With just over a month to go let’s have a look at some of the movies that are showing when the UK’s big screens reopen. What their stories will be and what makes them worth going to see?

Spiral: From the book of Saw (17th May)

A police veteran and two detectives investigate a series of murders that look familiar to some prior cases. Soon, however, the killer begins targeting one of them as part of a dark game.

17 years after the Saw franchise began Spiral is aiming to give the series a revival. Its cast will be led by Chris Rock playing against type in a more serious role (he also pitched the idea for the film’s story), alongside the brilliant Samuel L. Jackson. Series stalwart Darren Lynn Bousman is also returning to direct, meaning Spiral is sure to continue Saw’s energetic dark visual style. This mixture of unique style with a fresh cast and story possibilities will satisfy Saw die-hards and casual audiences alike. And the big screen will only enhance the film’s atmosphere. So horror lovers go and give Spiral a watch when cinemas reopen.

The 8th (25th May)

This documentary charts the 35-year struggle of many dedicated female activists in Ireland as they fought to change the 8^th amendment, which effectively banned abortions.

The 8^th feels particularly timely given recent news stories regarding women’s rights and safety. And from all indications, The 8^th will be full of both insight and emotional depth. As filmmakers, Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy, and Maeve O’Boyle, who themselves lived under the shadow of the effects of the amendment in Ireland, dive deep into the debate around the amendment. Looking at both sides but mostly focusing on those leading the charge on the pro-choice side and the ray of hope the campaign provides to the world at this moment. The subject matter of The 8th is very important right now. And a cinema screening will only add to the film’s power.

In the Heights (25th Jun)

Over the course of three days in Washington Heights, a number of characters’ lives are charted. Including bodega owner, Usnavi, who is saving up all he can in the hopes of one day making a better life.

After the success of Hamilton last year, another filmed adaptation of a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical is something that everyone should be wanting. With catchy tunes, beautiful visuals, a story that celebrates Latinx culture, and a talented cast and crew In The Heights will surely be a wonderful time. But for the best experience, nothing is going to compare to hearing these songs on cinema speakers.

Another Round (25th Jun)

Four teachers decide to try an experiment and see if they can improve their lives by making sure they have a constant level of alcohol in their blood.

Another Round’s intriguing premise and the fact that it has been nominated for several Oscars this year, including best international film and best director is alone enough reason to recommend seeing it. But because it reteams acclaimed director Thomas Vinterberg with the incredibly talented Mads Mikkelsen, who both worked together on the masterpiece The Hunt, Another Round becomes something that must be seen on big screens when they reopen. Purely because of the calibre of their work.

Fast and Furious 9 (8th Jul)

A new threat emerges to try and destroy Dom and his team’s idyllic existence. That threat is a man who happens to be the most skilled driver and assassin that the group has encountered yet. Dom’s brother, Jakob.

Of all the delayed blockbuster releases Fast and Furious 9 looks like one of the most fun. The franchise continues its ever-increasing tongue-in-cheek comic-book-esque silliness by resurrecting Sung Kang’s Han and having Dom’s brother Jakob (played by the ever-fun John Cena) be a supervillain joining with Cipher from Fate of the Furious. Justin Lin is also coming back to the director’s chair. He previously directed Fast Five. One of the most acclaimed Fast and Furious films. All these ingredients indicate Fast and Furious 9 will be an overblown, well-made, cheesy, good time made for a day out with friends. Which is something we could all use right now.

And those are just a few films that will be coming out when cinemas reopen. Are you looking forward to any of these releases and are you ready to head back to the cinema? Please let us know and remember to stay safe.

Also Read: BirdBox Film Club: Championing Womens’ Voices In Film

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Today we’re looking through 8 exciting upcoming horror releases that will (hopefully) release this year. We will give a brief synopsis of what we know about these films. And explain why you should be excited to see them.

1. In the Earth (30th January – Sundance Film Festival)

Ben Wheatley’s latest film focuses on a scientist and a park scout going on an equipment run after a virus infects the world (topical). Wheatley’s projects are always fascinating thanks to his ability to get great performances from his actors and effectively build atmosphere. In the Earth also sees Wheatley round up prior collaborators, including Reece Shearsmith (A Field in England), Hayley Squires, and Mark Monero (Happy New Year, Colin Burstead). Let’s hope this is another winner.

2. The Blazing World (31^st January – Sundance Film Festival)

Carlson Young’s debut feature is about a woman drawn into a surreal world where her sister is still alive. This movie deserves more attention from the trailer alone. The candy-coloured lighting juxtaposes brilliantly against a foreboding soundtrack and frightening images. Like a smiling man in black, and a worried girl amongst her smiling friends. The Blazing World looks like David Lynch meets Suspiria (1977). What a nightmarish treat.

3. Prisoners of the Ghostland (1^st February – Sundance Film Festival)

From cult director Sion Sono (Suicide Club and Love Exposure) this action, horror, thriller follows a notorious criminal (Nicolas Cage) who must break an evil curse to recover a missing girl. While the story sounds generic the pairing of Cage’s and Sono’s odd talents could lead to another Cage cult horror hit like Mandy and Colour Out of Space. With production stills showing Nic Cage’s quintessential mania, Prisoners of the Ghostland looks like a fun time.  

4. Morbius (19^th March)

This MCU adjacent Sony movie focuses on Morbius, the living vampire. Jared Leto plays brilliant biochemist Michael Morbius whose experiments to cure himself of a disease result in him developing abilities such as super strength, echolocation, and gaining a thirst for human blood. With a horror-inspired aesthetic Morbius looks like a welcome attempt to try something different from other MCU films. Let’s hope this horror comic book film lands better than New Mutants.

5. Last Night in Soho (23^rd April)

When a young woman obsessed with 1960s fashion travels back in time and meets her idol things take a dark turn as time begins falling apart. Last Night in Soho comes to us from Edgar Wright. Wright”s track record alone should entice anyone to see this movie. And with a cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, and the late Diana Rigg, Last Night in Soho should be on everyone’s radar.

6. The Green Knight (30^th July)

Whenever A24 releases a new horror film the horror community takes notice. Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, David Lowery’s latest project reimagines the classic folktale with a decidedly darker edge. The trailer should excite any horror fan. Full of creeping camerawork, unnerving music, and nightmarish fantasy creatures, The Green Knight looks set to please fans of the niche studio.

7. Candyman (2021) (27^th August)

With Tony Todd returning as the iconic villain, Jordan Peele (Get Out and Us) contributing to the screenplay and producing the film, which will be a spiritual sequel rather than a remake of the classic film, and promising new director Nia DaCosta helming the project all of this adds up to a film that looks to be respecting the legacy of the original Candyman while offering something that looks fresh and new.

8. Malignant (2021 TBA)

Finally, little is known about this project, but it’s a reportedly original idea from horror master James Wan. Who birthed great modern horror films like Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring movies. And honestly, that pedigree is all you should need to be excited.

There you have 8 upcoming horror releases you should watch (if possible) this year. Are there any future horror releases you’re anticipating? Please let us know.

Also Read: The Best Horror Films of the Decade

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post A Horror Fans Film Guide To 2021 appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Antebellum (21^st August)

With a cast headlined by Janelle Monáe, Antebellum looks at a modern author, Veronica, who becomes trapped in a reality-based around slavery. Will she be able to figure out what has happened to her and escape before it’s too late? Many modern horror films have dealt with issues of race (see Get Out & Us) and Antebellum looks to specifically address issues regarding past and present treatment of people of colour in potentially really interesting ways by having a plot based around a modern woman forced to feel the hardship of slavery. If handled right Antebellum could not only be scary but prove again that horror is fertile ground for thought-provoking examinations of real social issues.

The New Mutants (28^th August)

The New Mutants is a spinoff of the X-men series. Focusing on five teenagers with mutant powers imprisoned in a facility against their will. The new mutants must come to terms with their dark pasts and fight their way out of captivity. Initially set to release in early 2018, New Mutants’ release date has changed many times since then. With reshoots also taking place to make the film scarier. With it finally set to release in August many are curious to see the result of the long-delayed film. And while the film may not justify the wait, the idea of a superhero horror film with a talented cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, Charlie Heaton; Alice Braga and directed by The Fault in our Stars‘ Josh Boone is just too intriguing to resist. Hopefully, the upcoming film will at least be an entertaining attempt to do something different.

Relic (5^th October)

This Australian film is about a family that begins to have their home haunted in a way that feels like a manifestation of their grandmother’s dementia. Relic has received many good notices since its premiere at Sundance. Many reviews praised the performances of leads Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, and Robyn Nevin and the film’s slow-burning suspenseful nature. Reviews also compared the film to both Hereditary and The Babadook meaning that it could have a very divisive reception. But if the scares are built-up right, with suspense rather than shock in mind, and the characters are written and performed well, we could have another modern Aussie horror hit on our hands.

Cordelia (23^rd October)

Coming to us from TV and film director Adrian Shergold (director of Pierrepoint: The Last Hang Man); written by and starring Antonia Campbell-Hughes. Cordelia is a British horror film about the titular character who lives in a flat with her twin Caroline. Cordelia was once an up and coming actress but suffered a traumatic experience that changed her. She now seems to have recovered but when her sister and her boyfriend leave her, the trauma threatens to resurface. Boasting a cast that includes Michael Gambon and Johnny Flynn and a trailer rife with quietly unsettling imagery. Cordelia bears the hallmarks of being a potential spooky surprise.

Saint Maud (23^rd October)

The feature debut from Rose Glass follows Maud, a very religious nurse who becomes obsessed with saving her patient from damnation. With solid critical reviews, some disturbing trailers, and A24, which has produced some of the most disturbing horror films of the last decade, backing it, Saint Maud looks set to be another creepy home run for A24.

So while we may not be seeing the release of every big horror film we wanted in 2020, horror fans still have plenty of upcoming releases to look forward to. Let me know what horror films you’re looking forward to down below.

Also Read: The Best of Blumhouse

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