The Wild Robot
A robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.
rated pg for action / peril and thematic elements.
“[It] took my breath away… a beautiful story that will appeal to viewers of any age, where the love for the material is evident in every frame. It’s a strong contender for the year’s best animated picture that shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure to bring tissues.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“Sanders’ ability to interpret the material on the page and turn it into this living painting of a film is nothing shy of a wonder.” – Ryan Scott, /Film
“Is this the best animated movie of the year? Totally, so far. It might even be the best movie of the year.” – Mark Kennedy, AP
Alien: Romulus
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
rated r for bloody violent content and language.
“With several impressively tense set pieces, a few grisly bits of body horror, and some clever but reverent twists on the series’ fomula, Alien: Romulus is the best franchise entry in decades and easily my favorite horror film of the year so far.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“Crafting a thriller that is tense and taut, Álvarez truly understands what makes an Alien movie breathe, while also expanding on the mythology of the series.” – James Mottram, NME
“The bonkers ending will be a talker. At first, I was skeptical, segued to disturbed, and then thoroughly creeped out. It’s a wild choice, however, one with a hint of precedent elsewhere in the series. And it serves to differentiate what is, admirably, a highly deferential film.” – Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post
Transformers One
Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
rated pg for sci-fi violence and animated action throughout, and language.
“Transformers One is a great watch for longtime fans. Though the franchise’s box office success in this century has been predicated on noisy live action with a CGI assist, this exciting and fun-filled film returns the Transformers to their animated roots.” – John Kirk, Original Cin
“Transformers One is the breath of fresh air the franchise has tried to achieve for years, a movie that feels new and unique but also familiar and fitting with the rest of the franchise.” – Rafael Motamayor, /Film
“It’s a fun, action-packed outing with surprisingly effective emotional resonance, adding layers to existing Transformers lore while being a worthwhile story in its own right.” – Jeff Ewing, Collider
Joker: Folie à Deux
Arthur Fleck is institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.
rated r for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity.
“As sweet and beguiling a musical romance as it’s possible to have between two murderous psychopaths. Its kooky approach won’t suit all stripes of comic-book fan, but it finds a strange, tragic hopefulness all of its own.” – John Nugent, Empire
“Phoenix’s performance remains powerful and stirring, too. The genius of it is that we can’t help but care for Arthur despite his neediness and derangement. Even during the film’s most apocalyptic and violent moments, we’re always aware that, underneath Joker’s gaudy warpaint, lurks little, feeble Arthur. Against the odds, this ingenious and deeply unsettling film even turns into a bit of a weepie by the final reel.” – Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent
“What’s most impressive about Joker: Folie à Deux is the way Phillips willingly undercuts his own billion-dollar blockbuster. He’s looking inward. Arthur is looking inward. Hopefully the audience will too, and question why they care so much about Arthur Fleck in the first place.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap
Terrifier 3
After surviving Art the Clown’s Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. But just when they think they’re safe, Art the Clown returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare. The festive season quickly unravels as Art unleashes his twisted brand of terror, proving that no holiday is safe.
not rated. contains persistent disturbing graphic violence & gore, sexual content, nudity, and strong language.
“Terrifier 3 is decking the halls with a triumphant celebration that’s horrifying for all the right reasons and snaps into focus what it is that Leone does singularly well. That may or may not win people over, but it shouldn’t lose any repeat customers.” – Alison Foreman, IndieWire
“The gleeful nastiness will be too much for many. Fans, meanwhile, will rejoice as Art wraps intestines around a Christmas tree like tinsel.” – Jamie Graham, Total Film
“Terrifier 3 marks a significant evolution in the franchise. Director Damien Leone delivers the most vicious iteration of Art the Clown yet, while also maturing as a filmmaker and providing a solid foundation for future installments.” – Marco Vito Oddo, We Got This Covered
The Apprentice
The Apprentice charts a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.
rated r for sexual content, some graphic nudity, language, sexual assault, and drug use.
“Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes alarming, and always entertaining, The Apprentice is a movie that feels important, looks fantastic, and is fun to watch.” – Sean Farrell, AFPL Journal
“The performances are stellar, the pacing both restrained and engaging, the realization of Cohn and Trump’s world is top notch, and the dynamic between the two is as captivating as any.” – Jason Gorber, AV Club
“Its politics will please no one, but for fans of story and characters, the movie succeeds in its primary goal: telling a good story about humanity, warts, and all.” – Alan Ng, Film Threat
Severance: Season 1
Mark Scout (Adam Scott) is one of several employees at Lumon Corporation who undergo a procedure which separates their work and home memories so they can only recall the ones related to where they are in this sci-fi thriller from Ben Stiller and created by Dan Erickson.
rated tv-ma. contains violence, bloody images, sexual references, and mild language.
“With smart performances, an intriguing script, and buckets of style from Ben Stiller in pure thriller mode, it easily climbs up the list of Apple TV+’s best shows.” – Clint Worthington, Consequence
“Severance isn’t just one of the most tonally honest versions of office life; it’s an entirely new genre of corporate horror that’s a force unto itself.” – Kayla Cobb, Decider
“With an exceptional cast (rounded out by Patricia Arquette, John Turturro and Christopher Walken), this is an original, weird, thought-provoking and beautifully crafted story that asks just how much of ourselves we should give over to our jobs.” – Rachael Sigee, i
Piece by Piece
Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.
rated pg for language, some suggestive material, and thematic elements.
“Piece by Piece, much like its decorated subject, blows right past refusing to play by the rules and straight up doesn’t acknowledge them, and it’s all the best for it.” – Charlotte Simmons, We Got This Covered
“It’s a film that’s serious about play, and humble about the need for joy. Piece by Piece is, quite simply, bricktacularly brilliant.” – Jason Gorber, Collider
“Piece by Piece is ultimately a surprisingly moving biography, and a resonant reminder of Williams’ outsize cultural footprint. The Lego format doesn’t cheapen the power of Neville’s message, but rather reflects the quirky, outside-the-box thinking of the artist himself, who has always marched to the beat of his own drum, steering the cultural ship according to his unique point of view.” – Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times
The Forge
Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine.
rated pg for thematic elements.
“A must-see for fans of faith-based cinema.” – Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat
“What the Kendrick brothers have done with their latest film, The Forge, is start with a religiously sound foundation and then add layers of strong characters and a storyline designed to resonate with all moviegoers.” – Rick Bentley, KGET-TV
“[T]he acting is solid, and the characters are likeable in this story about a young man who finds his identity and purpose.” – Carla Hay, Culture Mix
The Mandalorian: Season 3
After a close encounter with a Jedi Master, Din Djarin returns for more adventures in The Mandalorian season 3. While traveling across the galaxy, the Mandalorian’s dangerous path leads to another encounter with hardened villain Moff Gideon – the warlord who unrelentingly hunted young force-sensitive Grogu for his own gain. When the pair last met, Din was able to defeat Moff Gideon and claim the Darksaber, a special weapon of huge historical importance to Mandalorian culture. Now, Din must decide on the rightful place of the Darksaber as he returns to Mandalore seeking redemption. All the while, the powers of young Grogu are increasing and the unlikely duo are becoming a force to be reckoned with across the galaxy.
rated tv-14. contains sci-fi violence.
“It’s still a thrill and a pleasure to see them back on their way.” – Jack Seale, The Guardian
“It’s the second episode that fully solidifies that this new season is a turning point for The Mandalorian‘s storytelling—the world may still feel small around Din, but it’s growing by leaps and bounds too.” – Maggie Lovitt, Collider
“As before, The Mandalorian’s stories strike a smart balance between familiar stomping grounds and recognizable faces, and fresh frontiers and foes.” – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
Loki: Season 2
After being pushed through a time door, Loki arrives in an alternate reality where nobody recognizes him. The God of mischief has his work cut out as he tries to warn the Time Variance Authority in his new reality of the destruction of the Sacred Timeline. In this new set of adventures, Loki finds himself fighting for the heart of the TVA, the only group that can help restore some order to the splintering multiverse.
rated tv-14. contains violence and language.
“With the multiverse teetering all around it, Loki is one strand of the timeline that is sustaining its originality and intention — and actually thriving. It’s about time.” – John Nugent, Empire
“Frequently I had to pause and rewind so I could reassemble the first season puzzle with the second’s new pieces changing everything. Devouring two more episodes left me no closer to knowing what was happening or where the season would land. Fantastic.” – Melanie McFarland, Salon
“Loki really is set in its own corner of the MCU—perfectly positioned to operate in its own little bubble, while still having an outsized impact on the world at large. At least judging by what we’ve seen of Season 2, Loki continues to thread that needle.” – Trent Moore, Paste
Never Let Go
As an Evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother (Halle Berry), and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.
rated r for strong violent content and grisly images.
“…Never Let Go should resonate with both horror junkies seeking fall escapism and parents looking to see their struggles visualized.” – Christian Zilko, IndieWire
“As recent horror offerings disproportionately lean toward disappointing remakes and tepid commentary on our modern way of life, it’s refreshing to encounter genre fare that is equal parts original and entertaining.” – Natalia Keogan, AV Club
“If you meet the film halfway, Never Let Go becomes enjoyably compelling and eerie. Yes, there are a good amount of scares to be had here, as Aja has only perfected his sense of jumpscare timing as well as his knack for finding collaborators who can conjure up some truly unsettling demonic zombie creatures.” – Bill Bria, /Film
The Block Island Sound
A strange force off the coast influences the residents and wildlife of Block Island.
not rated. contains language, disturbing images, and smoking.
“An impressively-crafted horror indie with a boatload of suspense, a great sense of character, and the ability to frighten with neither ghostly nor bloody interference.” – Johnny Loftus, Decider
“This moody and mysterious horror thriller grabbed my attention and did not let go until the very end.” – Marianna Neal, Impression Blend
“A well-constructed psychological horror vessel, chilly and personal in the right places, keyed into a frequency that’s hard to shake.” – Isaac Feldberg, Rue Morgue
Cover image created with Midjourney prompt: A fancy movie theater decorated with elegant Christmas decorations.
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Summaries provided by the studios.
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