Amid the buzz of U.S. presidential election, a diverse lineup of new films is hitting theaters. Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington—son of Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington—presents The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pullitzer Prize-winning 1987 play. Anthony Mackie stars in George Nolfi’s post-apocalyptic thriller Elevation. For martial arts fans, the period-piece film 100 Yards offers hard-hitting action. After his recent Oscar win, Cillian Murphy returns in the mystery Small Things Like These, set in a quiet Irish town. Hugh Grant stars in the new A24 horror film, Heretic, and Cannes-premiering director Andrea Arnold presents Bird, a coming-of-age story.
Full List of Movies Opening this Weekend
The Piano Lesson
Directed by: Malcolm Washington
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and Erykah Badu.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.
Review Summary:
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%. Next Best Picture: 8/10, IndieWire: C+.
Official Trailer:
Elevation
Directed by: George Nolfi
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson Tony Goldwyn, and Danny Boyd Jr.
Set in the post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
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100 Yards
Directed by: Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng
Starring: Jacky Heung, Beahayden Kuo, Andy On, Tang Shiyi and Li Yuan
In volatile 1920s Tianjin, a mere decade after China’s last imperial dynasty was overthrown, a clandestine martial arts circle arose to deter crime and maintain peace between rival martial arts schools. But after a renowned master dies and names his apprentice – rather than his son – as his successor, he unwittingly kicks off a fierce power struggle that will bring the entire city to the brink of chaos.
Review Summary:
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%. Asian Movie Plus: 7.5, Elements of Madness: 3.5/5.
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Small Things Like These
Directed by: Tim Mielants
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Clare Dunne, Helen Behan, and Emily Watson.
Oscar® winner Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in this film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Claire Keegan. While working as a coal merchant to support his family, he discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent — and uncovers truths of his own — forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.
Review Summary:
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%. Next Best Picture: 8/10, Irish Times: 4/5.
Official Trailer:
Heretic
Directed by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Elle Young, and Topher Grace.
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Review Summary:
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%. Guardian: 4/5, Time Out: 4/5.
Official Trailer:
Bird
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Starring: Nykiya Adams, Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Jason Buda, Frankie Box, Jasmine Jobson, Joanne Matthews, James Nelson-Joyce, and Sarah Beth Harber.
12-year-old Bailey lives with her single dad Bug and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey, who is approaching puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.
Review Summary:
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%. IndieWire: B, Irish Times: 4/5.
Official Trailer: