what's on

We’ve done all the hard work of sorting through the noise, so you can focus on the important stuff—like which indie film will blow your mind this weekend, or which museum exhibition will make you feel like a smarter version of yourself. We’ve curated the finest selection of cultural gems: the art that’ll have you questioning your life choices, the theatre that’ll have you laughing or sobbing (sometimes both), and the TV shows that everyone’s pretending they’re not binge-watching. It’s all here, so you can look effortlessly in-the-know.

the room next door

WHAT’S THE STORY?
Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, his long-awaited English-language debut, brings together Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in a poignant exploration of art, mortality, and the intricate bonds of friendship. Set against the serene yet fraught backdrop of an artist’s retreat, the film delves into the unspoken tensions and shared vulnerabilities that define their complex relationship, offering a profound meditation on human connection and creative expression.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Almodóvar’s foray into English-language cinema has been met with high expectations, and The Room Next Door more than delivers. Infused with his signature visual elegance and emotional resonance, the film is a masterclass in storytelling. The powerhouse pairing of Moore and Swinton elevates the narrative, promising a deeply layered and emotionally stirring experience that explores friendship, loss, and the redemptive power of art.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
Every frame of The Room Next Door is a testament to Almodóvar’s unparalleled artistry. Lush interiors awash in his signature palette of rich, evocative colors contrast with stark, contemplative landscapes, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the film’s emotional peaks and silences. The interplay of light and shadow lends a painterly quality to each scene, drawing viewers into a world as emotionally vivid as it is visually breathtaking.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton deliver performances of extraordinary depth, seamlessly capturing the nuances of a friendship marked by unspoken truths and quiet revelations. With introspective dialogue, meticulously crafted visuals, and a narrative that lingers on the edges of beauty and sorrow, The Room Next Door reaffirms Almodóvar’s status as one of cinema’s most celebrated auteurs.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Cast: Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton
Production Company: Sony Pictures Classics
Release: December 2024
Genre: Drama

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a real pain

WHAT’S THE STORY?
‍In A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg directs and stars alongside Kieran Culkin as two estranged cousins who journey to Poland to honor their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. What begins as a familial obligation evolves into a deeply poignant exploration of intergenerational trauma, identity, and the unspoken bonds that shape us.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Eisenberg’s sophomore directorial effort has drawn critical acclaim for its deft balancing of humor and heartbreak. With its sensitive portrayal of grief and identity, the film transcends its narrative to deliver a story that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
The cinematography alternates between intimate, close-up moments of personal reflection and sweeping, atmospheric shots of Poland’s historical landmarks. This visual interplay amplifies the emotional weight of the story, underscoring the tension between personal memory and collective history.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Powerful, nuanced performances by Eisenberg and Culkin, a script that wields humor as a tool for emotional resonance, and a tender, thoughtful examination of heritage, belonging, and personal growth.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey
Production Company: Fruit Tree
Release: December 2024
Genre: Drama, Comedy

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la cocina

WHAT’S THE STORY?
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, La Cocina immerses viewers in the lives of immigrant workers navigating the high-stakes world of a bustling Manhattan restaurant. Beneath the clamor of orders and sizzling pans lies a poignant tale of resilience, sacrifice, and ambition. The film deftly explores themes of immigration, labor, and the relentless pursuit of the elusive American dream.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
La Cocina offers a searing and unvarnished glimpse into an industry often romanticized but rarely understood. Ruizpalacios crafts a story that is both intensely personal and broadly relevant, shedding light on the marginalized voices that sustain one of America’s most celebrated industries. Praised for its unflinching honesty and emotional depth, the film resonates as a powerful social commentary.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
Shot in striking black and white, punctuated by selective bursts of color, La Cocina transforms the chaos of the kitchen into a visceral, almost symphonic experience. This bold aesthetic choice heightens the tension and beauty of the narrative, making every frame a reflection of its characters’ struggles and dreams.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Expect captivating performances led by Raúl Briones and Rooney Mara, whose portrayals bring depth and humanity to their roles. With a script that challenges perceptions of labor and immigration, and a visual style that demands attention, La Cocina promises to leave audiences both moved and unsettled.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Cast: Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Díaz, Motell Gyn Foster
Production Companies: Fifth Season, Seine Pictures, Astrakan Film AB, Filmadora, Panorama Global
Release: December 2024
Genre: Drama

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babygirl

WHAT’S THE STORY?
In Babygirl, director Halina Reijn weaves a provocative and daring narrative that examines the intricacies of power, desire, and transgression. Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as Romy, a high-powered CEO entangled in a torrid affair with her younger intern, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson. This dangerous liaison blurs the lines of authority and intimacy, forcing both characters to confront the societal taboos and personal vulnerabilities that define their relationship. At its heart, the film explores the consequences of forbidden love and the fragility of control.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Babygirl is a fearless exploration of taboo themes, brought to life by Halina Reijn’s unflinching direction and Nicole Kidman’s tour-de-force performance. Garnering critical acclaim, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, the film is a bold entry into the erotic thriller genre, offering both contemporary relevance and timeless tension. Its daring approach ensures it will be a conversation-starter for months to come.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
With a sleek, stylized aesthetic, Babygirl seduces the viewer with its visual language. Shadowy compositions and intimate close-ups create a simmering tension that mirrors the characters’ psychological struggles. The use of light and shadow adds an almost hypnotic quality to the storytelling, making every frame an intricate dance between allure and danger.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Nicole Kidman delivers one of her most layered and provocative performances, complemented by Harris Dickinson’s compelling portrayal of youthful vulnerability. The script challenges societal norms with intelligence and nuance, while the striking visuals heighten the film’s psychological depth. Babygirl promises to redefine the erotic thriller with a blend of suspense, introspection, and emotional complexity.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde
Production Company: A24
Release: January 2024
Genre: Erotic Thriller

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queer

WHAT’S THE STORY?
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Queer is a daring adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novella. Set against the vibrant yet isolating backdrop of 1950s Mexico City, the film follows William Lee, a dislocated American caught in the throes of unrequited love and existential despair. As Lee becomes fixated on a younger man, the story unravels as a deeply intimate meditation on desire, alienation, and the fragile complexities of identity, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of Burroughs’s early life.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Guadagnino’s lush, evocative style finds a perfect counterpart in Burroughs’s provocative prose. With a fearless and deeply vulnerable performance by Daniel Craig, Queer explores themes of obsession and longing with rare poignancy. The film bridges literary heritage and cinematic artistry, delivering a work that is as hauntingly personal as it is visually bold.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
Guadagnino’s visual sensibility transforms post-war Mexico City into a living, breathing character. Saturated colors, sprawling desert landscapes, and dimly lit cantinas create an atmosphere that is both intoxicating and isolating. Every frame brims with emotional weight, mirroring Lee’s turbulent psyche and immersing viewers in a world of beauty, longing, and quiet desperation.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Daniel Craig’s transformative portrayal of William Lee anchors the film with emotional authenticity, while Guadagnino’s storytelling blends literary homage with cinematic innovation. Expect a film that challenges conventions, offering a deeply nuanced exploration of love, alienation, and the yearning to belong. Queer promises to be a profoundly intimate and visually mesmerizing experience.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Lesley Manville
Production Companies: The Apartment Pictures, Studiocanal
Release: January 2025
Genre: Drama, Romance

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nosferatu

WHAT’S THE STORY?
Robert Eggers breathes new life into the 1922 silent classic Nosferatu, infusing it with his signature atmospheric style and psychological intensity. Set in 19th-century Europe, the story follows Thomas Hutter as he unwittingly invites the enigmatic Count Orlok into his life, unleashing a chain of dark events that ripple through the town of Wisborg. Eggers delves into the gothic heart of this tale, creating a reimagining that is both reverent to its origins and rich with contemporary vision.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Eggers, acclaimed for The Lighthouse and The Witch, is a master at blending folklore with unnerving realism. In Nosferatu, he crafts more than just a vampire story—it’s a chilling meditation on obsession, decay, and the primal fears that haunt humanity. Anchored by Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Count Orlok and Willem Dafoe’s enigmatic performance, the film transcends genre to become a masterpiece of gothic cinema.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
Eggers’ meticulous artistry shines through in every frame. Shadowy monochromatic palettes and surrealist compositions evoke the haunting legacy of the original film, while modern sensibilities infuse it with new intensity. Foreboding castles, mist-shrouded countrysides, and eerie interiors create a hypnotic visual experience that draws viewers into its dreamlike yet terrifying world.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Bill Skarsgård delivers a mesmerizing, menacing turn as Count Orlok, paired with Willem Dafoe’s magnetic presence. A spine-chilling score and immersive sound design amplify the gothic tension, while Eggers’ deft storytelling balances a reverence for the original with bold, imaginative reinterpretations. Nosferatu promises to be both a visual feast and a profoundly unsettling cinematic experience.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Robert Eggers
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Hoult
Production Company: Regency Enterprises, A24
Release: January 2025
Genre: Horror, Gothic Thriller

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maria

WHAT’S THE STORY?
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria captures the poignant final days of opera legend Maria Callas in 1970s Paris. The film offers an intimate and unvarnished portrait of the soprano, weaving together moments of solitude, passion, and quiet reflection. Through Angelina Jolie’s transformative performance, Maria delves into the complexities of fame, the ache of isolation, and the enduring legacy of an artist torn between her public persona and her private self.

WHY IS IT A MUST-WATCH?
Larraín, celebrated for his nuanced portrayals of iconic women in Spencer and Jackie, brings his singular sensitivity to the enigmatic Callas. Angelina Jolie’s immersive performance channels both the vulnerability and the fierce brilliance of the diva, offering an achingly human portrayal that transcends biographical storytelling. Maria is a meditation on art, identity, and the toll of a life lived in the spotlight.

WHAT MAKES IT VISUALLY UNFORGETTABLE?
Larraín’s signature aesthetic—a dreamy blend of muted tones and evocative imagery—finds a perfect match in Maria. Every frame is suffused with a quiet elegance, from the grandeur of opera houses to the hushed intimacy of Callas’s Parisian apartment. The film’s cinematography mirrors the emotional contours of its subject, imbuing each shot with melancholy, longing, and a haunting beauty.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Angelina Jolie delivers a career-defining performance, bringing depth and humanity to the iconic Callas. Combined with a screenplay that unravels the layers of her complex life and Larraín’s unparalleled visual storytelling, Maria promises to be both a deeply moving biographical drama and a cinematic reflection on the art and sacrifice of a true legend.

WHAT ELSE?

Director: Pablo Larraín
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher
Production Companies: Fabula, Fremantle, Komplizen Film
Release: February 2024
Genre: Biographical Drama

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