless celebrity gossip); or you, the viewer, from whom so little engagement is required.
Available to stream on Netflix. Our full review offers more details.
This weekly movie guide was compiled by Kellina Moore.