2021: In Preview

2021 is already lining up to be a promising year for cinema. Here are some of my most anticipated releases, along with links to all of the trailers that have been released thus far...

ANOTHER ROUND

dir. Thomas Vinterberg

UK RELEASE DATE - 5 FEBRUARY 2021

I remember not thinking much of this film when I saw the first trailer, but the more times I saw it the more intrigued I became. Mads Mikkelsen is exceptional, so I think it'll great by the fact he is in it alone (totally not saying this because I'm currently binge-watching Hannibal...). The concept is definitely an interesting one and I think the film will turn out to be a darkly comedic exploration of morality and the boundaries of experimentation. Plus, the song from the trailer is incredible.

MALCOLM & MARIE

dir. Sam Levinson

UK RELEASE DATE - 5 FEBRUARY 2021

Zendaya and John David Washington are both absolute powerhouses; by the looks of it, they play off one another beautifully in Malcolm & Marie. I am so looking forward to this one; we know so little of the story and yet so much of it, from what we have seen already. I think it is about time people realise that Zendaya is an adult and can more than handle adult roles; hopefully this film will make people realise that. My only fear is that it might struggle pace-wise, but I hope to be proven wrong.

NOMADLAND

dir. Chloé Zhao

UK RELEASE DATE - 19 FEBRUARY 2021

This looks like it'll be a beautiful third feature from Chloé Zhao. Frances McDormand is an incredible actress anyway, and she shines even in the trailer for Nomadland. She plays a woman named Fern, who is travelling across the American West after losing everything in the recession. This film has already been to a few festivals and had a limited cinematic release last year to positive reviews and awards aplenty. The trailer communicates a quiet yet raw power that I think will propel this movie to greater heights this year.

JUDAS & THE BLACK MESSIAH

dir. Shaka King

UK RELEASE DATE - 26 FEBRUARY 2021

This just looks so good. This is a story that interested me when I watched Trial of the Chicago 7, and I'm looking forward to seeing it play out in its entirety. Daniel Kaluuya really is one of the most talented actors working today, and he looks incredible in this role. The score is extremely powerful and the cinematography looks to compliment it beautifully. I think this will be a very commanding watch.

SUPERNOVA

dir. Harry Macqueen

UK RELEASE DATE - 5 MARCH 2021

I have been waiting for this film for so long and I will continue to wait, because I know it'll be worth it. The trailer for Supernova is absolutely stunning; from the voiceover to the score and the beautiful scenery, it is such a treat. Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci look incredible in it, and I cannot wait to see the whole thing. It will definitely be a difficult watch, but an affirming one.

MINARI

dir. Lee Isaac Chung

UK RELEASE DATE - 19 MARCH 2021

This film looks like it is going to be absolutely exceptional. When a trailer can make you cry, you know it's going to be good. With a touching story and a strong cast, I think Minari has the potential to be one of the year's top releases. It tells the story of a Korean-American family who, in search of a better life, move to a small farm in Arkansas. It may not sound like much but I implore you to watch the trailer. It will certainly change your mind!

A QUIET PLACE: PART II

dir. John Krasinski

UK RELEASE DATE - 20 MARCH 2021

I am so looking forward to this! The first one was a brilliant exploration of the horror genre, and this one looks to be much the same. It's going to be interesting to see flashbacks to what life was like before the creatures began to roam the earth. I do hope we get to see John Krasinski again as he was fantastic in the first film, but either way his stamp will definitely be on this film. Cillian Murphy looks like a great addition to the cast!

NO TIME TO DIE

dir. Cary Fukunanga

UK RELEASE DATE - 2 APRIL 2021

We've been waiting a while for this one, and as I write this I'm seeing articles that suggest it might be delayed again. I'll continue to wait; the trailer looks great and like a return to the glory days of Skyfall (my favourite Bond film). Honestly, I'm just looking forward to the end of the Madeline Swan arc. Lashana Lynch looks like a fantastic addition to the cast, and I'm excited to see her in action. It might be 2022 before we even see it, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

BLACK WIDOW

dir. Cate Shortland

UK RELEASE DATE - 7 MAY 2021

It's about time Natasha got a solo movie, and Black Widow looks like it'll be a good one. She was done so dirty in Endgame, and even though Black Widow is set years prior, I hope that it'll at least soften the blow. The cast are fantastic, as are the score and the visuals. It'll be interesting to learn more about Natasha, her background, and the Red Room. Maybe we'll find out what happened in Budapest? Either way, I'm really looking forward to this.

FREE GUY

dir. Shawn Levy

UK RELEASE DATE - 21 MAY 2021

Honestly, I just think this movie looks like a lot of fun. Light-hearted entertainment that you don't have to think too much about, that explores a universe we will never be able to access. Plus, Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer are the duo that I never knew I needed. Can't wait to see it!

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE

dir. Andy Serkis

UK RELEASE DATE - 25 JUNE 2021

Okay, I know a lot of people weren't fans of Venom, but I actually loved it. I thought it was extremely easy to watch and was actually a really engaging and interesting story. I think Tom Hardy is excellent, and takes well to the nebulous relationship between Eddie and the symbiote. With the addition of Woody Harrelson, and with Andy Serkis at the helm, I think this film has a lot of promise. It'll certainly be enjoyable, if nothing else.

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

dir. Destin Daniel Cretton

UK RELEASE DATE - 9 JULY 2021

I can't wait to see the trailer and learn a bit more about this film! For the most part, MCU films don't disappoint, and I'm sure Shang-Chi will be no exception. I think it will probably bring something different to the table, and I hope that people will view it with an open mind! I'm looking forward to it anyway; the cast look great, and I'm confident that they'll carry the movie well.

IN THE HEIGHTS

dir. John M. Chu

UK RELEASE DATE - 30 JULY 2021

This movie already has such an infectious energy that bleeds from every second of the trailer. I wasn't familiar with the musical beforehand, but I can imagine it being amazing on stage. The songs in the trailer are incredibly catchy, and the visuals are beautifully eclectic. I feel like we've been waiting for this one for a while, but I will wait longer because I don't doubt it'll be worth it!

THE GREEN KNIGHT

dir. David Lowery

UK RELEASE DATE - 30 JULY 2021

This film looks like it is going to be an incredible and crazy blend of psychological thriller and medieval fantasy. I love Dev Patel and I don't doubt that he will be brilliant in this role! The sound design is already exceptional even from the trailer and simultaneously put me on edge and drew me in. It looks like its going to be pretty dark, but I really like that vibe. I can't wait to hide behind my hands in the cinema.

THE FRENCH DISPATCH

dir. Wes Anderson

UK RELEASE DATE - 28 AUGUST 2021 (I'm not sure how reliable this is)

You really cannot beat the aesthetic of a Wes Anderson film, and The French Dispatch does not disappoint on that front. It seems as though there is going to be a lot going on in this film, carried along by an exceptional cast and wonderful cinematography, both of which are to be expected. I hope we do get to see this one in 2021; it feels like it was announced forever ago!

CANDYMAN

dir. Nia DaCosta

UK RELEASE DATE - AUGUST 2021

This film, like so many others, has gone through quite a few delays already. However, I think it'll be more than worth the wait. I haven't seen the original but the trailer for this one has made me want to! Yahya Abdul Mateen II is such a commanding presence on screen, and he really shines in this trailer. While Jordan Peele is a master of the horror genre and I don't doubt that his influence on this film will be palpable, it's important to give due credit to the director: Nia DaCosta. I'm looking forward to seeing the full product of their labour.

DUNE

dir. Dennis Villeneuve

UK RELEASE DATE - OCTOBER 2021

It's difficult to find an official release date for Dune; to be fair, it's already been delayed so I can understand why. It looks like it is going to be, for want of a better word, epic. It has an incredible cast that will no doubt be bolstered by strong direction and an incredible score. I haven't read the book yet but I'm hoping to do so before the film comes out, whenever it does. My only fear is that the runtime will be extremely long and may result in some lethargic sections of atmospheric shots and little plot progression. However, that is pure conjecture, so please don't come at me just yet!

HALLOWEEN KILLS

dir. David Gordon Green

UK RELEASE DATE - 15 OCTOBER 2021

I know. Another Halloween movie, I hear you sigh. Fair enough, I know there's been a few. I've only seen the first one and the most recent one, and I enjoyed both. Especially the first one; I'd go so far as to say it's my favourite Halloween-themed film. Jamie Lee Curtis is such a strong actress and I'm glad that she's still in this most recent instalment. I think it'll be interesting to see where the story goes this time around!

ETERNALS

dir. Chloé Zhao

UK RELEASE DATE - 5 NOVEMBER 2021

The second Chloé Zhao film on this list, and one that I'm sure everyone - or, at least, everyone that enjoys the MCU - is excited for. I don't know a great deal about the plot of this film, nor the background behind the Eternals themselves, but that doesn't particularly bother me. Sometimes I'll overdo it on the research and ruin a film for myself, and I don't want to do that with this one. I'm more than happy to wait and be thrilled by whatever I see!

WEST SIDE STORY

dir. Stephen Spielberg

UK RELEASE DATE - 10 DECEMBER 2021

The most unfortunate thing about this film - apart from the delays - is the fact that it has Ansel Elgort in it. In case you weren't aware, in 2020 Ansel Elgort was accused of sexual assault and manipulation by a young fan. His supposed apology was weak and served only to gaslight the victim. Thus, for all he may be a good actor, I cannot support him any longer. I do think this movie will be good, however. Rachel Zegler - Maria - is wonderful, and I think she will play the role beautifully. I look forward to seeing more of her, and this film.

UNTITLED SPIDERMAN SEQUEL

dir. Jon Watts

UK RELEASE DATE - 17 DECEMBER 2021

Yes, we know very little about this film so far. But, from what we do know, I think we can all say that this is going to be epic.

SHERLOCK HOLMES 3

dir. Dexter Fletcher

UK RELEASE DATE - 21 DECEMBER 2021

Once again, we know very little about this film right now, but it is bound to be good. Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law are exceptional as Holmes and Watson, and have such incredible chemistry. I found out today that Dexter Fletcher is going to be directing this instalment, and I could not be more excited for that. I trust that he will do it due justice!

So, that's all the films that I can think of that I'm looking forward to this year! Have I missed any? Are there any that you would recommend checking out? Please don't hesitate to drop me a line on social media, if you fancy! @rac_on_film on Twitter and Insta, and Rac on Film on Facebook! Have a great day! :)