Thanksgiving is upon us and, if you’re lucky, that means you may have a few days off. Obviously, there’s no better way to recover from your inevitable food coma than catching a movie (not to mention sitting in a dark theater is a great way to avoid having to talk to your relatives for a few hours). This time of year is also one of the best for new releases, with both an onslaught of awards contenders and box office heavyweights heading to theaters. Here are some of the new releases you should have on your radar heading into the long weekend—you can thanks us later!
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
The Mister Rogers biopic starring Tom Hanks depicts the ways in which the beloved host and his words of wisdom have stuck with those of us who have become jaded by the struggles of adulthood. Be sure to bring tissues, as this Marielle Heller feature is sure to make even the most composed viewers shed a tear.
“Frozen 2”
Disney has another animated hit on its hands with the highly anticipated sequel to 2013’s “Frozen”—and like its predecessor, “Frozen 2” will definitely send you out of the theater with an earworm or two. The movie’s audience has matured and so, too, has the world of the film itself; in other words, it’s a feel-good hit for all ages.
“Knives Out”
Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating family. So what better way is there to show your loved ones how much they mean to you than taking them to Rian Johnson’s thriller wherein a family reunion turns quickly into a murder mystery?
“Marriage Story”
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star in this devastating drama about love, loss, and everything between. The Noah Bambauch joint also features one of the year’s best ensembles, including Laura Dern, Ray Liotta and Alan Alda, all of whom will pull ever so expertly at your heartstrings.
“Parasite”
Though it’s only recently had its wide release, “Parasite” done something that very few foreign films before it has: it’s become a box office hit. Turns out stories about class disparity resonate deeply in this day and age—who would’ve thought?
“The Irishman”
Martin Scorsese rounded up his own version of the Avengers for this nearly-four-hour epic starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Needless to say, awards buzz has swarmed the Netflix feature since first word of its production, and this is the perfect long weekend to make the commitment and watch it.
And when it is time to get back to work, check out Backstage’s film audition listings!