Best films released in the UK this month: January 2025

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the depths of cinematic history, I must say that the forthcoming slate of films for January 2024 promises to be a veritable feast for the senses and the soul. Each film on this list showcases the unique life experiences of its protagonists, from the haunting tale of a suburban ghost in “Presence” to the epic journey of a Hungarian-Jewish architect in “The Brutalist”.

One film that particularly piques my curiosity is “Hard Truths”, directed by Mike Leigh. As someone who has long admired his ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of human nature, I eagerly anticipate Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s portrayal of Pansy, a woman grappling with depression and disillusionment. The film’s focus on familial relationships and emotional turmoil resonates deeply with my own life experiences and makes me all the more excited to see how Leigh brings it to the screen.

Of course, no discussion of the January 2024 lineup would be complete without mentioning “The Brutalist”, a film that promises to be a tour de force for Adrien Brody as László Tóth. As someone who appreciates films that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling, I am particularly intrigued by the three-and-a-half hour runtime and the film’s exploration of the immigrant experience in post-war America.

To lighten the mood, let me leave you with a little joke: Why did the movie director bring an eraser to the set? To fix his penciled-in dialogue! I can only hope that none of these extraordinary films require such last-minute revisions – but I’m confident that each one will be a masterpiece in its own right.

A new year is upon us, and 2025 is already off to a flyer when it comes to new UK cinema releases.

On the other side of the ocean, instead of being a barren time for new movies, January here sees a flurry of award-contending films hitting theatres, roughly a month following their US premieres.

As a cinephile with a passion for both indie films and biopics, I can’t help but be thrilled by the upcoming releases that promise to deliver exceptional storytelling and captivating performances. The upcoming slate is particularly intriguing because it features some highly anticipated titles, including Brady Corbet’s three-and-a-half hour epic “The Brutalist” and RaMell Ross’s masterful adaptation “Nickel Boys.”

What truly excites me is the small matter of Timothée Chalamet starring as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s biopic “A Complete Unknown.” As someone who grew up listening to Dylan’s music, I can’t wait to see how Chalamet will portray such a complex and iconic figure.

Overall, the upcoming releases on this slate have me eagerly counting down the days until I can immerse myself in the stories they tell and appreciate the artistry that went into creating them.

Additionally, a variety of highly anticipated films are on the horizon from renowned filmmakers such as Pablo Larraín, Steven Soderbergh, and Mike Leigh. Notably, these include talents like Florence Pugh, Nicole Kidman, and Jesse Eisenberg who are set to appear in new movie releases as well.

Currently, there are some exciting horror releases for fans to look forward to. Robert Eggers’ updated version of the classic vampire tale Nosferatu is now playing in theaters, and later this month, Leigh Whannell’s fresh take on the Wolf Man featuring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner will be released.

As someone who has been a movie enthusiast for as long as I can remember, I must say that this month’s film selection is truly exceptional! With my years of experience watching countless movies, I can confidently recommend these films to anyone looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience. You can either take a look at the video above or read on for my top picks. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Nosferatu

Release date: Wednesday 1st January in cinemas

In a different wording: Director Robert Eggers, famous for “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse”, has crafted an exceptional remake of the timeless vampire story. This captivating reimagining features Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Willem Dafoe as its prominent stars. The movie is brimming with a haunting, gothic ambiance.

In essence, this story shares similarities with Dracula by Bram Stoker or any preceding Nosferatu movies, as it unfolds after a real estate agent encounters a terrifying client in Transylvania, leading to chaos. However, Eggers gives it a unique twist through his distinctive narrative style and meticulous historical accuracy.

We Live in Time

Release date: Wednesday 1st January in cinemas

In this film directed by John Crowley, set in Brooklyn, we follow the heart-wrenching romance of characters Tobias and Almut portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The narrative unfolds their love story, both before and after a devastating turn when Almut receives a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The movie’s narrative is not chronological, offering numerous humorous scenes as well as deeply poignant ones. Both Pugh and Garfield deliver remarkable performances with an undeniable on-screen rapport. Prepare tissues, as many viewers may find themselves moved to tears.

Nickel Boys

Release date: Friday 3rd January in cinemas

Under the direction of RaMell Ross, this film – an innovative adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s acclaimed novel about a harsh, segregated correctional school – is one of the most impressive new releases in recent years. The unique point-of-view style used throughout the movie not only works exceptionally well but also intensifies the emotional impact of the heartbreaking story.

In a fresh take on the main roles, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Taylor deliver outstanding performances as Elwood and Turner, respectively. Meanwhile, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a powerfully moving portrayal in her supportive character.

A Real Pain

Release date: Friday 10th January in cinemas

Jesse Eisenberg penned and guided a humorous yet poignant movie that follows the journey of two Jewish cousins back to their deceased grandmother’s native Poland, a land where she endured the Holocaust prior to immigrating to America.

The movie explores not only the lingering family agony but also the evolving relationship between two cousins. Kieran Culkin delivers a stunning portrayal in his role as cousin Benji, whose brash demeanor masks a troubled history that unfolds progressively throughout the storyline.

Maria

Release date: Friday 10th January in cinemas

In this film, Angelina Jolie plays the role of the renowned opera singer Maria Callas, as depicted during her latter days in Paris. This work is part of a loosely connected trilogy directed by Pablo Larraín, who has previously brought to life two other iconic 20th-century women – Jackie and Spencer.

In the movie, Maria often engages in introspective discussions, as if talking to a journalist, about her personal life and professional journey. Simultaneously, she interacts with her faithful butler and maid, and reminisces about her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. This technique lends depth to her character development.

Babygirl

Release date: Friday 10th January in cinemas

In this sensual drama directed by Halina Reijn, Nicole Kidman plays the role of a successful CEO involved in a daring romance with a significantly younger coworker, Harris Dickinson.

This fresh, risky romance seems like an escape from the monotony of her secure, emotionless marriage to theater director Jacob (Antonio Banderas). However, as time goes on, this illicit relationship could potentially disrupt the tranquility of her domestic existence.

A Complete Unknown

Release date: Friday 17th January in cinemas

In this movie about Bob Dylan’s life directed by James Mangold, Timothée Chalamet takes the main character. The story revolves around Bob Dylan, the renowned folk artist, and his contentious shift from playing acoustic to electric music during the mid-1960s.

In this production, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro join the ensemble, while Timothée Chalamet lends his voice to various timeless Bob Dylan songs such as A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, Mr. Tambourine Man, and Like a Rolling Stone.

William Tell

Release date: Friday 17th January in cinemas

In this grand tale, Claes Bang takes the lead role as the Swiss folk hero, joined by an impressive ensemble that includes Connor Swindells, Jonathan Pryce, and Ben Kingsley, along with other notable stars.

14th-century Switzerland serves as the backdrop for this tale, focusing on its main character, a tranquil hunter, who finds himself leading his people in an uprising. This transformation occurs when his family and homeland face threats from a cruel and autocratic Austrian monarch.

Wolf Man

Release date: Friday 17th January in cinemas

Director Leigh Whannell reimagines another timeless Universal monster movie from its original form, this time for the year 2021, featuring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner as the main characters.

After the announcement of his father’s passing, Blake, along with his family, relocate to their childhood home. However, this peaceful return is disrupted when they are suddenly assaulted by an unidentified beast, initiating a grisly metamorphosis in Blake.

The Brutalist

Release date: Friday 24th January in cinemas

In my view, the captivating work of director Brady Corbet centers around an extraordinary performance by Adrien Brody as László Tóth, a fictional Hungarian-Jewish architect living in post-war Pennsylvania. It’s a profound tale that I found truly engrossing.

Experiencing this three-and-a-half hour epic from a fan’s perspective, it’s like diving deep into a captivating novel. The story primarily revolves around my tense collaboration with affluent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren, played by Guy Pearce. This partnership serves as the backbone for exploring the complexities of the immigrant journey in America and the unavoidable need for artists to make sacrifices.

Presence

Release date: Friday 24th January in cinemas

In this captivating ghost tale directed by the skilled Steven Soderbergh, actresses like Julia Fox, Lucy Liu, and up-and-coming talent Callina Liang are featured within its ensemble.

Instead of a classic trope where a family suspects they’re not alone in their suburban home, this tale unfolds from the standpoint of the very presence that’s haunting them, offering a unique and intriguing perspective shift.

Hard Truths

Release date: Friday 31st January in cinemas

The newest movie by acclaimed British filmmaker Mike Leigh features Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, a melancholic and disenchanted character given to fits of anger, and explores her complex bond with her upbeat sister Chantal (played by Michele Austin), whose tolerance for her is beginning to wane.

Since 2010, Leigh’s latest contemporary play marks a return to drama, preceded by his historical films Mr Turner and Peterloo. This new work maintains many of the prominent themes characteristic of this esteemed director, while Jean-Baptiste’s outstanding central performance is destined to be remembered for generations.

Read More

2025-01-02 19:36