Snow is falling and winter is coming, which means the season of cozy sweaters and good movies is nearly here. This weekend's recommendations from Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics gives you the perfect excuse to escape from the cold and take a trip to your favorite heated local theater.
Steve Walker
"Wildlife," PG-13
- Told from the point of view of a befuddled teenage son, this beautifuly crafted portrait of a crumbling marriage in Montana circa the early 1960s stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan, both perfect as the flawed and complicated parents.
"Can You Ever Forgive Me?" R
- In an uncanny dramatic performance, Melissa McCarthy plays real-life writer Lee Israel who, after crippling writer's block, forges and sells letters from literary icons like Noel Coward until the law catches up with her.
"The Happy Prince," R
- In addition to writing and directing this biopic about Oscar Wilde, Rupert Everett also vividly plays the writer during the impoverished, drug-addled years following his imprisonment for "gross indecency."
Cynthia Haines
"Wildlife," PG-13
- Much like the wildfire that rages nearby, the quiet implosion of this 1960s Montana family is a slow burn with a disastrous end. Paul Dano's debut as a director is a beautiful but haunting portrait of internal conflict and familial woes.
"Tea With Dames," not rated
- Four legendary British actresses invite you to join them for tea, gossip and a lot of laughter. Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, and Joan Plowright are familiar faces and longtime friends, 60 years and counting. For the first time, these trailblazers share a screen, and it's a moment you don't want to miss.
"Free Solo," not rated
- For Alex Honnold there are two options, be the first person to free solo climb El Capitan, or die trying. The Yosemite scenery will take your breath away but the images of a lone man climbing a 3,000-foot rock wall will bring you to the edge of your seat.
