The end of 2017 is rapidly approaching, and it’s safe to say that plenty of us are relieved. Although this year in particular has been difficult, it did see the release of many women-centric and women-created films that we’ll hold dear as we move into the new year. With hopes of even more films to celebrate next year, we at Women and Hollywood are previewing 22 films set to hit theaters in 2018 that we’re particularly excited about. Though far from complete, this list highlights a few of the films we’re most looking forward to. To keep up with all of next year’s women-centric, directed, and written films, be sure to read our monthly previews, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and check out our Films By and About Women page.
“In Between” — Written and Directed by Maysaloun Hamoud (January 5)
Palestinian filmmaker Maysaloun Hamoud’s highly-anticipated feature directorial debut “In Between” centers on three young Palestinian women (Mouna Hawa, Sana Jammelieh, and Shaden Kanboura) sharing an apartment in Tel Aviv. In their daily lives the trio struggles with the complexities of their identities in the context of the culture of their city and the underground scenes which they call home. “In Between” prominently features subcultures that, according to Hamoud, aren’t often given their due in Palestinian media, including the LGBT community and the party scene. This acclaimed film has already caused quite a stir at screenings in Palestine and Israel, and we can’t wait for its U.S. premiere.
“Proud Mary” (January 12)
“Hidden Figures” star Taraji P. Henson is taking a major turn in “Proud Mary,” in which she plays a skillful hitwoman for the Boston mob. Henson’s titular character becomes compromised when she encounters a young boy who brings out a maternal side in her that she didn’t even know she had. We’re psyched to see how Henson will balance her kick-ass character’s amoral work with the emotions a child can inspire.
“The Party” — Written and Directed by Sally Potter (February 16)
Sally Potter’s film “The Party” has already enjoyed critical acclaim in its theatrical run in the UK and is sure to do the same in the U.S. This dark comedy traces the descent of a would-be tasteful dinner party. It begins as a celebration of Janet’s (Kristin Scott Thomas) political promotion and devolves into frantic shouting, wild accusations, and even a pointed gun. With its ensemble cast (including Patricia Clarkson, Cherry Jones, and Emily Mortimer), memorably clever script, and real-world political parallels, “The Party” is sure to deliver on the comedic catharsis.
“Annihilation” (February 23)
“Annihilation,” based on the popular 2014 novel of the same name, stars Natalie Portman as a character called The Biologist. She joins a group of female researchers (Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriquez, Tessa Thompson, and Tuva Novotny) on a discovery mission after a mysterious environmental disaster. This team cautiously sets forth in order to find out what killed nearly all of the first group of explorers who entered its midst. The sole survivor? The Biologist’s husband (Oscar Isaac), whose fate rests in whether her team can discover what exactly happened. Based on its trailer, “Annihilation” seems like a must-see. However, we’re especially intrigued because it actually centers on a woman trying to save her husband, instead of the other way around.
“Dark River” — Written and Directed by Clio Barnard (February 23) (UK)
Clio Barnard’s latest film stars Ruth Wilson, perhaps best known for her work on “The Affair,” as a woman determined to reclaim her family farm. Following her father’s death, Wilson’s character Alice returns to her small village in rural England for the first time in over 15 years, but being back home brings up traumatic memories that she’d rather leave behind. Alice’s resilience as a traveling sheep-shearer is what helps her keep the pain of her childhood at bay, but when she returns, she’s ready to stand up and take what’s rightfully hers. “Dark River” is the rare film that delves into the specific, complicated relationship between siblings. As Barnard told us, the film investigates “how as children we can feel we failed to protect our siblings, and can carry misplaced guilt with us for the rest of our lives.”
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Clio Barnard.
“A Wrinkle in Time” — Directed by Ava DuVernay; Written by Jennifer Lee (March 9)
We’re beyond excited for Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved children’s book “A Wrinkle in Time.” DuVernay’s interpretation of the classic is led by a diverse cast including Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The film will also feature young star-in-the-making Storm Reid as the main character, Meg, who travels across time and space in order to rescue her scientist father (Chris Pine). This visually-stunning fantasy family film is a must-see for all ages, but especially for young viewers, “A Wrinkle in Time” represents a classic, timeless children’s tale brought into the 21st century.
“You Were Never Really Here” — Written and Directed by Lynne Ramsay (April 6)
Lynne Ramsay’s “You Were Never Really Here” already has us asking questions about protagonist Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) and the nature of his work. When recruited by a State Senator to rescue his daughter (Ekaterina Samsonov), who has been kidnapped and forced into sex trafficking, the mysterious Joe sets out on a mission to bring her back home. Ramsay, also known for her 2011 film “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” won the award for Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2017 for “You Were Never Really Here,” so we know we’re in for a compelling, thrilling story.
“The Rider” — Written and Directed by Chloé Zhao (April 13)
“The Rider,” which has already received significant praise after its premiere at Cannes, is one of those rare, deeply moving films that you carry with you out of the theater and into your life. Writer-director Chloé Zhao’s beautiful story is a groundbreaking docudrama about a young cowboy named Brady Blackburn (played by Brady Jandreau) who’s lucky to be alive after a riding accident results in a near-fatal head injury. After his career in the rodeo is ended, he grapples with his sense of self and what masculinity means to a broken man in the middle of America’s heartland.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Chloé Zhao.
“Where’d You Go, Bernadette” (May 11)
Based on Maria Semple’s bestseller of the same name, “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” stars Cate Blanchett as the titular character, a brilliant yet severely neurotic ex-architect who leaves her family out of the blue. Oscar winner Blanchett has proven she’s comfortable portraying complex women who experience a steep fall from grace — “Notes on a Scandal,” “Carol,” “Blue Jasmine,” “Truth” — which is enough to convince us to see “Where’d You Go, Bernadette.” But the chance to experience Blanchett’s oft-untapped comedic talents (which she’ll also flaunt in “Ocean’s 8”)? There’s no way we’re missing this film.
“Ocean’s 8” — Co-Written by Olivia Milch (June 8)
Get ready, because in 2018 the all-female reboot of iconic heist film “Ocean’s Eleven” finally arrives. Featuring an all-star cast of leading ladies including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna, the women of “Ocean’s 8” bring together their particular skill sets to pull off an impossible heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during its celebrated annual gala. Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, the sister of George Clooney’s mastermind character in the original film, as she leads her own group of thieves to their would-be fortune.
“Valley Girl” — Directed by Rachel Goldenberg; Written by Jenny Lumet and Amy Talkington (June 29)
Director Rachel Goldenberg and writers Jenny Lumet and Amy Talkington have come together to create a sentimental adaptation of the 1983 film “Valley Girl,” but with a new twist — it’s a musical! The 2018 remake will feature a soundtrack of memorable ‘80s favorites that’ll take you back to the heyday of synth pop. “Valley Girl” will star Jessica Rothe (“La La Land”) and Josh Whitehouse (“Poldark”) as Julie and Randy, a pair of California teens from different backgrounds who fight to protect their young love from the disapproval of their friends and family.
“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” (July 20)
Here we go again! This summer, get ready for a fun, cheerful follow-up to the 2008 hit musical “Mamma Mia!” that’s a major blast to the past. Unlike its predecessor, which was based on a successful Broadway musical inspired by the music of ABBA, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is an all-new film that revisits the events that led to the birth of Sophie Sheridan. “Here We Go Again” will feature two timelines. The first will see a pregnant Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) return home to mourn her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep). The second is the story of Donna’s past, as told by her close friends (Christine Baranski and Julie Walters). Lily James (“Cinderella”) will portray the young Donna.
“Crazy Rich Asians” (August 17)
“Crazy Rich Asians” is an adaptation of the novel of the same name, which will star Constance Wu (“Fresh Off the Boat”) as Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese woman who through her Singaporean boyfriend is introduced to the over-the-top extravagance that colors the lives of Asia’s wealthiest families. We’re thrilled to see a romantic comedy led by Wu and newcomer Henry Golding, which is anchored by an excellent, diverse cast including Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, and Ken Jeong.
“The Happytime Murders” (August 17)
In this genre-blending film, puppeteer Brian Henson imagines a world in which humans and puppets coexist, the latter being relegated to second-class citizenry. After a string of murders, the victims of which were all cast members of an ‘80s television series called “The Happytime Gang,” puppet detective Phil Phillips (Bill Barretta) must join up with his former partner Detective Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) to discover the culprit and stop them before his ex-love, herself a cast member of the show, becomes the next victim. A film noir crime movie with puppets? We can’t wait to hear more.
“Mary Queen of Scots” — Directed by Josie Rourke (November 2)
Starring Saoirse Ronan as the titular monarch and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I, this visually rich biopic highlights the historical tension between the two queens, who were cousins. Mary, widowed at 18, ignores societal pressure to remarry and remain the Queen of France, and instead tries to stage a hostile takeover of Elizabeth’s claim to the throne in Scotland. We’re looking forward to seeing director Josie Rourke’s film, which brings to light a fascinating moment in history and is also a story about two ambitious female leaders who refuse to apologize for what they want.
“Widows” — Co-Written by Gillian Flynn (November 16)
Gillian Flynn, perhaps best known for writing the novel “Gone Girl” and its 2014 film adaptation, is back with a new woman-led crime drama that’s sure to be captivating and thrilling. In “Widows,” the wives of four armed robbers who were killed in a botched heist are left with nothing but debt after their husbands failed their last mission. Struggling to make ends meet on their own in Chicago, they decide to join up and finish the job themselves. Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, and Cynthia Erivo star as the widows in question, and are sure to bring dark humor and depth to this action-packed, women-led heist movie.
Expected in 2018, But No Official Release Dates Yet:
“On the Basis of Sex” — Directed by Mimi Leder
Felicity Jones, the Oscar nominated-actress we last saw in “Rogue One,” will become celebrated Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in this biographical drama. The film follows Ginsberg from the early days in her career as a young lawyer, in which she partnered with her husband Marty (Armie Hammer) to bring a case before the Supreme Court and challenge a law that facilitated legal discrimination on the basis of sex. This would go on to be a major theme of Ginsberg’s legal career, and we’re overjoyed that “On the Basis of Sex” will honor her many years of public service and advocating for women’s rights.
“Vita & Virginia” — Directed by Chanya Button; Written by Eileen Atkins
If you’ve been longing for more biopics about LGBT individuals, look no further. “Vita & Virginia,” starring Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki respectively, tells the love story of writers Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The women’s relationship hasn’t been explored on the screen before, although their correspondences endure to this day as some of the most romantic of all time. “Vita & Virginia” traces Sackville-West’s pursuit of Woolf despite their marriages and the social barriers of their time. A woman-helmed, woman-written film about the Vita Sackville-West-Virginia Woolf love story? Suffice to say we’ll be there.
“Fast Color” — Co-Written and Directed by Julia Hart
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Beyond the Lights”) will take the lead in supernatural drama “Fast Color,” in which she plays a woman who’s forced to leave her life behind when her superhuman abilities are discovered. Years later, with nowhere left to turn, she returns to the family she abandoned to ask for help. Marking co-writer-director Julia Hart’s second feature, “Fast Color” promises to combine family drama and sci-fi. And, especially after her turn in “Black Mirror’s” “San Junipero” episode, Mbatha-Raw has proven she is a master of bringing relatable emotional complexity to even the most unlikely stories.
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” — Directed by Marielle Heller; Co-Written by Nicole Holofcener
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” follows the rise and fall of notorious biographer Lee Israel. Melissa McCarthy stars as the famed writer, who, when she can no longer get her works published — due to the public’s appetite for more thrilling and salacious tales — resorts to forging and eventually stealing letters and documents from deceased celebrities. The film, which is based on her own memoir, tells the shocking story of Israel’s career as a talented writer-turned-thief with subtle dark humor. It also implicitly draws connections between Israel’s actions and the current cultural interest in the gritty details of our favorite celebrities’ lives.
“The Nightingale” — Written and Directed by Jennifer Kent
Writer-director Jennifer Kent, who last brought us “The Babadook,” is behind this Australian period film, set in 1820s Tasmania. It stars Aisling Franciosi (“The Fall”) as Clare, a young former convict from Ireland who sets out on a path of revenge against the British soldier responsible for killing her family. Joined by an Aboriginal man (Baykali Ganambarr), Clare chases the soldier through the wilderness. However, being surrounded by the gruesome violence of the British penal colony on Tasmania, Clare begins to wonder whether one more act of revenge is worth the toll it takes on her mind. We’d follow Kent anywhere, but this story about a young woman hellbent on vengeance sounds especially up our alley.
“Out of Blue” — Written and Directed by Carol Morley
“Out of Blue” features Patricia Clarkson as Detective Mike Hoolihan, the protagonist in Martin Amis’ detective novel “Night Train,” upon which writer-director Carol Morley’s script is based. Hoolihan is brought in to investigate the suspicious death of an astrophysicist who is an authority on black holes, and the circumstances surrounding the incident begin to affect her in mysterious ways. Morley, who directed “The Falling,” knows how to craft a compelling mystery and we’re sure Clarkson is more than up to the challenge of portraying a seasoned detective whose work finally gets to her.
