As we remain in flux, with people still catching up on Oscar-nominated films ahead of the awards ceremony, February is serving up a smorgasbord of intriguing and distinctive releases. A few have already had their turn on the festival circuit, while others have been quietly building buzz through qualifying runs and word-of-mouth. And, as always, there are plenty of smaller independent films worth seeking out that could easily slip under the radar.
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For every franchise jolt, there’s a more left-field curiosity waiting in the wings. Period costuming is having a moment. Concert docs and music mockumentaries are both in play. And despite the time of year, the theatrical calendar shows no sign of slowing down. From blood-splattering horror to intricate family dramas, there’s no shortage of variety. If anything, streaming seems to be taking a slight back seat this month, with more releases nudging us to brave the cold and head out to theaters.
“Pillion”
After several brief qualifying runs and festival hype, the erotic romance comedy premieres in theaters. Written and directed by Harry Lighton in his feature directorial debut and based on the novel “Box Hill” by Adam Mars-Jones, the film follows an unlikely BDSM relationship between a biker and an introverted gay man still living with his parents. Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård star.
Release Date: In theaters February 6 via A24.
“Kokuho”
Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, and Ken Watanabe star in the Japanese historical film. Directed by Lee Sang-il and adapted by Satoko Okudera from Shuichi Yoshida’s novel, the film immerses itself in the world of kabuki, the classical form of Japanese theater. It follows the son of a yakuza figure who, following his father’s death, is entrusted to a famous kabuki actor.
Release Date: In limited theaters February 6 via GKIDS.
“Jimpa”
Olivia Colman, Aud Mason-Hyde, and John Lithgow star in the family drama from Sophie Hyde (“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”). Colman plays a mother grappling with what to do when her non-binary teenager suggests possibly living with their gay grandfather after they visit him in Amsterdam, forcing her to reexamine her parenting and her past. The film first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Release Date: In theaters February 6 via Kino Lorber.
“Scarlet”
Filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda continues to blend epic high fantasy worlds with coming-of-age storytelling in his latest time-bending adventure. A medieval-era princess on a quest to avenge her father’s death is transported to a different world and meets a young man from the present day who seeks to help her overcome the rage she carries. Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada star.
Release Date: In theaters February 6 via Sony Pictures Classics.
