Most Anticipated Film Releases this Autumn

Autumn – the return of cold weather, heavy workloads and the slow countdown to Christmas. Thankfully, this autumn we are spoilt with a number of highly anticipated films coming to cinemas. From new takes on beloved characters to a 40-year awaited sequel to a cult classic, you will not have to look hard for some well-deserved escapism.

Ad Astra – 18 September

Coinciding with the 50-year anniversary of the moon landing, there seems no better time for the release of a sci-fi adventure film, with Brad Pitt at the helm. Ad Astra takes a look at the motive, emotional strain and sacrifice behind being an astronaut. At 55 years old, Brad Pitt is still running strong and shows no signs of delivering a mediocre performance. It will be interesting to see him take on a drastically different role to his recent performance as relaxed, grounded stunt-double Cliff Booth in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The question is this: can this movie, with a seemingly generic plot, hold its own against recent sci-fi mainstays Interstellar and The Martian?

The Goldfinch – 27 September

Based on the 2014 Pulitzer Prize winner novel by Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch tells a story of tragedy and loss in a narrative style which closely intertwines past and present. Whilst the film is sure to be a tear-jerker, it highlights the benefits of shared experiences and friendships formed through trauma. Possibly the most attractive aspect of this production is its high-profile cast which includes Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story) and Nicole Kidman (The Others). If you are a fan of book-to-film adaptations, this is one for you this autumn.

Joker – 4th October

Jared Leto, Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson. What do they all have in common? The Joker. Now we hold our breaths to see whether Joaquin Phoenix can bring a new angle to this potentially overworked character. The trailer, released all the way back in April, hints at a transformation story from a struggling, impoverished and beaten outcast into a confident, self-assured super villain. Stunning visuals teamed with an ingenious song choice (Nat King Cole – Smile); the trailer alone is a cinematic triumph worthy of commendation. With so much still in the dark about the content and quality of this feature, one thing is for sure: the excitement is real and it is a must-see for fans of this iconic Batman character.

Doctor Sleep – 8 November

Based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, and sequel to The Shining, the stakes are high. Will this movie live up to the hype and help to define a new generation of horror, or will it drown in the shadow of its predecessor? The trailer, released in June, incorporates plenty of nods towards Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining – ‘Redrum’, Room 237, the elevator of blood, ‘Dies Irae’ playing in the background. There is even a recreation of the infamous bathroom door shot! With impressive casting (Ewan McGregor) and exceptional material, we are expecting great things from Doctor Sleep.