“Plan 75”
With our critic calling it “beautifully humanist,” Chie Hayakawa’s “Plan 75” has been one of the long-awaited films from last year’s festival season. Written by Hayakawa and Jason Gray, the film follows a fictional future in Japan where a government-funded program offers euthanization to older people as a way to address overpopulation and hate crimes towards the elderly. Our critic wrote, “…Hayakawa asks us to remember that a population is made of persons, and they are just like us. If we communicate, share our lives, reach out to those who are isolated and vulnerable, that’s where magic can be found.”
Release Date: In select theaters on April 21 via KimStim.
“To Catch a Killer”
Shailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jovan Adepo star in the upcoming thriller, “To Catch a Killer.” Damián Szifron directs in his English-language debut with a script co-written by him and Jonathan Wakeham. The film follows Woodley’s talented but troubled cop after the FBI recruits herBI to help track a murderer.
Release Date: In theaters April 21 via Vertical Entertainment.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”
It’s a shock there isn’t a greater amount of Judy Blume adaptations. That said, with “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “The Edge of Seventeen” director Kelly Fremon Craig tackles the author’s best-known novel. The story follows a sixth grader attempting to find her religious identity. Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie, and Kathy Bates star in this coming-of-age story.
Release Date: In theaters April 28 via Lionsgate.
“Polite Society”
With a comic-book flare for action set pieces and fight choreography, “Polite Society” was a delightful discovery at this year’s Sundance. Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, and Nimra Bucha star in the film from Nida Manzoor, who created the comedy series “We Are Lady Parts.” Our critic wrote, “Polite Society,” which turns the idea of high-schoolers fighting the patriarchy into a pulpy, irresistible heist movie replete with visual wit, impressive martial arts, gripping social horror, and undiluted female rage.”
Release Date: In theaters April 28 via Focus Features.