The promise of the future is approaching us, not just in the form of a new year, but also an entirely new decade. There's much potential for the inaugural year of the 2020's, so let's see which features I'm most anticipating over the next 12 months.
A Little More Flesh
Release Date: N/A
If you were lucky enough to see Sam Ashurst's directorial debut, Frankenstein's Creature, then you were granted the sight of a nightmarish one-man show, as though it were a David Lynch play. For his sophomore film, Ashurst focuses on relevant topics such as the male gaze and misogyny, with an exploration that's been described as "bold and incendiary". One thing's for sure, this will be a unique vision unlike many other films out there.
Antebellum
Release Date: April 24th
On top of being an exceptional musician, Janelle Monáe is also a tremendous actress whose put brilliant performances into the likes of Moonlight and Hidden Figures. In her first leading role, Monáe looks to be leading a horror feature with time travel elements, something that's currently a theory as the intriguing trailer thankfully gives away so little.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Release Date: February 7th
It's worth mentioning that of the four big comic-book movies, released in 2020 by Marvel and DC, all are led by, and directed by, women. An impressive feat which deserves commending, and hopefully will turn the tide in a genre that's long been male-dominated. The first of the films is a long-overdue starring vehicle for Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie (aka the best part of Suicide Squad), as the character distances herself from her toxic relationship with The Joker. It looks to be full of style, while carrying a great deal of humour, and I can't wait to see what director Cathy Yan delivers.
Black Widow
Release Date: May 1st
It's taken a decade since her first on-screen appearance, but Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff has finally gotten her own solo film. Directed by Cate Shortland, the feature sees our lead confronting her past after the events of Captain America: Civil War. As I love superhero films, I'm already on-board, but it helps this spy thriller stars David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and the tremendous Florence Pugh.
Bob's Burgers: The Movie
Release Date: July 17th
If you haven't yet watched Bob's Burgers, then I'm sorry to tell you, but you've been missing out on nearly 10 seasons of one of the best animated shows. The misadventures of the Belcher family running their burger restaurant, complete with witty puns, toe-tapping musical numbers, and a wonderful family dynamic, has been an utter joy to watch on the small screen. This is a show that made a great musical number out of a character being trapped on the toilet, so what magnificent ideas can the creative team bring to the big screen? Reports so far indicate it'll be a musical comedy, with a subplot involving a fantasy world concocted by Louise, involving her Kuchi Kopi nightlight. Bring it on.
Candyman
Release Date: June 12th
As seen with 2018's Halloween, studios are happy to cash-in on revived long-beloved horror icons by creating direct sequels to the good. Thankfully, they can also be damn good. Positioned as a direct sequel to the 1992 classic, a nuanced examination of race, history, and love, Nia DaCosta becomes the person of colour to direct a story about the titular ghost. A feat that shouldn't be overlooked, but with the masterful Jordan Peele on-board to write and produce? It could only get better a great actor like Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was in the cast. Oh wait...
Dune
Release Date: December 18th
Now that Star Wars has put the Skywalker Saga to rest (for now), studios are looking out for the next franchise which can dominate the box office each festive season. On paper, it seems risky that Warner Bros would opt for the director of Blade Runner 2049 to helm the first film, especially when the series is known for a prior adaptation remembered for the sight of Sting in his pants. But when the director is Denis Villeneuve, the man who directed some of the best films of the past decade, and the cast is an impressive array of exceptional talent, we're in for something special. My knowledge of Frank Herbert's Dune is miniscule, on par with my knowledge of football, but I'll be there on opening night for this feature.
The Eternals
Release Date: November 6th
After the ambitious season finale to The Infinity Saga, where can the Marvel Cinematic Universe go? A story spanning over 7000 years, focused on an immortal race called The Eternals, is a good start. This looks to be an ambitious film with a terrific ensemble cast, and deserves commending for bringing some much needed representation, as the cast involves the first deaf hero, and a male hero who has a husband and two children.
Halloween Kills
Release Date: October 16th
After a string of sequels with varying degrees of quality, David Gordon Green managed to revitalise the tales of Michael Myers with a phenomenal sequel to John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece. It was done with a sense of finality that felt entirely right, so the idea of a further two more films following that feels rather off. But DGG is returning to the directors chair, so if the follow-ups maintain the quality, we're in for some horrific treats. Consider me cautious, but very optimistic.
In The Heights
Release Date: June 26th
Director Jon M. Chu has always had a stylish eye and a great sense of capturing choreography, which made him a good fit for the dance set films, and the musically inclined features, culminating with the exceptional Crazy Rich Asians. His talents are next being channelled into a feature version of Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, about a bodega owner who dreams of winning the lottery and moving to his native home of the Dominican Republic. I'm hopeless with musicals until I see their film adaptations, but the trailer has completely sold me on this.
The Invisible Man
Release Date: February 28th
After trying to make their Dark Universe a thing, and once more revive their classic monsters for the modern day, Blumhouse snapped up the rights for The Invisible Man, and gave Leigh Whannell the keys. This take on the character seems to tackle issues of gaslighting and abuse, as Elisabeth Moss' lead is convinced her abusive ex faked his death, and is hunting her while invisible. After the excellent Upgrade, I'm sold on whatever the writer and director makes, and this take on the material sounds utterly fascinating. Just try not to watch the trailer, it seems to give away a bit.
Last Night In Soho
Release Date: September 25th
A brand new Edgar Wright film is always cause for celebration, but seeing the Cornetto Trilogy director tackling a horror film, inspired by British horrors, such as Don't Look Now? Be still, my beating heart.
The Last Thing He Wanted
Release Date: N/A
From watching Mudbound and Pariah, I'm confident in calling Dee Rees a fantastic filmmaker, and I'm highly anticipating her next feature. Adapted from a novel by Joan Didion, a journalist stops her coverage of the 1984 U.S. Presidential Election, intent on taking care of her dying father, and ends up inheriting his position as an arms dealer for the U.S. Government. Anne Hathaway, Willem Dafoe, and Ben Affleck play the main roles, making for another attention grabbing feature to come from Netflix.
The Lodge
Release Date: February 7th
The directors of Goodnight Mommy return for a wintery piece of horror, following a young woman and her introverted new step-children. As they're isolated at the families remote winter cabin, mysteries and losses of the past return to haunt them all. A psychological feature which looks set to chill, especially in the setting, this looks to be an atmospheric feature, and I just can't wait to see it.
Mank
Release Date: N/A
It's hard to believe that David Fincher hasn't made a film since 2014's Gone Girl, and since we won't see him helm the sequel to World War Z, this will be the directors next film. Based on a script written by his late father, Fincher will chronicle the problems which arose during the writing of Citizen Kane, while not just being a biopic of writer Herman J. Mankiewicz.
Misbehaviour
Release Date: March 13th
A real life story brought to screen about the 1970 Miss World Competition, which was the target of a protest by the Women's Liberation Movement, who were relatively new at the time. A starry feature which looks interesting, tackling relevant issues and shining a light on a portion of history that I, admittedly, have no knowledge of. Consider me on-board.
Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always
Release Date: March 13th
After an unintended pregnancy, and faced with a lack of support, two teenage girls travel to New York City to seek out medical help. The trailer makes this look to be an emotional and intimate story, highlighting the problems girls face when in such a situation. Give it a watch, and see for yourselves why I'm excited for this one.
Nightmare Alley
Release Date: N/A
Will the latest film from Guillermo Del Toro come out in 2020? Time will tell, but I certainly hope so. Del Toro is one of my favourite directors, and his cast will include Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette, Cate Blanchett, and Rooney Mara, making for a carnival set reunion of Carol, and one of my most anticipated of whatever year this eventually comes out.
No Time To Die
Release Date: April 2nd (UK), April 8th (US)
For one last time, Daniel Craig reports for duty as James Bond, looking to close out his tenure in style. Stepping out of retirement, Bond's search for a missing scientist has him assisted by Ana de Armas' CIA agent (following up her brilliant turn in Knives Out), while going up against Rami Malek's nasty adversary. With True Detective season 1's Cary Joji Fukunaga on directing duties, and Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge as one of the screenwriters, it's hard to imagine this will be a safe and mundane adventure.
Possessor
Release Date: N/A
Brandon Cronenberg returns with his sophomore directorial feature, following an agent who utilises brain-implant technology. What for? To inhabit other peoples bodies, and make them commit assassinations for high-paying clients. With a plot like that, how can I pass it up?
Promising Young Woman
Release Date: April 17th
From the fantastic rendition of Britney Spears' Toxic, to the title referencing rapist Brock Turner, everything about Emerald Fennell's directorial debut seems too alluring to pass up. Carey Mulligan looks wicked in playing the lead role, the promising young woman who's out for revenge, using her cunning to entrap "nice guys" keen to prey on drunk and vulnerable women. Do yourselves a favour, watch the trailer, and then seek this out on April 17th.
A Quiet Place: Part II
Release Date: March 20th
One of the stand-out films of 2018 was A Quiet Place, which showcased how silence is golden for crafting tension, even in usually raucous cinema screenings. It also showed how brilliant a director John Krasinski could be. Whether this follow-up turns out to be ill-advised or a worthy sequel, the prospect of experiencing such a tense scenario once more is too tantalising to ignore.
Saint Maud
Release Date: March 27th (US), May 1st (UK)
Rose Glass makes her directorial debut with a piece of psychological horror, woven around the topic of religious belief. Hospice nurse, Maud, becomes infatuated with Amanda, a former dancer in her care, and mistakes her feelings for being possessed. An intriguing premise which moves onto bouts of body horror, and if the film can make my skin-crawl as much as one moment in the trailer, this could be one of 2020's most chilling films.
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run
Release Date: May 22nd
If there's one thing 2019 has made me rediscover, it's been my love for Spongebob Squarepants. At it's best, the show is one of the most witty and hilarious things television has produced, and the arrival of a new movie feels serendipitous. Spongebob is on a mission to recover his beloved pet, so of course they're helped out by John Wick himself, Keanu Reeves.
Tenet
Release Date: July 17th
No matter what genre he dips into, a Christopher Nolan film is always worth ones time, and remains a great reminder for the necessity of original cinema amongst dominant franchises. The latest from the writer/director initially seems to be Nolan's stab at a Bond film, before reportedly "evolving from the world of international espionage". Whatever it all turns out to be, we're sure to have a compelling feature that plays with time, while making the most of its phenomenal cast.
Wonder Woman 1984
Release Date: June 5th
After over 70 years, Diana Price finally starred in her own feature film, and it was a story worthy of the Themyscira's Princess. A return to the character, once more directed by the brilliant Patty Jenkins, is too enticing to pass up, but seeing the gorgeous colour palette on display, plus Diana literally riding the lightning? What a way to sell your film.
Excited for any of the above? Have you been alerted to any new discoveries? What films are you looking forward to in 2020? Comment below.
A Little More Flesh
Release Date: N/A
If you were lucky enough to see Sam Ashurst's directorial debut, Frankenstein's Creature, then you were granted the sight of a nightmarish one-man show, as though it were a David Lynch play. For his sophomore film, Ashurst focuses on relevant topics such as the male gaze and misogyny, with an exploration that's been described as "bold and incendiary". One thing's for sure, this will be a unique vision unlike many other films out there.
AntebellumRelease Date: April 24th
On top of being an exceptional musician, Janelle Monáe is also a tremendous actress whose put brilliant performances into the likes of Moonlight and Hidden Figures. In her first leading role, Monáe looks to be leading a horror feature with time travel elements, something that's currently a theory as the intriguing trailer thankfully gives away so little.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)Release Date: February 7th
It's worth mentioning that of the four big comic-book movies, released in 2020 by Marvel and DC, all are led by, and directed by, women. An impressive feat which deserves commending, and hopefully will turn the tide in a genre that's long been male-dominated. The first of the films is a long-overdue starring vehicle for Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie (aka the best part of Suicide Squad), as the character distances herself from her toxic relationship with The Joker. It looks to be full of style, while carrying a great deal of humour, and I can't wait to see what director Cathy Yan delivers.
Black Widow
Release Date: May 1st
It's taken a decade since her first on-screen appearance, but Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff has finally gotten her own solo film. Directed by Cate Shortland, the feature sees our lead confronting her past after the events of Captain America: Civil War. As I love superhero films, I'm already on-board, but it helps this spy thriller stars David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and the tremendous Florence Pugh.
Bob's Burgers: The Movie
Release Date: July 17th
If you haven't yet watched Bob's Burgers, then I'm sorry to tell you, but you've been missing out on nearly 10 seasons of one of the best animated shows. The misadventures of the Belcher family running their burger restaurant, complete with witty puns, toe-tapping musical numbers, and a wonderful family dynamic, has been an utter joy to watch on the small screen. This is a show that made a great musical number out of a character being trapped on the toilet, so what magnificent ideas can the creative team bring to the big screen? Reports so far indicate it'll be a musical comedy, with a subplot involving a fantasy world concocted by Louise, involving her Kuchi Kopi nightlight. Bring it on.
Candyman
Release Date: June 12th
As seen with 2018's Halloween, studios are happy to cash-in on revived long-beloved horror icons by creating direct sequels to the good. Thankfully, they can also be damn good. Positioned as a direct sequel to the 1992 classic, a nuanced examination of race, history, and love, Nia DaCosta becomes the person of colour to direct a story about the titular ghost. A feat that shouldn't be overlooked, but with the masterful Jordan Peele on-board to write and produce? It could only get better a great actor like Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was in the cast. Oh wait...
Dune
Release Date: December 18th
Now that Star Wars has put the Skywalker Saga to rest (for now), studios are looking out for the next franchise which can dominate the box office each festive season. On paper, it seems risky that Warner Bros would opt for the director of Blade Runner 2049 to helm the first film, especially when the series is known for a prior adaptation remembered for the sight of Sting in his pants. But when the director is Denis Villeneuve, the man who directed some of the best films of the past decade, and the cast is an impressive array of exceptional talent, we're in for something special. My knowledge of Frank Herbert's Dune is miniscule, on par with my knowledge of football, but I'll be there on opening night for this feature.
The EternalsRelease Date: November 6th
After the ambitious season finale to The Infinity Saga, where can the Marvel Cinematic Universe go? A story spanning over 7000 years, focused on an immortal race called The Eternals, is a good start. This looks to be an ambitious film with a terrific ensemble cast, and deserves commending for bringing some much needed representation, as the cast involves the first deaf hero, and a male hero who has a husband and two children.
Halloween Kills
Release Date: October 16th
After a string of sequels with varying degrees of quality, David Gordon Green managed to revitalise the tales of Michael Myers with a phenomenal sequel to John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece. It was done with a sense of finality that felt entirely right, so the idea of a further two more films following that feels rather off. But DGG is returning to the directors chair, so if the follow-ups maintain the quality, we're in for some horrific treats. Consider me cautious, but very optimistic.
In The HeightsRelease Date: June 26th
Director Jon M. Chu has always had a stylish eye and a great sense of capturing choreography, which made him a good fit for the dance set films, and the musically inclined features, culminating with the exceptional Crazy Rich Asians. His talents are next being channelled into a feature version of Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, about a bodega owner who dreams of winning the lottery and moving to his native home of the Dominican Republic. I'm hopeless with musicals until I see their film adaptations, but the trailer has completely sold me on this.
The Invisible Man
Release Date: February 28th
After trying to make their Dark Universe a thing, and once more revive their classic monsters for the modern day, Blumhouse snapped up the rights for The Invisible Man, and gave Leigh Whannell the keys. This take on the character seems to tackle issues of gaslighting and abuse, as Elisabeth Moss' lead is convinced her abusive ex faked his death, and is hunting her while invisible. After the excellent Upgrade, I'm sold on whatever the writer and director makes, and this take on the material sounds utterly fascinating. Just try not to watch the trailer, it seems to give away a bit.
Last Night In SohoRelease Date: September 25th
A brand new Edgar Wright film is always cause for celebration, but seeing the Cornetto Trilogy director tackling a horror film, inspired by British horrors, such as Don't Look Now? Be still, my beating heart.
The Last Thing He Wanted
Release Date: N/A
From watching Mudbound and Pariah, I'm confident in calling Dee Rees a fantastic filmmaker, and I'm highly anticipating her next feature. Adapted from a novel by Joan Didion, a journalist stops her coverage of the 1984 U.S. Presidential Election, intent on taking care of her dying father, and ends up inheriting his position as an arms dealer for the U.S. Government. Anne Hathaway, Willem Dafoe, and Ben Affleck play the main roles, making for another attention grabbing feature to come from Netflix.
The LodgeRelease Date: February 7th
The directors of Goodnight Mommy return for a wintery piece of horror, following a young woman and her introverted new step-children. As they're isolated at the families remote winter cabin, mysteries and losses of the past return to haunt them all. A psychological feature which looks set to chill, especially in the setting, this looks to be an atmospheric feature, and I just can't wait to see it.
Mank
Release Date: N/A
It's hard to believe that David Fincher hasn't made a film since 2014's Gone Girl, and since we won't see him helm the sequel to World War Z, this will be the directors next film. Based on a script written by his late father, Fincher will chronicle the problems which arose during the writing of Citizen Kane, while not just being a biopic of writer Herman J. Mankiewicz.
Misbehaviour
Release Date: March 13th
A real life story brought to screen about the 1970 Miss World Competition, which was the target of a protest by the Women's Liberation Movement, who were relatively new at the time. A starry feature which looks interesting, tackling relevant issues and shining a light on a portion of history that I, admittedly, have no knowledge of. Consider me on-board.
Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always
Release Date: March 13th
After an unintended pregnancy, and faced with a lack of support, two teenage girls travel to New York City to seek out medical help. The trailer makes this look to be an emotional and intimate story, highlighting the problems girls face when in such a situation. Give it a watch, and see for yourselves why I'm excited for this one.
Nightmare Alley
Release Date: N/A
Will the latest film from Guillermo Del Toro come out in 2020? Time will tell, but I certainly hope so. Del Toro is one of my favourite directors, and his cast will include Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette, Cate Blanchett, and Rooney Mara, making for a carnival set reunion of Carol, and one of my most anticipated of whatever year this eventually comes out.
No Time To Die
Release Date: April 2nd (UK), April 8th (US)
For one last time, Daniel Craig reports for duty as James Bond, looking to close out his tenure in style. Stepping out of retirement, Bond's search for a missing scientist has him assisted by Ana de Armas' CIA agent (following up her brilliant turn in Knives Out), while going up against Rami Malek's nasty adversary. With True Detective season 1's Cary Joji Fukunaga on directing duties, and Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge as one of the screenwriters, it's hard to imagine this will be a safe and mundane adventure.
Possessor
Release Date: N/A
Brandon Cronenberg returns with his sophomore directorial feature, following an agent who utilises brain-implant technology. What for? To inhabit other peoples bodies, and make them commit assassinations for high-paying clients. With a plot like that, how can I pass it up?
Promising Young WomanRelease Date: April 17th
From the fantastic rendition of Britney Spears' Toxic, to the title referencing rapist Brock Turner, everything about Emerald Fennell's directorial debut seems too alluring to pass up. Carey Mulligan looks wicked in playing the lead role, the promising young woman who's out for revenge, using her cunning to entrap "nice guys" keen to prey on drunk and vulnerable women. Do yourselves a favour, watch the trailer, and then seek this out on April 17th.
A Quiet Place: Part II
Release Date: March 20th
One of the stand-out films of 2018 was A Quiet Place, which showcased how silence is golden for crafting tension, even in usually raucous cinema screenings. It also showed how brilliant a director John Krasinski could be. Whether this follow-up turns out to be ill-advised or a worthy sequel, the prospect of experiencing such a tense scenario once more is too tantalising to ignore.
Saint Maud
Release Date: March 27th (US), May 1st (UK)
Rose Glass makes her directorial debut with a piece of psychological horror, woven around the topic of religious belief. Hospice nurse, Maud, becomes infatuated with Amanda, a former dancer in her care, and mistakes her feelings for being possessed. An intriguing premise which moves onto bouts of body horror, and if the film can make my skin-crawl as much as one moment in the trailer, this could be one of 2020's most chilling films.
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The RunRelease Date: May 22nd
If there's one thing 2019 has made me rediscover, it's been my love for Spongebob Squarepants. At it's best, the show is one of the most witty and hilarious things television has produced, and the arrival of a new movie feels serendipitous. Spongebob is on a mission to recover his beloved pet, so of course they're helped out by John Wick himself, Keanu Reeves.
TenetRelease Date: July 17th
No matter what genre he dips into, a Christopher Nolan film is always worth ones time, and remains a great reminder for the necessity of original cinema amongst dominant franchises. The latest from the writer/director initially seems to be Nolan's stab at a Bond film, before reportedly "evolving from the world of international espionage". Whatever it all turns out to be, we're sure to have a compelling feature that plays with time, while making the most of its phenomenal cast.
Wonder Woman 1984Release Date: June 5th
After over 70 years, Diana Price finally starred in her own feature film, and it was a story worthy of the Themyscira's Princess. A return to the character, once more directed by the brilliant Patty Jenkins, is too enticing to pass up, but seeing the gorgeous colour palette on display, plus Diana literally riding the lightning? What a way to sell your film.
Excited for any of the above? Have you been alerted to any new discoveries? What films are you looking forward to in 2020? Comment below.
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