Two major themes stick out in the packed release schedule for May. First, nostalgia continues to be a driving force for theatrical releases, from “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Moral Kombat II,” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Nostalgia sells. The second is the continued rise in the dominance of horror features, released no matter the time of year. From the liminal space, “creepypasta” inspired “Backrooms,” the witchy “Hokum,” and indie releases such as “Obsession,” “Passenger,” and “Saccharine,” there’s no shortage of springtime thrills.
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Between anticipated streaming releases and some major theatrical premieres, May is packed to the brim, overflowing with new films to check out. From international art house flicks with incredible star talent to under-the-radar releases that are worth seeking out, there’s plenty that will keep you heading back to the movies.
“Hokum”
Adam Scott returns to the horror genre with “Hokum,” the latest film from “Oddity” director Damien McCarthy. Scott plays a novelist who, upon his arrival at an inn in remote Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes, finds himself experiencing nightmarish visions following an interaction with a witch. The film premiered at this year’s SXSW and also stars Peter Coonan and David Wilmot.
Release Date: In theaters May 1 via NEON.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2”
It’s been 20 years since Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly first graced our screens, and now, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all return to reprise their roles in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Directed by the returning David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), the film finds Andy back in Miranda’s orbit as Runway navigates a new path to navigate the modern media landscape. Kenneth Branagh, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Rachel Bloom, Calem Hearon, and more round out the cast.
Release Date: In theaters May 1 via 20th Century Studios.
“Blue Film”
Following his work as writer, director, and star in the 2020 film “The Steps,” filmmaker Elliot Tuttle returns with the character study, “Blue Film.” Kieron Moore stars as a camboy who agrees to spend the night with an anonymous client, played by Reed Birney. Over the course of the night, the two wrestle with an unexpected shared past and what it means for their time together.
Release Date: In theaters May 8 via Obscured Releasing.
“Mortal Kombat II”
Between “Mortal Kombat II” and “Street Fighter” later this year, it’s a big year for fighting game adaptations. A sequel to the 2021 film, this time sees Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) enter the fight as the champions of Earthrealm are forced to battle one another while resisting Shao Kahn’s (Martyn Ford) rule. Simon McQuoid returns as director with a script by Jeremy Slater, and an expansive cast including Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mechad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Hiroyuki Sanada, and more.
Release Date: In theaters May 8 via Warner Bros. Pictures.
“The Sheep Detective”
Directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin (“Chernobyl,” “The Last of Us”), “The Sheep Detectives” is a mystery comedy film based on the novel “Three Bags Full” by author Leonie Swann. The story follows a flock of sheep who try to uncover who killed their beloved shepherd. The extensive cast includes Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Brett Goldstein.
Release Date: In theaters May 8 via Amazon MGM Studios.
