One of my favorite pastimes is going to the movies. An AMC stubs membership is in my future post-grad and although I am not ready to go home and graduate from IU, I do look forward to the films of 2025 I will get to see.
There’s something to be said about sitting in the darkness with complete strangers, absorbed by what you see on the screen. I crave those exact moment with these films.
“Opus” (Directed by Mark Anthony Green)
Ayo Edebiri is the star of the moment. I first discovered her as she took over the voiceover work for Missy on “Big Mouth,” replacing Jenny Slate. Her performances in already cult-classic films “Bottoms” and “Theater Camp” solidified her as one of my favorite comedic actresses of the time.
From its first trailer, I knew “Opus” was up my alley. The film follows Ariel, a writer played by Edebiri, who is invited to a legendary pop star’s remote compound. The pop star is Alfred Moretti played by John Malkovich, and he has not been seen by the public for 30 years. As thrilling as the scenario seems, Ariel soon realizes that everything is not what it appears to be. “Opus” has a runtime of 1 hour, 43 minutes and will be widely released on March 14.
“One Battle After Another” (Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson)
Details regarding this film have been incredibly under wraps, but my excitement for it is palpable, nevertheless. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorite directors because his work is so incredibly diverse. He is the creative behind “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood,” two complete opposite films with powerhouse visuals. His next film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro, just to name a few. According to those who have attended an early screening, the film is not yet finished, but it is a modern take on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland. As of now the film is set to have an Aug. 8 release date. Whatever PTA does, I will be sat.
“After the Hunt” (Directed by Luca Guadagnino)
The words “gripping psychological drama” paired with a cast filled by Andrew Garfield, Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri (she’s back), Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny equate to a cinematic heaven. Oh, and it’s also directed by the iconic Luca Guadagnino. Truly what more could you ask for? The film surrounds a Yale professor played by Roberts who finds herself in a personal and professional crossroad when her star pupil makes an accusation against one of her colleagues. Amid all this, a secret from her past brims at the surface. It seems like Guadagnino always has a film coming out and not a single one has disappointed, so “After the Hunt” is first on my watchlist. It will have a limited rollout Oct. 10 before its wide release Oct. 17.
“Wicked: For Good” (Directed by Jon M. Chu)
When it was announced that the film adaptation of the beloved musical “Wicked” was to be split into two parts, I was annoyed. I couldn’t understand how they could take a show with a 2 hour and 45-minute run time (including intermission) and make a 2 hour and 40-minute movie just for Act One.
When I saw the 2024 film, I quickly understood. Act Two of Wicked has the more intense, less commercial moments. Elphaba is now known as the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda is a spokesperson for the Wizard, Fiyero is Captain of the Wizard’s Guard and Nessarose is the Governess of Munchkinland.
I have been patiently waiting to hear Cynthia Erivo sing “No Good Deed,” a heartbreakingly belted number as exciting as “Defying Gravity.” There will be two new songs penned by composer Stephen Schwartz, but I most look forward to hearing the titular song “For Good,” a duet between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that has been a representation of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship since its debut in 2003. “Wicked: For Good” is set to be released Nov. 21.
