Welcome back for a New Year and to the end of the week! Continuing the look ahead at what 2022 has to offer brings, as expected, mixed emotions:
“Janet Jackson.” seems to promise an emotional revelation about the life and struggles of Janet Jackson and family in a comprehensive documentary five years in the making:
Directed by Ben Hirsch and executive produced by Brie Miranda Bryant, Janet Jackson, Randy Jackson, and Rick Murray, A&E will release this series on January 28th, 2022.
“Wolf Like Me” seems to feature surprisingly emotional turns from Josh Gad and Isla Fisher in a story about trauma and anxiety:
Written and directed by Abe Forsythe and produced by Jodi Matterson, Bruna Papandrea, and Steve Hutensky, this will be released streaming on Peacock January 13th, 2022.
“Through My Window” is more of a heated romance about love and lust that feels a bit unfocused regarding story, possibly being an exploration of formative romantic relationships:
Written and directed by Marçal Forés, adapted from a novel by Ariana Godoy, and produced by Adrián Guerra and Núria Valls, Netflix will release this streaming February 4th, 2022.
“Sundown” could either be so carefully crafted that it would be a unique, mysterious experiences for any viewer, or it could be vague in ideas to the point that the audience projects meaning for the film (something like “The Lighthouse”). Variety promises “No two people will see the film the same way”:
Written and directed by Michel Franco, Bleecker Street will release this in select US theaters January 28th, 2022.
“The Wolf and the Lion” seems like a heart warming exercise in working with adorable animals to develop a story about family and social/emotional bonds:
Directed by Gilles de Maistre and written by Prune de Maistre, Blue Fox Entertainment will release this in US theaters nationwide on February 4th, 2022.
“Blacklight” is the next Liam Neeson feature that’s not “Taken” but… it’s “Taken.” For fans, this seems promising visually, and may help with the gradual reopening of theaters:
Directed by Mark Williams, written by Nick May and Mark Williams, and produced by Paul Currie, Allie Loh, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Myles Nestel, and Mark Williams, Open Road Films will release this in US theaters February 11th, 2022.
“A Banquet” Looks really, really cool. Sharp visuals and a humming score tease a unique thriller about a girl who won’t eat and it may be the result of something other-worldly:
Directed by Ruth Paxton and written by Justin Bull, IFC Films will release this in select US theaters and on VOD February 18th, 2022.
“Last Survivors” is… another feature with Alicia Silverstone… which makes 2022 her comeback year? For real this seems grounded in a way that justifies it’s gritty tone. See if it’s for you!
Directed by Drew Mylrea and written by Josh Janowicz, Vertical will release this in select US theaters and on VOD February 4th, 2022.
“A Taste of Hunger,” for the opposite of convention, is a Danish film about a family that runs a restaurant. It seems heartfelt and emotional:
Directed by Christoffer Boe, written by Christoffer Boe and Tobias Lindholm, and produced by Louise Vesth, Magnolia Pictures will release this in select US theaters and on VOD January 28th, 2022.
We seem to be in for another year of thoughtful art mixed with almost-nostalgic, tense escapism, hopefully with enough grit to balance entertainment for audiences!
The Music City Drive-In 
Leave a Reply