This week, I’m giving a tour of the films that have not come out yet, but are on my list to see as soon as they’re out. There’s a wide range below, so please check out the trailers and see what you think.
“Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón
“Roma” is a Spanish-language film from writer/director/producer/cinematographer Alfonso Cuarón, who wrote “Gravity” and directed “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (the best Harry Potter film, in my opinion). “Roma” follows the life of a middle-class family living in Mexico City in the 1970s. Even from the trailer, Cuarón’s directorial choices — to shoot in black and white, to keep the camera work at a distance from its subject, to rely more on action than dialogue — sets “Roma” apart from other films. Out of all the films on this list, I am probably most excited to see this film, so I strongly urge you to watch the trailer. And, the best news of all, “Roma” will be available to stream on Netflix on Dec. 14.
“Green Book” by Peter Farrelly
“Green Book,” not going to lie, catches my attention out of love and admiration for its two starring actors, Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. “Green Book” follows an African-American pianist (played by Mahershala Ali) as he tours the South in the 1960s accompanied by an Italian-American driver (played by Viggo Mortensen). Watching the trailer, the movie looks a little pander-y, but hopefully it’s just a mischaracterization of the film. Additionally, although the description sets up a pretty downer film, the trailer shows both lighthearted and serious moments, so we’ll see when it comes out in theaters in November.
“If Beale Street Could Talk” by Barry Jenkins
I know I just said that I’m most excited for “Roma,” but, to be honest, it’s tied with “If Beale Street Could Talk.” This film is director Barry Jenkins’ first follow up to 2016’s magnificent “Moonlight.” “If Beale Street Could Talk” is an adaptation of a James Baldwin novel that follows a pregnant woman as she desperately tries to prove her fiancé’s innocence after he is accused of a crime. The film stars Stephan James (you’ll recognize him from 2014’s “Selma”) and up-and-coming actor KiKi Layne, with Regina King (“American Crime” and “The Leftovers”) in a supporting role. The film’s release date is set for Nov. 30, but once again, the trailer has been released so I urge you to check it out.
“Beautiful Boy” by Felix Van Groeningen
Many people have already overlooked “Beautiful Boy” as obvious Oscar bait, but the pairing of the two central characters peaks my interest. From first-time director Felix Van Groeningen, “Beautiful Boy” offers the different experiences of a son struggling with drug addiction and his father’s attempts to help him. The father-son duo is played by Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet, respectively. You’ll recognize Steve Carell from just about anything, and up-and-coming actor Chalamet from “Lady Bird” and “Call Me by Your Name.” The film is based on the two memoirs of the father and son that the main characters are based upon. I’m always reluctant to read reviews (I understand the irony of that statement), but the reviews of “Beautiful Boy” are somewhat mixed, particularly concerning what the screenwriters included from the memoirs. “Beautiful Boy” will be in theaters on Oct. 12.
“The Favourite” by Yorgos Lanthimos
Along with “Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón, “The Favourite” is bound to be the most unconventional film on this list. Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos made a name for himself through the singular and disturbing storytelling in “The Lobster” (2015) starring Colin Farrell, but, as far as the newly-released trailer shows, “The Favourite” offers similarly eccentric characters. “The Favourite” is set in 18th century England and follows Queen Anne (played by Olivia Colman) and her two advisors (played by Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone) as they all struggle for power and notoriety. The trailer portrays just complete ridiculousness that reminds me of why I love Lanthinmos’ films; they are perfectly summed up in one word: weird. “The Favourite” will be released on Nov. 23.
