Top Films for January

Here we are! A new month AND a new year! As ever, that means it’s time for me to do my monthly movie preview – here’s a rundown of the cinema releases I’m excited for this January.

Jojo Rabbit

This is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it movie. I wasn’t sure if a dark comedy featuring Hitler as a boy’s imaginary friend would work for me, but I thought it was excellent. I should have had more faith in Taika Waititi. The film is out now.

1917

This war movie is one heck of a cinematic experience. You are fully immersed in the horrors of war in director Sam Mendes‘ latest, which follows two young soldiers tasked with delivering a message across enemy territory. You will be holding your breath and gripping onto your seat as the one-take style (meaning the film looks like it was made in one continuous shot) really hooks you in. Released: 10th January.

Just Mercy

Just Mercy is one of those films that shed light on injustice so outrageous that you can feel your blood boiling. It stars Michael B. Jordan as a new lawyer determined to overturn the conviction against Death Row inmate Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who was imprisoned for allegedly killing a white girl. Released: 17th January

Bombshell

Now, I am not a fan of Fox News or its journalists, yet somehow I still liked Bombshell. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie (particularly Robbie) give spectacular performances as Fox News employees who come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against CEO Roger Ailes (played by John Lithgow). This is a powerful and shocking film. Released: 17th January.

Waves

To be honest, I have no idea what Waves is about but it’s on here simply because so many people I follow on Twitter were raving about it on the film festival circuit. This follows a suburban family as they cope with the aftermath of a loss. I have heard great things so my hopes are very high. Released: 17th January.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse sounds absolutely bonkers and I don’t know if I’m going to like it but I’m definitely intrigued to see Robert Pattinson getting up to some Weird Shit. He stars alongside Willem Dafoe in this black-and-white horror film which follows two lighthouse keepers as they start to lose their minds on a remote island. Released: 31st January.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

This is just the loveliest film and Tom Hanks is just the nice guy ever! In this heartwarming drama, he plays beloved American children’s TV host Fred Rogers, who is interviewed by cynical journalist Lloyd (Matthew Rhys) for a profile piece and helps the writer through his emotional issues. This serves as a reminder that being kind never hurt anybody and couldn’t be more timely. Released: 31st January.

Queen & Slim

I was a big fan of this fresh take on “on the run” movies such as Bonnie & Clyde and Thelma & Louise. Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya star as a duo who become fugitives after a traffic stop goes wrong following their first date. It’s powerful, it’s relevant and it’s got a great script and cast. Released: 31st January.

Richard Jewell

Clint Eastwood‘s latest movie has been hitting headlines for the wrong reasons (see here) but I’m still intrigued to see it. The drama tells the real-life story of security guard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser), who discovers a bomb at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and helps usher people to safety, but is later accused of planting it in the first place. This features a stellar cast which includes Sam Rockwell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, and Kathy Bates. Released: 31st January.

You will notice that I missed The Gentlemen off the list – and that’s because I’ve seen it and was disappointed – as well as Bad Boys for Life because I’m never really cared for those films.