Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture.
Explore This Month's Best New Movies – From Blockbusters to Artful Dramas
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, The Seed of the Sacred Fig has an extraordinary backstory as it was shot in secret due to the director’s imprisonment in Iran. Shortly after its selection for Cannes, Rasoulof faced further sentencing but managed to make it to the festival’s premiere. This gripping domestic thriller follows Iman and Najmeh, who strive to stay out of trouble after Iman’s promotion to a government position. But their daughters, Rezvan and Sana, begin to push boundaries, reflecting the film’s deep examination of power and the suppression of women under a repressive regime.
Release: 27 November in the US.
The Piano Lesson
Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Piano Lesson is a family drama involving love, legacy, and history. Produced by Denzel Washington and directed by his son, Malcolm, the story stars John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler as siblings arguing over a family heirloom: a piano carved with their ancestors’ faces. The cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson, reprising a role he played in 1987. Critics have praised the film’s emotional depth and exploration of generational wealth, both monetary and emotional.
Release: 8 November in the US, UK, and Australia, and 22 November on Netflix globally.
Emilia Pérez
Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican gangster who seeks a new life through gender reassignment surgery, helped by a lawyer played by Zoe Saldaña. Featuring musical numbers by French pop star Camille, the film is described as a “hip swaggering, scalpel wielding work of weird brilliance” and celebrates individuals who break free from societal constraints.
Release: 1 November in the US and 13 November on Netflix globally.
Here
Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Eric Roth reunite with Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in Here, a time bending drama based on Richard McGuire’s graphic novel. The story is told from a single perspective within one room, showing the same view across decades and even centuries. It’s a daring cinematic experiment exploring love, time, and the ever changing world around us.
Release: 1 November in the US and 29 November in Canada.
Juror # 2
At 94, Clint Eastwood returns with Juror # 2, a courtroom thriller starring Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp, a juror who suspects he may be involved in the very crime he’s judging. With hints of suspense and ethical dilemmas, the film may be Eastwood’s final directorial venture.
Release: November (exact date TBC).
Moana 2
Initially developed as a live action series, Moana 2 returns to the big screen as a sequel to the 2016 animated hit. With the return of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and Maui, this seafaring adventure promises to deliver Disney magic with a modern touch.
Release: 27 November in cinemas worldwide.
Gladiator II
Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Lucilla and perhaps Maximus himself. In this gritty continuation, Lucius seeks revenge for his family’s murder and trains under the guidance of Macrinus (Denzel Washington) to overthrow the emperor. Expect larger than life battle sequences and raw, close combat action.
Release: 22 November in cinemas globally.
Wicked
Part one of the Wicked musical adaptation follows the friendship and rivalry of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande) before their paths split into becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the musical’s adaptation is presented in two parts to retain its rich narrative.
Release: 22 November in cinemas worldwide.
A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg’s comedy drama A Real Pain follows estranged cousins, played by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, on a journey through Poland in honor of their late grandmother. The trip combines humor with existential themes and reflects Eisenberg’s distinctive, introspective storytelling style.
Release: 1 November in the US.
Blitz
Steve McQueen’s Blitz offers a unique perspective on World War II, focusing on Londoners enduring nightly bombings. Centered on a single mother (Saoirse Ronan) and her young son, George, who is evacuated to the countryside, the film depicts the resilience of ordinary citizens caught in the turmoil of war.
Release: 25 November in the UK and US.
Queer
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Queer is a sensual adaptation of William Burroughs’ novel, following William Lee (Daniel Craig) as he drifts through 1950s Mexico City. Haunted by unrequited love and a search for supernatural powers, Craig’s portrayal captures the character’s vulnerability and intensity in what critics describe as an unflinching and layered performance.
Release: 27 November in the US.
September 5
This docudrama revisits the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis, told from the perspective of a US news crew on the scene. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the film explores the ethical and technical dilemmas of broadcasting a live tragedy. With Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro leading the cast, September 5 is a powerful meditation on media responsibility in times of crisis.
Release: 27 November in the US.
From hard-hitting dramas to lavish sequels, this November’s movie lineup brings a range of narratives that dive deep into history, culture, and timeless human struggles.
