November arrives with a smattering of genres to sink your teeth into. Although there are no Thanksgiving themed films (where is the much needed Christmas with the Kranks sequel Kranksgiving?), there are plenty of other excellent options to get out of the house for.
If you’re looking for a one location drama, don’t miss Here. Taking place in exactly one spot, from the distant past into the future, the film is adapted from a six-page comic strip by Richard McGuire released in 1989. The film, like the strip, depicts life from a singular angle spanning over many years – not all of them involving human beings. The cast includes Tom Hanks, Robin Wright (House of Cards), Paul Bettany (WandaVision), Kelly Reilly (Yellowstone), and Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and is directed by Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump). The film uses generative AI to age the actors up and down, so we’ll see how everything pans out when it hits the big screen on Nov. 1.
For a psychological thriller involving the papacy, look no further than Conclave. Based on the book of the same name by Robert Harris, the film finds Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes, The Grand Budapest Hotel) in charge of putting together the election of a new Pope following the death of the previous. However, he winds up discovering secrets about the former head of the church and must decide what to do with them. The film also stars Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun), and Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet). Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), it looks to be a taut thriller with twists and turns akin to his other novel-turned-film The Ghost Writer. Hopefully the puzzle pieces fit together when it releases on Nov. 1.
If you want a comedy drama with two scene chewing leads, check out A Real Pain. Starring Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and Kieran Culkin (Succession) as David and Benji Kaplin, the mismatched cousins come together for a trip through Poland to honor their beloved, recently deceased grandmother. Written and directed by Eisenberg, the film has garnered top marks from early screenings as a funny and emotionally resonant dramedy with great writing and acting. It also hits theaters on – you guessed it – Nov. 1.
For your horror fix, strap in for Heretic. Following two Mormon missionaries played by Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Chloe East (Generation) the plot finds them trying to convert Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) before realizing he has a much more sinister plan to test their faith. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, writers of the original A Quiet Place, the trailer shows off a spooky atmosphere and fun set design to go along with what looks to be a very promising story. Produced by A24 – usually a good sign – it releases on Nov. 15.
Lastly, for the love of God, watch Slow Horses. It’s the best thing on television and is so poorly advertised that people straight up don’t know it exists. Gary Oldman is masterful, the spy thriller vibes are immaculate, and the characters are all outstanding. All four seasons thus far are on Apple TV+.
