Post written by contributor Zahra M
2023 promises to be a year of great cinema with brilliant sequels, remakes, and new territories explored. From mystery and fantasy to romance, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a self-proclaimed movie critic or someone looking to explore a new movie genre.
Missing
Directors: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Megan Suri and Ken Leung
After the success of Searching (2018), Nick Johnson and Will Merrick bring its sequel. June Allen (Storm Reid, known from HBO’s Euphoria) brings her detective skills to light when her mother disappears whilst on holiday with her boyfriend. As she delves further and further into the mystery, she utilises all forms of digital technology to bridge the gap between her and her missing mother.
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson and Sajal Ali
For all romance lovers out there, celebrate the month of love with this British romantic comedy from Shekhar Kapur. A filmmaker (Lily James) documents her best friend and neighbour’s (Shazad Latif) arranged marriage. Expect to view a feel-good ‘friends to lovers’ trope unveiled across the big screen.
Renfield
Director: Chris McKay
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina and Ben Schwartz
If you’re a fan of classics, especially the Gothic genre, then you know all about Renfield and his strange depictions throughout cinema. Moving away from Tom Wait’s portrayal from Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), we see Nicholas Hoult (Warm Bodies and The Menu) take on the role of the tortured assistant across from his superior, played by Nicolas Cage (Face/Off).
“Sorry to interrupt […] I need to get out of a toxic relationship.” The trailer for Renfield begins with Hoult’s familiar expression of despair. The comedy horror seeks to establish Renfield as an anti-hero dealing with life’s issues which include having a terrible boss.
The Little Mermaid
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Simone Bailey and Jacob Tremblay
The classic tale hits the screen once again but this time, live action edition. Halle Bailey plays Ariel, a mermaid who trades her voice in exchange for human legs so she can visit the mainland. During this time, she meets a Prince (Jonah Hauer-King) she can’t help but fall for but the evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) isn’t done with Ariel.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Miguel O’Hara, Shameik Moore, Brian Tyree Henry and Jake Johnson
For your fellow Marvel fan, be sure to be seated for the sequel of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy team-up on a journey that sees them, once again, meeting multiple Spider-Mans.
Elemental
Director: Peter Sohn
Starring: Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie
An animated film that explores the elemental signs through anthropomorphism. Fire, water, land, and air individuals live together in Element City. The narrative explores how a hot-headed young woman named Ember and a peaceful water-sign man Wade realise they are more alike than first anticipated.
Oppenheimer
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Jack Quaid
Nolan brings a biopic about American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb. With a star-studded cast that includes Cillian Murphy (Inception, Peaky Blinders, Red Eye) and Florence Pugh (Midsommar, Little Women, Black Widow), Oppenheimer looks to join the next Award Season with its stunning visuals.
Barbie
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, Emma Mackey and America Ferrera
Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig collaborate to bring Mattel’s beloved doll to life. Robbie told E News at the 2023 Golden Globes that the live-action is “gonna blow your mind”. The film follows the titular character, played by Robbie, as she adventures with well-known characters such as Ken (Ryan Gosling) after being exiled. Barbie has been met with all sorts of criticism and praise throughout the years, here’s to hoping that Barbie (2023) exceeds all expectations.
Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler and Dave Bautista
Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) returns to take revenge against those that caused the fall of his family. Expect more giant worms and long shots of sand as he and his fellow adventurers (new inclusions of Florence Pugh and Austin Butler) deal with the pain of sourcing Spice and the politics around who will become the new ruler.
Wonka
Director: Paul King
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman, Tracy Ifeachor, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins and Keegan-Michael Key
In the final month of the year, Chalamet returns but instead of being the head of the Atreides family he is the renowned chocolatier Willy Wonka. King directs Chalamet as a young Wonka who journeys into an adventure that will change the course of his future. The film explores Wonka’s relationship with the Oompa-Loompas.
