“How to Blow Up a Pipeline”
The environmentally-based “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” made waves when it first appeared at TIFF last year. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber (“Cam”) and written by Goldhaber, Ariela Barer, and Jordan Sjol, the film follows a group of desperate activists looking to make a stand and get their point across. Ariela Barer, Forrest Goodluck, Lukas Gage, and Jayme Lawson star, with our critic writing that the film “…puts a spotlight on true heroism, the kind that works against the oppressive arm of the state.”
Release Date: In theaters April 7 via NEON.
“Showing Up”
Michelle Williams teams up again with frequent collaborator, director Kelly Reichardt for her latest film, “Showing Up.” Williams stars as a sculptor preparing to open a new show while juggling the daily drama of family and friends. Hong Chau, André 3000, and John Magaro also star. Our critic praised the film following last year’s Cannes release, writing, “Regardless, the supple, nuanced brilliance of “Showing Up,” intentional or not, is the “my kid could paint that” simplicity of it all.”
Release Date: In theaters April 7 via A24.
“Joyland”
First-time feature filmmaker Saim Sadiq arrived at Cannes last year with tremendous results, with “Joyland” taking the Queer Palm while also being the first Pakistani film to compete at Cannes. Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, and Salmaan Peerzada star. The film tells the story of a young man who finds work at an exotic dance theater and falls in love with a transgender dancer.
Release Date: In theaters in NYC on April 7 and LA on April 21 via Oscilloscope.
“Renfield”
Nicolas Cage gets to play a vampire again in “Renfield,” opposite Nicholas Hoult. This time though, it’s Dracula’s aid, Renfield, who gets the spotlight as he tries to escape his servitude. Awkwafina also stars in the film by Chris McKay. Our critic praised Cage, writing that “… thanks to Cage, “Renfield” is the rare horror-comedy to find the balance between respect and playful irreverence.”
Release Date: In theaters April 14 via Universal Pictures.