16 Must-See Movies For November: 'Favourite,' 'Widows,' 'Beale Street' & More - Page 2 of 4

“Girl in the Spider’s Web”
Cast:  Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason, Lakeith Stanfield
Synopsis: Lisbeth Salander, the cult figure and title character of the acclaimed Millennium book series created by Stieg Larsson, will return to the screen in “The Girl in the Spider’s Web,” a first-time adaptation of the recent global bestseller.
What You Need to Know: In one of those “did we really need another one of those?” instances, we’re yet again exploring Lisbeth Salander’s world of mystery and crime as a character who is at the center of a story focused on the trauma of women inflicted by men. It’s certainly timely, and the series deserved more love (who else was crushed when we didn’t get another Rooney Mara/David Fincher go of it?) but the hesitation for full-on excitement remains with director Fede Alvarez (“Don’t Breathe) feeling like an odd choice and clear departure from the aforementioned Fincher. That being said, Claire Foy is poised for her big breakout post “The Crown” and the character is just too rich to not be drawn to, with our critic saying “Like any adaptation, “‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’ loses a bit of individuality moving to the big screen, but it succeeds as a gripping, visually impressive thriller, with strong performaces anchored by an explosive Claire Foy.”
Release Date: November 9

“Outlaw King”
Cast: Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Howle
Synopsis: The untold, true story of Robert the Bruce who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England. Despite grave consequences, Robert seizes the Scottish crown and rallies an impassioned group of men to fight back against the mighty army of the tyrannical King and his volatile son, the Prince of Wales.
What You Need to Know: David Mackenzie must have received the message loud and clear following “Outlaw Kings” premiere at this year’s TIFF when the biggest buzz surrounding his films was a full frontal nude scene by star Chris Pine with the rest being a general agreement that the film was simply too long. Now, re-edited and poised to be released through Netflix, the film has already gotten better notices. Mackenzie has proven himself to be a deft filmmaker with films such as “Starred Up” and the Oscar-nominated “Hell or High Water” and, for whatever its faults, “Outlaw King” further cements him as a talent worth following for eclectic and varying work. Our critic wrote “Mackenzie proves here he can work on a significant canvas with a film that must rank as one of Netflix’s more satisfying bigger-budget ventures to date.”
Release Date: November 9

“At Eternity’s Gate”
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Mads Mikkelsen,
Synopsis: A journey inside the world and mind of a person who, despite skepticism, ridicule, and illness, created some of the world’s most beloved and stunning works of art.
What You Need to Know: In theory, the idea of Willem Dafoe playing Vincent Van Gough a year after one of his greatest performances to date in “The Florida Project” should ensure him some guaranteed Oscar love alone. However, “At Eternity’s Gate” hasn’t received quite the overwhelming initial reaction as his last film (though we loved it).  That being said, director Julian Schnabel certainly makes it all the more intriguing. The director has a less than prolific background but an impressive one nonetheless, with films such as “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” and “Before Night Falls” under his belt. Our critic who saw it at the New York Film Festival said: “The most powerful element in the film is the enormous chasm between the beauty Van Gogh sees as he looks out at the world and the fearful, uncomprehending manner in which the rural French look back at him.”
Release Date: November 16

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Johnny Depp, Zoe Kravitz, Katherine Waterston
Synopsis: At the end of the first ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
What You Need to Know: In an alternate universe where Colin Farrell had remained cast as Grindelwald and Johnny Depp hadn’t squirmed his way onto the set, perhaps it would be easier to enjoy another nostalgia grab adventure into the wonderful Wizarding World. Instead, we’ll have to put up with him for the entire runtime along with Jude Law’s Dumbledore (whose sexuality won’t be addressed, for…reasons) and the rest of our ragtag team of Harry, Hermione and Ron rip-offs. Bitterness aside, the sequel does look to be ramping up the excitement and Law looks to be delightful as a younger, more ruthless Dumbledore. And while none of the cast made much of an impression the first time around, with more familiarity under their belt, perhaps this sequel will charm more fans.
Release Date: November 16