Irish talent is dominating the big screen in November and there’s no better time to support the industry. Here’s our pick of new releases to suit every member of the family …
Small Things Like These out now
A notable and recognisable cast, from Cillian Murphy and Emily Watson, to Eileen Walsh from Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney’s Catastrophe, and Ciarán Hinds and Clare Dunne from hit Irish show Kin, star in this dark tale. Also starring Michelle Fairley, Mark McKenna and Ella Cannon – what an ensemble. Based on Claire Keegan’s critically acclaimed novel set against the backdrop of the Magdalene Laundries in 1980s Ireland, Cillian Murphy plays a devoted father who uncovers disturbing secrets at the local convent. As he investigates, he discovers shocking truths about his own past and life. Close to a year since he made history as the first Irishman to win Best Actor at the Oscars for Oppenheimer, critics already predict he could scoop another prestigious win for his performance. Watch the trailer now.
Heretic out now
If you are still in the mood for something spooky after Halloween, Heretic is the one for you. We are terrified, but oh so curious, to see Hugh Grant play a villain in this psychological thriller. He has always maintained in interviews that he should play a ‘bad guy’ – so his dream (or nightmare!) has come true. Heretic follows two young missionaries who become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Grant. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. We have no doubt Grant has made this creepy role his own. Watch the trailer now.
Paddington in Peru out now
This is one for the whole family when it premieres this week. The charming cast returns from Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and Emily Mortimer to Ben Whishaw, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin, with new characters starring Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. Paddington returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Bringing the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazonian rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru. A heartwarming story that’s sure to be a family favourite like the first two instalments. Watch the trailer here.
Gladiator II on Friday November 15
Two and a half hours of Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington in Roman garb is on our priority watch list. Connie Nelson, Djimon Hounsou and Derek Jacobi reprise their roles from the legendary Gladiator back in 2000 – hard to believe it’s already nearly 25 years’ old. Barry Keoghan, who seems to be everywhere, is in it too. The story follows Lucius (Mescal), the former heir to the Roman Empire and son of Maximus (one of Russell Crowe’s most iconic roles) and Lucilla (Nelson), who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman army. With the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honour needed to return the glory of Rome to its people. Directed by Ridley Scott, who built a section of the city in Malta for filming, we know this is going to be epic. Mescal has been gracing the Irish public with his presence and it is building up this film all the more. We can’t wait. Watch the trailer to see for yourself.
Wicked on Friday November 22
We were made to believe there would be another ‘Barbenheimer’ crossover, but Wicked and Gladiator release dates have been set apart to allow us to enjoy them separately. This film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical looks as magical as we expected. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are the only extraordinarily talented vocalists who could be entrusted with the film version of this fan favourite. Another notable star is Bridgerton’s Johnathan Bailey, whose singing and dancing talents will be revealed. Jeff Goldblum stars as the wizard, while Peter Dinklage, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, Ethan Slater and Michelle Yeoh round out the stellar cast. For those who don’t know, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba (Eriyo), misunderstood because of her green skin, who forges an unlikely friendship with Glinda (Grande), a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. If you like musicals, you’re going to love this! Watch the trailer here.
