Exciting New Releases: Movies, Music, and More This Week

Another week, another batch of Staff Picks!

Close-up of a woman with a concerned expression, looking upwards, against a backdrop with decorative elements on the walls.

Disclosure Day

Long live the king. Spielberg returns to one of his favorite subjects in his latest extraterrestrial thriller. This time around he takes a look at how the world might react to definitive proof that we aren’t alone in the universe, and unsurprisingly not everyone appears to take the news well. I’ll have a full review in a few days, but for now just know that this is one of my most anticipated movies of the Summer. – Sean Farrell

A group of diverse individuals posed artistically, showcasing various expressions and styles in a contemporary setting.

Confessions II – The Film by Madonna

The queen is back. Highlighting several songs from her forthcoming album, including lead single “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter, Madonna has released this short film as opposed to the usual batch of music videos. Directed by the duo of David Toro and Solomon Chase, aka TORSO, the project features striking, polished, provocative visuals and a slew of celebrity cameos, all set to some of the catchiest club-ready tunes of her career. – SF

Smiling woman with dark hair and a light background

An Evening with Author Sara Goodman Confino

Local favorite author Sara Goodman Confino returns to Avalon to talk about her latest book Off the Record! Grab a beach chair and come hear her speak at Surfside Park on Thursday, June 18th at 7pm. Beach Bound Books will be on hand selling copies of her novels and Confino will stay to sign them after the event. – SF

A dark, snow-covered house at night, with a warm glow emanating from one illuminated window.

The Second Stranger by Martin Griffin

It’s the last night of the season at the Mackinnon Hotel in Scotland, and Remie is working alone, with only two guests remaining. As a snowstorm rages outside, Police officer Gaines arrives at her door, claiming he was involved in a car accident during a prisoner transport and that the dangerous criminal they were moving is missing. She lets him in and they secure the hotel, but then another man rings the bell, also claiming to be Gaines. Which one is telling the truth? And how much danger is Remie in?

It’s a clever set-up and Griffin handles it well, milking it for maximum suspense and keeping the reader constantly questioning where it’s all headed. Anyone looking for a chilly escape from the heat of Summer would do well to get lost in this snowbound thriller. – SF