Yes, it’s May now, and I started writing this in January, then left it until March, briefly forgot about it again but better late than never. This is my list of anticipated films that are coming out early-mid 2023 that I feel deserve your attention.

Rye Lane / In cinemas March 17, 2023

Peckham is on screen as you’ve never seen before. Rye Lane follows two youngsters reeling from bad breakups who connect over an eventful day in South London. I am buzzing to watch this comedy rom-com that has a Black leading cast, directed by Raine Allen-Miller, and co-written by the legend who is Nathan Bryon who you may recognize from Some Girls and Tom Melia.

Close / In cinemas March 3, 2023, and on MUBI April 21, 2023

“At some point in your childhood, you and your friends went outside to play together for the last time and nobody knew it”

A MUBI release. Close is one of the many films I watched during BFI’s London Film Festival. We see two young boys transition from primary to high school, which takes a toll on their friendship that has a fatal end for one. The film shows the stigma around male friendships in younger years and how influential environments can be as one of the two began feeling they couldn’t be emotionally open with one another anymore. It is a tear-jerker, full of beautiful moments and hard times. This one yeah, had an emotional impact on me; it touched me dearly. Add to your watchlist. 

Close is not available yet to watch but do check out Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin, which is currently showing on MUBI.

Sidenote: I watched this last year at the BFI LFF and just knew it was going to picked up by MUBI in the UK haha. 

Polite Society / In cinemas April 28, 2023

Nida Manzoor’s first feature film tells the coming-of-age story of Ria Khan (played by Priya Kansara), a young woman determined to become a stunt performer.  It’s full of sister love and fights…, parental disappointment, and a whole lot of action. Be whatever you want with Polite Society, as it highlights the new generation growing to be whatever they want.

If you’re looking forward to this, be sure to watch We Are Lady Parts.

Scrapper / In cinemas TBC

Charlotte Regan’s directorial debut Scrapper follows Georgie, a 12-year-old independent kid, living alone in a London flat, who struggles to confront reality when her estranged father turns up after her Mum passes. 

If you liked Aftersun and The Whale (or if they made you cry actually), be sure to add this film to your list. Let’s put a smile on your face. 

No trailer just yet, but check out who the cast are on iMDB.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse / In cinemas June 2, 2023

I can’t say much other than did you not watch the first one? Like?? Love you Holland and No Way Home but I fear this is the coolest Spider-Man franchise in existence.

The Little Mermaid / In Cinemas May 26

Absolutely excited to see the live-action of The Little Mermaid with the stunning Halle Bailey as our Ariel. The sneak peak of Halle singing gave me chills.

Now. July 21st. Oppenheimer or Barbie? You choose.