When it came time to put together our fall movie preview this year, the staff and volunteers of Nexus got excited; very excited. So excited that, with five writers involved, there’s bound to be some overlap, as well as conflicting opinion. And, as movie lovers, we are nothing if not opinionated.
Bust out the popcorn and get ready to make a list of your own fall movie choices, guided by the Nexus fall movie preview. Got an opinion of your own? Email a letter to the editor to editor@nexusnewspaper.com today.
-Greg Pratt, managing editor
Nicolas Ihmels, staff writer
From big blockbusters to award-winner darlings, there’s another thrilling movie season coming up this fall. Now, as you may have heard, certain movie studio bigwigs aren’t wanting to pay or treat their writers or actors with dignity and respect, so my number-one highly anticipated movie of this season—Dune: Part Two—won’t be appearing on this list. But don’t you worry, there are a lot of good movies coming out that show every promise of being just as good, and are worthy of students’ time and money.
Here are my most anticipated movies of this fall.
The Creator (September 29)
This movie, starring John David Washington, is about a soldier for the Special Forces named Joshua. He’s recruited to hunt down and kill the creator, who is an artificial intelligence that supposedly wants to dominate the world. Joshua finds that the artificial intelligence appears to be a kid, which compels him to accept his new role in protecting the kid at all costs. This movie sounds very timely, especially given everything going on with AI and the writers’ and actors’ strikes.
The Exorcist: Believer (October 6)
Speaking of horror, the long-awaited sixth installment in The Exorcist series is finally hitting the big screen this October. When two different sets of girls become possessed, their parents desperately search for help from the one person who has gone through this before: Chris MacNeil (portrayed by Ellen Burstyn). What makes me interested in this is the well-known legacy of the first movie, which I consider to be the scariest movie of all time. It prompted extreme reactions: some people threw up, some fainted, and one person went into labour, causing some cities to ban the film. Despite—or because of—all of this, The Exorcist was the highest grossing film of 1973. I’m very excited to see audience reactions to the film.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (October 27)
Another horror movie that’s being released just in time for Halloween is the newest video-game movie. Based on the critically acclaimed horror-survival games, this movie follows Mike Schmidt, a troubled security guard who accepts a night-time job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The establishment is a once-successful but now abandoned family entertainment centre home to four animatronic mascots who kill anyone who’s still there after midnight. This movie sounds so cool (not as cool as Dune but still cool), and I’m excited to see it.
The Marvels (November 10)
The MCU is releasing their newest flick, The Marvels, in November. Serving as both a sequel to the billion-dollar hit Captain Marvel and a follow-up to the hit MCU Disney+ show Miss Marvel, this movie features Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel as she teams up with Kamala Khan as Miss Marvel to fight a new enemy armed with a dangerous new technology. I enjoyed the first movie; it wasn’t my favourite movie ever, but it was fun. This looks to be on the same level. It’s fun, which is exactly what we need right now in our movies—just good-old fashioned fun—and this movie looks like it has no shortage of that.
Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (November 17)
Based on the best-selling movie and book series, this movie portrays President Snow’s childhood and how he becomes a brutal dictator. This movie looks interesting, and I’m a big fan of movies that take a bad character and make them more humane, such as Joker and Cruella. This movie is going to be really cool and I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Napoleon (November 22)
The new Ridley Scott movie, Napoleon, looks fantastic and is one of my top picks this fall. This movie is a biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte and covers his brutal rise to power as well as his volatile relationship with his wife, the empress Josephine. From its stellar visual look at battles to its engrossing human drama, this movie looks amazing and will probably be a major player when it comes to awards time.
The Bikeriders (December 1)
One of the most underrated genres that we just don’t see enough—or any—movies from any more is biker movies. Luckily, this December, director Jeff Nichols, along with an ensemble cast including Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Michael Shanon, brings us The Bikeriders, a movie about a midwestern bicycle club who bond through hard drinks, loud motorcycles, and leather jackets. This movie looks great, and I’m looking forward to it.
Wonka (December 15)
This Christmas, gather your family and relive your childhood when the prequel to one of the most famous children’s stories of all time hits the big screen. The name is Wonka, and it’s the tale of young Willy Wonka and how he got to be the most famous chocolate- and candy-maker of all time. Starring Dune’s Timothée Chalamet as Wonka, this movie looks fantastical. I can’t wait to visit this world once again.
Aquaman 2: The Lost Kingdom (December 20)
Another hit superhero sequel is the newest DCU offering, Aquaman 2. This time around, we find Arthur Curry as he balances his life as the King of Atlantis with being a father. When an old enemy reappears stronger than ever, and with a thirst for vengeance, Aquaman is forced to team up with the one person he would never want to: his brother, who was put in an Atlantean prison by Aquaman for attempting to take over the kingdom of Atlantis. This movie, which recently debuted its first trailer, looks visually appealing—the world of Atlantis looks and sounds just as amazing as it did the last time. This looks like another hit from DCU, which they need very badly given the summer they’ve had with the underperforming The Flash and Blue Beetle.
The Color Purple (December 25)
My experience with Alice Walker’s classic story The Color Purple is very limited. I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, but judging by the trailer of this musical adaptation, this looks very well done. From the central performances from Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson to its direction by Blitz Bazawule, this movie looks fantastical and looks like to be a heavyweight going into the awards season.
Ferrari (December 25)
Calling all racing fans: this newest sports film stars Adam Driver in a role that may end up winning him an Academy award. In Ferrari, Driver plays Enzo Ferrari, who founded the car brand Ferrari and won a bunch of car races. This movie looks very well acted and directed. Michael Mann has proven with movies such as Heat and The Insider to be a powerhouse in the directing world, and I can’t wait to see what he does next with this film.
Lydia Zuleta Johnson, contributing writer
Fall to me has always been about movies. There’s nothing quite like hiding away from the chill and rain, seeking solace inside your local theatre. A face stuffed with popcorn and chocolate-covered raisins feels particularly consoling. This fall season’s lineup has prepared us well for the occasion.
Kristoffer Borgli’s Dream Scenario (November 17) is not a movie you want to sleep on this November. From the director of the Norwegian psychological drama Sick of Myself comes what looks to be Borgli’s next darkly funny entry into our collective consciousness. Dream Scenario follows an unkempt, out-of-luck professor who suddenly becomes a feature in the dreams of everyone on Earth. Produced by filmmaker Ari Aster, Dream Scenario is realized by the performances of Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Dylan Baker, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, and Dylan Gelula. Thank you, fall, for this film I could only dream of.
Next on this list is Eileen (December 8), a film adaptation of Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2015 novel of the same name. Directed by William Oldroyd, Eileen is a period psychological thriller set in 1960s Massachusetts starring Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway. Played by McKenzie, Eileen works as a secretary at a juvenile correctional facility, where she meets a beguiling Rebecca and is pulled into something far more dangerous than she planned. I plan to be there on opening weekend. As a lover of the book and of Hathaway, I have high hopes and don’t expect to be let down.
Having its North American release that same day is the much anticipated The Boy and the Heron (December 8), directed by the ever-so-lovely Hayao Miyazaki. After several farewells to the business over the course of his career, the 82-year-old Miyazaki has risen again, with a new imaginative world to explore. Back in July, for its original Japanese release, Studio Ghibli prepared the audience with no more than a poster—a rudimentary pastel sketch of a heron with red title characters running midway down to the bottom. But make no mistake about it, The Boy and the Heron is sure to be anything but rudimentary. Miyazaki comes back in full swing with wonderfully rich illustrations, little creatures, and tender moments; a precious gift for us all.
Bleeding into winter, the silver screen will be lit up with an all-new Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Favourite) motion picture starring Emma Stone. Known for his nightmarish depictions and dark comedy, Lanthimos’ Poor Things (December 8) looks to be no exception. A Frankengirl-like story follows Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life with an even younger brain. Under protection of her creator, Dr. Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe), Bella looks to absorb every morsel of life she can find, searching for liberation all the meanwhile. Rife with stunning fantastical visuals and a signature style, Poor Things will be certain to start off 2024 on a high note.
Keeping things local, Victoria-shot ultra-indie film A Reel Heist (release date to be announced) is the debut feature by Vancouver Island based filmmaker Joe Rule. Made on a shoestring budget, this comedy-thriller creatively trails the story of Wally, an ultra-indie filmmaker in his own right. When the SD card containing every frame of Wally’s guerrilla heist movie is stolen, he and his collaborators set off on an elaborate scheme to take back what’s rightfully theirs. A Reel Heist shows off what can be accomplished with volunteer crews, crafty tricks, and a lifetime of heist-movie inspiration.
Although the sun has begun its cycle of disappearance again already, the coziest of times are upon us, so prepare your popcorn, chocolate-covered raisins, and movie tickets.
Ronan Schutte, contributing writer
A Haunting in Venice (September 15)
On Halloween, detective Poirot is invited to a séance; so begins A Haunting in Venice. For people who enjoyed Kenneth Branagh’s first foray, this may be a return to form. Murder mysteries have long been a favourite; it’s fun to try to clue into who committed the crime. Branagh stars in the titular role alongside Tina Fey and Jaime Dornan.
Saw X (September 28)
The Jigsaw Killer (Tobin Bell) hears of a possible cure for his cancer… “possible” being the operative word. This is the tenth installment in the Saw franchise; if you’re not on board by this stage, you might never be.
The Creator (September 29)
If you’ve been disappointed by the delay in Dune: Part Two, this may help tide you over. Artificial Intelligence and humans have fought a war that’s changed the world, and Joshua (John David Washington) is tasked with tracking down the… Creator. This is directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and stars Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians).
Bones of Crows (coming to Cinecenta September 30)
This is a sombre look at the damage caused by racist institutions and forceful removal of children from Indigenous families through the life of Cree matriarch Aline Spears (played by Grace Dove). The power and will to survive is on display as she navigates working for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Totally Killer (October 6)
A teenager travels back in time to save her mother from being murdered by a serial killer in this flick. Expect ’80s slasher throwbacks and jokes galore. This is a guilty pleasure for me. Coming out on Amazon Prime, this one stars Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and is produced by Blumhouse Television.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (October 13)
If you’re like me and weren’t able to get a ticket to the earthquake-causing event of the decade, now is the opportunity. Taylor Swift takes on the title role of… Taylor Swift. Also available in select IMAX locations.
The Killer (November 10)
I’m stoked for this neo-noir movie from director David Fincher (Seven). Michael Fassbender stars as the titular character; he must fend off his handler and evade The Expert (Tilda Swinton). Action, paranoid thriller, and an all-star cast. What more could you want?
Dream Scenario (November 17)
A24 is back with a dark comedy starring the irresistible Nicholas Cage. In Dream Scenario, Paul Matthews mysteriously begins appearing in millions of people’s dreams. What will this celebrity status lead to for this middle-aged schoolteacher?
Next Goal Wins (November 17)
This movie comes from director Taika Waititi and stars Michael Fassbender—one of my favourite actors right now—as coach Thomas Rongen. It follows him as he must help the American Samoan soccer team overcome a previous 31-0 defeat into a world-class team.
Lane Chevrier, contributing writer
Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by film directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and has produced 22 feature-length films, including fan favourites Spirited Away (2001) and My Neighbor Totoro (1988). While the studio has had six directors in its history, it’s most famous for those written and directed by Miyazaki, whose instantly recognizable art style pervades most of Ghibli’s films. Prior to the formation of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki had already been in the industry for 22 years; he directed his first feature film, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, in 1979.
Miyazaki’s films usually involve a world of magic and earthly beauty, and are often coming-of-age stories about children, mostly girls, trying to find their way in the world. His characters are both strong and weak, relatable in their flaws, and entirely ordinary, which sets them apart from generalized or idealized characters often found in anime. I believe the main reason why his films are so popular is because they show us people whose emotional experiences are so viscerally human that we can’t help but see ourselves in them, both in the sorrowful moments and when they inevitably rise above their strife.
Above all, the pervasive feeling when watching Miyazaki’s films is one of hope and wholesome innocence, creating worlds where adversity can be triumphed over, and friendship and familial love are the strongest resources a person can hope for.
Considering how many of Miyazaki’s films are indelible classics, after his last film The Wind Rises a full decade ago, fans were saddened to learn of his retirement. However, Miyazaki has actually failed to retire twice before, in 1997 and 2001, and so learning of his most recent change of heart with his upcoming film The Boy and The Heron does not altogether come as a surprise for those familiar with his history, despite being a well-seasoned 82 years of age. Along with his return, he’s also revealed that he’s already brainstorming ideas for another film. For successful artists, I suspect recurring threats of retirement are often based out of a pervasive fear of falling from grace rather than weariness of the craft. As it turns out, retirement is a daunting life sentence of boredom for prolific, ingenious artists, and Miyazaki is no exception.
The Boy and the Heron, which was released in Japan in July but won’t see an international release until December 8, is about Mahito, a young boy who struggles to come to terms with his mother’s death. However, after being visited by a heron who tells him his mother is still alive, Mahito follows it into a magical world in search of her. Although the teaser trailer doesn’t reveal much about the plot, the style is unmistakably Miyazaki, resplendent with magic, wonder, discovery, and real struggle with the human condition.
Interestingly, many of Miyazaki’s films deal with loss, whether it be the literal loss of a hometown in Princess Mononoke (1997), metaphorical loss of loved ones in Spirited Away (2001), or the loss of a sense of identity and security in Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989). I believe he uses a world of fantasy, magic, and splendour to soften the blow, while still showing children that inevitably in life everyone experiences suffering, and it’s by sticking to our principles and fighting onwards that, despite tragedy, we can emerge a better, stronger version of ourselves.
Liam White, contributing writer
Napoleon (November 22)
The upcoming Napoleon biopic—simply titled Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby—is one of the few upcoming movies I’m genuinely excited for and plan to see in theatres. Not since 1970’s Waterloo has a major production been made about the legendary French emperor. Although not an original movie, something we desperately need in blockbuster cinema right now, I’m always a sucker for a period piece, and there’s something so enticing about the story of a great man.
Watching the trailer for Napoleon, my pulse was elevated. Expect epic battle scenes, intense dialogue, and, possibly, love between two megalomaniacs in the forms of Napoleon and his love Josephine. I believe this romance between will play a pivotal role in the film, and it’s what I’m most excited for. Their love was intense, chaotic, and, at times, toxic.
All in all, I can’t wait for November 22, when Napoleon premiers. This movie has all the makings of a great piece of cinema, from its talented, award-winning cast and director to its grandiose source material.
Wonka (December 15)
The new Willy Wonka movie—lazily titled Wonka—is an attempt to beat an already-dead horse. Starring the criminally overrated Timothée Chalamet, this “film” comes at us with a trailer I cannot describe with any word but “infuriating.” The trailer is packed with abysmal dialogue and previews what seems to be a plainly stupid storyline where a young Willy starts his chocolate company but is at odds with the—and get this—“chocolate mafia.”
As I mentioned during the Napoleon preview, we’re sorely missing original blockbusters. Everything nowadays is a live-action version, sequel, prequel, or dreaded remake. This film is nothing but a fly feasting on the carcass of Roald Dahl.
This movie will go down as another attempt from Hollywood to rehash an old title with contemporary stars only to poorly translate the story into a lame unoriginal prequel.
Killers of the Flower Moon (October 6)
I believe that Martin Scorsese’s newest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, may go down as one of his most important productions to date. Based on the book of the same name, this film details the true story of the serial murders of members of the the oil-wealthy Osage Nation. This string of murders came to be known as the Reign of Terror.
Scorsese is best known for his classic movies involving gangsters, however, this time around he’s taking on a new genre: the western. This film marks the 10th Scorsese film for Robert De Niro and the sixth for Leonardo DiCaprio—all the films these men have worked on together have been great successes. Scorsese has also teamed up here with writer Eric Roth, known for his work on Forrest Gump.
In February 2021, DiCaprio and Scorsese gave a presentation where Osage Nation members were able to voice concerns regarding the film and DiCaprio asked questions revolving around the film’s authenticity. Lily Gladstone, an Indigenous actress playing the role of Mollie Burkhart, has gone on record praising Scorsese for using his platform to tell this true story.
Stories of violence against Indigenous peoples are far too common yet extremely underrepresented. The retelling of this Indigenous story puts a lot of responsibility on Scorsese’s shoulders. I hope he can pull it off while respecting the wishes and dignity of the Osage Nation. I’m eagerly anticipating this movie’s release.