November
“Black Widow” – November 6
Marvel Studio’s first Phase 4 project purports to be a final send-off for Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, one of the original Avengers in the MCU’s first team-up film (wow, does that feel like a time long forgotten, now). The prodigiously talented Florence Pugh is along for the ride, playing Russian spy-sister, Yelena Belova – who at one point used the moniker of Black Widow in the comics, leading fans to speculate Pugh may do the same. Marvel nerds have been begging for “Black Widow,” basically since “Iron Man 2,” many rightly being confused when they announced the film, then Natasha met her (pretty lame) cliffside fate in ‘Endgame.’ Given she was one of the few characters not saved through all the time travel shenanigans, Kevin Feige confirmed the film is a prequel intended to stand on its own two storytelling legs. Also featuring David Harbour (guess the whole “Hellboy” gig didn’t work out), Rachel Weisz, and probably a bunch of actors from other MCU entries, the 24th installment of the franchise proves Disney’s superhero empire shows no signs of slowing down. – AB
“Ammonite” – November 13
Based on the real-life story of paleontologist Mary Anning’s (Kate Winslet) romantic involvement with geologist Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), the imagery of Francis Lee (“God’s Own Country”) nineteenth century romance, “Ammonite,” shares some curious qualities with last year’s heartbreaking “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” – trade in the awkward side eyes on cliff-side beaches to embarrassed foot shuffling on a rocky shore (plus they’re both distributed by Neon). With her prime days as a hands-on researcher behind her, Mary has settled on hawking fossils to tourist crowds, to financially support her sick mother. When Charlotte’s husband (James McArdle) offers his wife’s services as an apprentice aid, the pair’s difference in upbringing initially causes a rift, but as they realize what values they share, the two grow fervently closer to each other. Initially expected to premiere at Cannes, “Ammonite,” which also features Fiona Shaw, will first screen in Toronto. – AB
“Deep Water” – November 13
There’s something perversely ironic about “Deep Water,” director Adrian Lyne’s (“8 ½ Weeks,” “Unfaithful”) first film in almost twenty years – an adaption of a Patricia Highsmith novel, of course – being inherited by the Mouse House from 20th Century Fox’s catalog; we don’t see this one popping up alongside “Mulan” on Disney+ anytime soon. Highsmith’s story follows a couple, Vic and Melinda (Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas), whose loveless relationship is loosely held together by an arrangement which allows Melinda to sleep with other people, provided she doesn’t leave her family. When one of his wife’s former lovers shows up murdered, Vic takes the credit, the unhappy couple beginning a disturbing game of cat and mouse. The material is right up Lyne’s alley, sexy suspense being what he and Highsmith (who wrote the books: “Strangers on a Train,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and “The Price of Salt” – on which “Carol” was based) both do best. – AB
“No Time To Die” – November 20
Daniel Craig’s final outing as everyone’s favorite martini-sipping Double-0 with a license to kill can’t catch a break; after years of development problems (Danny Boyle was initially attached to direct, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge later brought in for script touch-ups) the fifth installment of James Bond’s current iteration was one of COVID-19’s earliest release casualties. Taking a truly serialized approach as a film franchise for the first time, the much-awaited culmination of the Craig era has its crosshairs set on an epicly explosive finale. Bringing back all the living players established in the previous 4 entries (Jeffrey Wright even being invited along as the previously thought-forgotten Felix Leiter, this time) the most modern rendition of Ian Fleming’s spy icon has been an uneven stab at a solemn, psychological origin story. With acclaimed filmmaker Cary Joji Fukanaga at the helm, we’re hoping “No Time To Die,” will draw comparisons to “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall,” rather than follow in the clunky convoluted footsteps of “Quantum of Solace” and “Spectre.” – AB
“Soul” – November 20
“Soul” is the perfect title for a Pete Docter film. If at least one of his flicks hasn’t made you tear up, well… you have much stronger tear ducts than me. After imbuing animals with the ability to speak (“Up”) and anthropomorphizing the emotions of an 11-year-old girl (“Inside Out”), Docter’s animation team continues to find exciting ways to bring the impossible to life. “Soul” follows Joe (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher who dreams of becoming a jazz musician. After an opening set finally earns him a shot at recognition, an accident causes his soul to exit its Earthly vessel, ending up in “The Great Before” – a cosmic realm which provides souls with personality before joining a body. The movie is being scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (who are really branching out these days), with jazz musician Jon Batiste writing the songs for the film. Hopefully, “Soul” will not disappoint when it comes to all the Pixar feels. – AB
“Happiest Season” – November 25
Clea DuVall is one of the most unsung talents in the industry. An actor, producer, writer, and director – who has probably popped up in more of your favorite movies and TV shows throughout the years than you realize – DuVall made her directorial debut in 2016 with “The Intervention,” a sharp flick about judging the lives and romance of others. “Happiest Season” follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), whose plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) at her family’s regular holiday get together are thrown for a loop after realizing Harper has not yet come out to her conservative parents (awkward). Also starring Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Alison Brie, and the filmmaker herself, DuVall’s sophomore feature sounds like the best kind of uncomfortable, home for the holidays, dinner table movie. – AB
“Uncle Frank” – November 26
Premiering at Sundance, Amazon Studios picked up the rights to “Uncle Frank,” Alan Ball’s rural road-movie drama. Starring Sophia Lillis as Beth, a teen who heads out to New York City, where her secretive Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) works as a literature professor. Turns out, Frank’s long been hiding the fact that he’s still in the closet, having an untold arrangement with his partner, Wally (Peter Macdissi), in order to fool the family. Ball kind of has a thing for interpersonal domestic conflicts (“American Beauty,” “Six Feet Under”) that deal with the repression of deep-seated shame and desire (hopefully that manifests itself in less problematic ways this time) and he’s lined up a very solid cast for his latest project, which also features Steve Zhan, Judy Greer, and Margo Martindale. – AB
Additional November
Kindred – 11/6
Let Him Go – 11/6
Red Notice – 11/13
Clifford the Big Red Dog – 11/13
The Comeback Trail – 11/13
Voyagers 11/25
