‘Beast’ is a gritty survival thriller set in the African savanna. In just 93 minutes, Idris Elba plays a doctor and father fighting a deadly battle with a huge man-eating lion, alongside his two daughters. The plot is predictable, but the film still entertains. Its biggest strengths are the tight pacing and Idris Elba’s strong performance. The CGI lion and some character choices can be questionable, but the sound design, clearly made for Dolby Cinema, and the immersive long takes are excellent. While critics and audiences are split (Rotten Tomatoes: 69% vs. IMDb: 5.9), the movie offers solid B-movie action fun for those who enjoy that style.

Alex Garland’s MEN is an ambitious film that goes beyond traditional horror. Known for ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation,’ Garland now explores folk horror in the British countryside. This film is more than just scary; it’s a social commentary on masculinity and female trauma in today’s world. The story follows Harper (Jessie Buckley), who, after witnessing her husband’s death, visits a small English town to recover. There, she meets several men who all look the same. The caretaker, the policeman, the priest, and the boy are all played by Rory Kinnear. This unusual setup draws viewers into a unique horror experience.

Director Jordan Peele, who delivered the striking social horror films Get Out and Us, has finally taken on a true spectacle blockbuster with this ambitious project. While appearing to be a UFO movie at first glance, it is actually an intensely meta work that deeply questions cinema itself and the very act of “seeing/being seen.” It is Peele's new signature film, a stunning fusion of overwhelming visual beauty captured in IMAX and his most emotionally resonant story to date. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

At first, Knives Out looks like a classic mansion mystery, but it’s actually an innovative and experimental film that takes the genre apart and puts it back together in new ways. Director Rian Johnson, known for The Last Jedi, takes on the mystery genre directly. The film features a talented cast, clever humor that comments on itself, and a script that constantly surprises the audience. While it pays tribute to Agatha Christie, it goes beyond simple homage and aims for something more ambitious.

In the middle of the DC Universe’s chaos, a new kind of savior appears. Black Adam isn’t your typical hero; he’s an antihero who stands firm and doesn’t apologize for his actions. While the script and characters have some rough spots, Dwayne Johnson’s strong performance, exciting action scenes, and the interesting JSA members come together to make a movie that’s more entertaining than expected. If you want pure action and excitement instead of deep storytelling, this film is a great choice.

Twenty-five years after The Sixth Sense, director M. Night Shyamalan returns with a new challenge: a psychological thriller set in a single room, focused on a family's ultimate choice. The film’s intense 100-minute runtime is impressive, but its approach to religious themes and changes from the original story have stirred debate, making it a polarizing film. Shyamalan’s trademark visuals and direction remain strong, but the film’s lack of social awareness diminishes its overall impact.

Director Robert Eggers, known for his distinct style in ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Lighthouse,’ tackles a Viking revenge story with a huge $70 million budget. The film brings to life the Norse legend that inspired Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet,’ using intense violence and mythic fantasy. The visuals and historical detail are stunning, but the story structure is divisive, making this a classic Eggers film that sparks debate.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a live-action take on the classic tabletop RPG. It stands out as a high-quality fantasy comedy, even for those who don’t know the original game. The film’s character chemistry is similar to Guardians of the Galaxy, and the jokes feel natural, making it more entertaining than I expected.

When ChatGPT took the world by storm after 2020, an AI horror film emerged that captured the cutting edge of the era. That film is M3GAN. This ambitious work avoids the grotesque horror tropes common in the genre, instead presenting a new form of terror: the runaway consequences of love. While accessible even to horror newcomers, it masterfully balances entertainment with social commentary, embedding sharp critiques of modern society within its narrative.

Where the Crayfish Sing, based on the bestselling novel with over 15 million copies sold, is a touching drama. Although it has a mysterious atmosphere, it mainly tells the complex life story of one woman. The film stands out for its stunning wetland scenery and Daisy Edgar-Jones’s excellent acting. The plot is straightforward, and the ending is easy to guess, but I was drawn in by the film’s substantial psychological depth and beautiful visuals.