11 Movies to Watch in February

      With Sundance now complete, February's focus in the film world shifts to Berlinale. While this month isn't overflowing with new releases, there are a few standout films that definitely deserve your attention.

      11. Bring Them Down (Christopher Andrews; Feb. 7)

      Making its debut at TIFF last fall, the gritty revenge thriller Bring Them Down, featuring Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott, marks Christopher Andrews' directorial debut. Christopher Schobert remarked in his TIFF review, “Its haunting and almost surreal locations in Ireland add to its occasional intrigue. However, the true highlights are the performances of the intensely focused Christopher Abbott, Nora-Jane Noone, and especially Barry Keoghan. These actors bring life to a drama that is unrelentingly violent and deeply uncomfortable. It’s a testament to their talent that they achieve so much with so little.”

      10. Jazzy (Morrisa Maltz; Feb. 7)

      Continuing the cinematic universe established in her debut The Unknown Country, Morrisa Maltz’s Jazzy premiered at last year’s Tribeca Festival and arrives this month. Starring Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, Syriah Fool Head Means, and featuring Lily Gladstone, the film is characterized as a portrayal of friends as their relationships evolve and they leave the dreamlike state of childhood. John Fink noted in his review, “Fans of The Unknown Country will find an unexpected deep emotional impact in Jazzy’s third act: the return of Tana, played by Lily Gladstone, who shares her wisdom with Jazzy. While the previous film focused on a solitary journey—a deliberately paced road movie reflecting ‘flyover’ country—Jazzy takes a less nomadic yet equally moving approach.”

      9. The Monkey (Osgood Perkins; Feb. 21)

      Following the success of Longlegs, which grossed over $125 million globally, NEON is wisely continuing its partnership with Osgood Perkins. His next film, The Monkey, is adapted from Stephen King’s 1980 short story, featuring a cast that includes Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy. Early responses suggest a more comedic tone that diverges from Longlegs, and we’re eager to see how Perkins adapts his style here.

      8. Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; Feb. 13 on Hulu)

      Four years after winning an Oscar for Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson returns with another documentary exploring Black music history. Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) focuses on Sly Stone's significant impact on the funk genre as the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone. Although the lineup of interviewees, which includes André 3000 and D’Angelo, is impressive, one might hope the director would delve deeper into the underlying theme of the title rather than sticking to the typical bio-doc format. Nevertheless, he honors Stone’s music appropriately, and it should be enjoyed loudly.

      7. Paddington in Peru (Dougal Wilson; Feb. 14)

      Breaking into the rare category of quality family entertainment that ranks among the best films of its time, the Paddington franchise returns with its third installment. Paul King, the previous director, has stepped aside to focus on Wonka, allowing Dougal Wilson to take the helm. Alistair Ryder noted in his review, “Arriving seven years after the last sequel, Paddington in Peru faces the daunting challenge of living up to its predecessors, compounded by heightened anticipation and backlash. Disentangling Dougal Wilson’s film from the surrounding hype and significant discussion is more difficult than expected. While it clearly falls short of the two King-directed films, it has its moments of comedic brilliance, enjoyable supporting performances, and well-crafted blockbuster adventure scenes. Throughout much of the film, I found myself contemplating how I would feel on a second viewing, when I wouldn't be preoccupied with its inability to match Paddington 2. That was until the final moments made it evident that this film cannot escape the legacy of its forerunners.”

      6. In the Lost Lands (Paul W.S. Anderson; Feb. 28)

      It has been eight years since Paul W.S. Anderson's last significant theatrical release, but the prolific director is making a comeback this month. Collaborating with Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista for a George R.R. Martin adaptation is promising. The action-fantasy film has not yet been screened, but we hope it will provide the visual spectacle that the month currently lacks. The story follows a witch on her quest to the Lost Lands in search of a magical power that enables transformation into a werewolf.

      5. The Quiet Ones (Frederik Louis Hviid; Feb. 21