By John Corrado

New releases for the week of December 13th, 2024.

Theatrical Releases:

The End (Limited Release): This ambitious musical set at the end of the world serves as the narrative debut of documentary filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer (The Act of Killing). It follows a young man (George MacKay) who has spent his life in a bunker with his parents (Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon) after an apocalyptic event. The film has been somewhat divisive with audiences and critics, but I’m in the minority in really enjoying this one. I found the whole thing rather moving, and MacKay is excellent. Opens at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. (TIFF 2024 Review)

Queer (Limited Release): Luca Guadagnino’s second film this year after Challengers is an adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novel, starring Daniel Craig as an alcoholic gay man wandering Mexico City post-WWII. It’s much more esoteric than Guadagnino’s previous works (especially the experimental last act), but I found it captivating. Craig is excellent as the lonely, hard-drinking Lee, as is Drew Starkey as the object of his romantic obsession. Opens at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. (TIFF 2024 Review)

September 5 (Limited Release): Director Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5 is a tense film set inside the ABC control rooms during the 1972 Olympic hostage crisis, focusing on the team of sports broadcasters who had to shift to reporting the breaking news. It’s a compelling exploration of these events from a different angle, grappling with complex themes. The film locks us in for ninety minutes through its impeccable production design, editing, and performances, with Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin and Leonie Benesch leading the ensemble. (Full Review)

Oh, Canada (Limited Release): Paul Schrader’s latest stars Richard Gere as an aging documentary filmmaker, looking back on his life as a draft dodger. Gere’s character is played in flashbacks by Jacob Elordi, in a captivating dual performance. It doesn’t have quite the same impact as some of Schrader’s other works, but still an interesting and well-acted character study. (TIFF 2024 Review)

More Releases: Kraven the Hunter (Wide), The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Wide)

Streaming Releases:

Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+): This music documentary follows Elton John on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, counting down to his final North American concert at Dodger Stadium. It’s co-directed by R.J. Cutler and Elton John’s husband David Furnish, who gain some intimate access. (Full Review)

Dream Productions (Disney+): Set between the events of Inside Out and this year’s blockbuster sequel Inside Out 2, this four-part mockumentary-style series from Pixar focuses on Paula Persimmon (Paula Pell), who directs the dreams inside Riley’s mind. It’s delightful, serving as a fun and imaginative companion to the two films. (Full Review)

More Releases: Maria (MUBI), Carry-On (Netflix), Red One (Prime Video), Dahomey (MUBI)