The early part of a new year is not typically known for the best of the best when it comes to movie releases. After all, the awards season films were all crammed in pre-holidays (we see you, Moonlight and La La Land) and the major studio blockbusters get saved for summer. So should we take a theatre break then? Hell no. There are still gems to found on the big screen and you can bet we’ll be there to watch them in all their glory.
Here are the 5 films that we are willing to pay the cost for overpriced popcorn to see.
6 MOVIES WE’RE SEEING THIS WINTER
20th Century Women
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres January 20
In 1979, a single mom is struggling with parenting her sensitive teenage son. What does she do? Enlists the help of the young tenets of her boarding house, of course. That would be a punk photographer and a chill handyman and her son’s best friend to help serve as his role models.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Ah the summer of 1979. It doesn’t seem that long ago.
Fifty Shades Darker
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres February 14
Anastasia has finally moved on from Christian Grey. Or has she? Grey pulls out all the stops to rope her back into his life but Ana wants a new arrangement: no more rules, punishment or secrets. Um, hold up here. This is Christian Grey so what does she expect? Just when it seems like the couple is able to arrange a meeting of the minds, people from Grey’s past start to haunt them. And are determined to tear them apart.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Well, duh 😉
Tulip Fever
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres February 24
A married woman starts a passionate affair with the artist hired by her much older husband to paint her portrait. To raise money so that they can run away together, they try to capitalize on the blooming market of—you guessed it—tulip bulbs. That may seem like an odd choice but when you are in Amsterdam in the 17th century, it makes perfect sense.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: We had no idea that tulips could be so intriguing.
The Shack
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres March 3
Based on the best selling novel of the same name, a father slides into a deep depression after his daughter is kidnapped and murdered. He begins to question his deepest beliefs when he receives a mysterious letter urging him to visit the shack where his young daughter’s body was found. The three women he discovers there will change his life forever.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: The book broke us in so many ways. As did the trailer. We’re packing tissues.
Table 19
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres March 3
Best man dumps maid of honour via text. But that doesn’t stop her. She heads to the wedding of her oldest friend anyway and finds herself seated at that one random table at the back where the bride and groom really just hope the straggler guests are no-shows. When you pair alcohol with a misfit group of strangers, you never know what secret—and laughs—might emerge.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: We’ve all been at that table at least once. And wish it was as funny as this.
The Zookeeper’s Wife
WHEN IT’S COMING: In theatres March 31
Based on the true story of a couple who ran a popular zoo in 1930s Poland. When the Germans invaded, most of the zoo was destroyed during the siege. But the Zabinskis stayed put and converted the zoo to a pig and fur farm. They soon began to hide Jews who were fleeing the Nazi occupation.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Mrs. Zabinski was no simple housewife. Her bravery in the face of possible execution is inspirational.