“The Book of Clarence”
LaKeith Stanfield, Teyana Taylor, James McAvoy, RJ Cyler, Omar Sy, David Oyelowo, and more make up this star-studded cast of “The Book of Clarence.” Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel (known by his stage name The Bullitts), “The Book of Clarence” is an epic, biblical comedy-drama that follows Stanfield as Clarence, a down-on-his-luck man living in A.D. 29 Jerusalem. Clarence uses the rise of Jesus Christ to turn his own fortunes around by claiming to be a new Messiah sent by God.
Release Date: In theaters January 12 via TriStar Pictures.
“Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell”
A young man must drive his sister-in-law’s body back to their countryside hometown following her death in “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell.” Directed by Phạm Thiên Ân in his feature film debut, the film won the Caméra d’Or at the 2023 Cannes. Lê Phong Vũ, Nguyễn Thịnh, Nguyễn Thị Trúc Quỳnh, and Vũ Ngọc Mạnh star.
Release Date: In theaters January 19 via Kino Lorber.
“Sometimes I Think About Dying”
Having premiered last January at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Daisy Ridley’s “Sometimes I Think About Dying” finally makes its theatrical release. Directed by Rachel Lambert and based on the 2013 play Killers by Kevin Armento, the story follows a young office worker who isolates herself and daydreams of her own death before meeting a charismatic colleague. Dave Merheje, Parvesh Cheena, and Marcia DeBonis also star.
Release Date: In theaters January 24 via Oscilloscope.
“Tótem”
Lila Avilés (“The Chambermaid”) directs “Totem,” which follows the seven-year-old Sol, who spends the day at her grandfather’s home to help set up her father’s surprise party. The story follows the family throughout the day as fissures in the family’s foundations begin to show. The film has been selected as the Mexican entry for the Best International Feature Film for the 2024 Oscars and has made the shortlist of 15 entries.
Release Date: In theaters January 26 via Sideshow / Janus Films.
More: Jessica Chastain’s “Memory” (January 5) and Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” (January 19) will expand in theaters in January. Other titles worth mentioning are Netflix’s “Lift” with Kevin Hart, space thriller, “I.S.S.,” “The Tiger’s Apprentice,” “Which Brings Me to You,” “Housekeeping for Beginners,” and more.
New England-based Tomatometer-approved film and television critic. Ally is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. Her writing has also appeared at RogerEbert.com and The Mary Sue.
