This first weekend in April has many promising new releases, lead by a highly acclaimed horror film. Keep reading to know more.
A Quiet Place
Directed by: John Krasinski
With: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe, and Millicent Simmonds
What is it about? A family is forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.
Heads Up: John Krasinski directs and stars in one of this year’s most anticipated horror films of the year. The film has buzz, strong reviews, and one creepy trailer, so of course, you should go and see it. This is our pick of the week!
You Were Never Really Here
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay
With: Joaquin Phoenix, Dante Pereira-Olson, and Larry Canady
What is it about? A traumatized veteran, unafraid of violence, tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe’s nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what may be his death trip or his awakening.
Heads Up: This thriller drama won Best Actor and Best Screenplay awards at Cannes 2017 from the director of We Need to Talk about Kevin. I recommend you watch it because of its accolade, very strong reviews, and our team’s seal of approval (they saw it when it was screened during DIFF2017). Between this and A Quiet Place, you will be all set for this weekend.
I Kill Giants
Directed by: Anders Walter
With: Madison Wolfe, Zoe Saldana, and Imogen Poots
What is it about? Barbara Thorson struggles through life by escaping into a fantasy life of magic and monsters.
Heads Up: The debut feature film of The Danish director Anders Walter is based on an acclaimed graphic novel of the same name. This film is also very well reviewed, but it’s also out on VOD. It’s worth consideration, but it is not the MVP of the week.
Acrimony
Directed by: Tyler Perry
With: Taraji P. Henson, Lyriq Bent, Crystle Stewart
What is it about? A faithful wife tired of standing by her devious husband is enraged when it becomes clear she has been betrayed.
Heads Up: Tyler Perry‘s latest is not a comedy but a thriller. The prolific filmmaker has built a media empire on catering to the under-served African-American masses, but his films aren’t usually embraced by the wider audience, nor are they often respected by critics. Taraji P. Henson, on the other hand, is a very appealing and a very watchable actress, so if you don’t mind being served a predictable revenge thriller, then go for it.
Blackmail
Directed by: Abhinay Deo
With: Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari, and Urmila Matondkar
What is it about? When Dev finds out his wife is cheating on him, he secretly blackmails his wife and her lover as a form of revenge.
Heads Up: This dark comedy from the director of Delhi Belly has a Coen-esque vibe to it, so I say go for it for sure. Just don’t watch the trailer, as it reveals way too much.
Camera
Directed by: Abdulla Aljunaibi
With: Omar Almulla, Yaser Alneyadi, Ibrahim Ustadiو and Khalifa Albahri
What is it about? A group of friends discovering an abandoned mobile phone in the desert. The gang let their curiosity get the better of them, and after viewing videos recorded on the phone, it seems their innocent trip to the desert may not be quite as straightforward as it seems.
Heads Up: This Emirati psychological thriller is trying to be of the “found footage” genre, which is precisely my problem with it after watching the trailer. If the trailer doesn’t have the discipline to stick to the rules of that genre, then the film for sure is not gonna do that. If you like me would be bothered with such inconsistencies, then this film is surely not for you.
