We’ve had an incredible year of film so far, every genre has told stories at the very top of their game – and we still have 3 months of the year to go! Here are our top 5 film picks to look out for between now and 2020…
The Joker (Todd Philips) UK Release: 4th October
The highly anticipated DC movie telling the story of Batman’s nemesis ‘The Joker’, starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips. After Heath Ledger’s phenomenal portrayal of the same character, many were hesitant to ‘look forward’ to this film…until Joaquin Phoenix was announced. I’m a BIG Joaquin Phoenix fan, I think he is arguably one of the greatest actors around today and I personally think this casting is perfect. The trailer gives us a glimpse of the plot all set to a haunting version of the song ‘smile’. I’m expecting it to be quite sad, entangled perhaps with a bit of dark humour and, hopefully a really captivating plot re-introducing one of the villains we just love to hate. iMDB categorises it as a crime/drama/thriller so if you like a bit of action or just love the Batman universe then be sure not to miss this movie! – Ellen
The Peanut Butter Falcon (Tyler Nilson, Mike Schwartz) UK Release: 18th October
When I first heard the story behind ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’s’ creation, I was looking forward to its release immediately. Directors Nilson and Schwartz met the film’s star, Zack Gottsagen – a 22 year old with down syndrome who always wanted to be an actor – in Venice. They decided that his story would make a great film and shot a proof-of-concept video with him. After being funded for a feature length film, production began and quickly picked up big name actors such as Shia Lebouf, Dakota Fanning and Jon Bernthal, despite remaining a relatively indie release. I can’t think of a story which would be any more of a feel-good film than the creation of someone’s dream whilst telling their own story. – Fred
The Report (Scott Z. Burns) UK Release: 15th November
Based on true events, The Report (also known as ‘The Torture Report’) tells the story of Senate staffer Daniel.J Jones who was put in charge of investigating the CIAs detention and interrogation programme after the events of 9/11 and fought to make public some very dark secrets. Starring the likes of Adam Driver and Annette Benning this film is tipped to be a ‘big hitter’ and was very well received at Sundance Film Festival. Containing scenes of an upsetting nature, inhumane treatment and torture, this drama won’t be for everyone but I imagine it will be an important watch. – Ellen
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (Vince Gilligan) Worldwide Release: 11th October
Of all the films on this list, I would say that this is the one that I am most nervous about. Breaking Bad is one of, if not my favourite TV series of all time. Avoiding spoilers, I would perhaps describe the TV series’ ending as perfect, wrapping up many stories whilst leaving the ambiguity of others to stay with the viewer. When continuing such a story, there is always the risk that answers will be provided to questions that are perhaps better left unanswered, or maybe the writing just won’t hold up to the original series. However, it appears that the films creation has been left in the trusted hands of the original writer, Vince Gilligan, and I would like to believe that he wouldn’t carry on the story of such a beloved show if he didn’t think that he could maintain the high standard he’s set for himself. Either way, when Netflix releases the film, I’m sure I’ll be watching it as soon as I can. – Fred
Little Women (Greta Gerwig) UK Release: 26th December
This is quite possibly the most exciting release of 2019 for us. What’s not to love?! A classic novel, one of the best directors of our time and an A-list cast! Listed on iMDB as a drama/romance this film follows the story of four sisters in the aftermath of the civil war. Greta Gerwig directs the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep and Laura Dern, which should be enough to get anyone who has any interest in film along to see this movie. This coming of age story will undoubtedly be a brilliantly entertaining watch, an absolute masterclass at filmmaking and we’re sure will be carefully considered in the coming awards season. Gerwig’s continuation of strong female characters presents an exciting exploration by the director, which could be considered as the beginning of her establishment as an auteur. The energy shown in the trailer is undoubtedly infectious, and we can’t wait to experience this film. – Fred and Ellen
It wasn’t easy to pick just 5 between us so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more reviews and articles. We’d love for you to comment and let us know which upcoming releases you’re looking forward to and why!