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U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds himself injured in combat miles from base and stranded deep in Afghan enemy territory, but, with the aid of his interpreter, Ahmed (Dar Salim), there’s a chance he may live to return stateside, but what about Ahmed’s fate? The bond between the two can only be described as a covenant. Written by Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies, and Guy Ritchie and Directed by Ritchie, this hyper testosterone fueled film checks the action and wartime valor boxes thoroughly. Although, with the exit of the U.S. occupancy in Afghanistan so fresh in the public mind, there’s something that feels “too soon” yet also “never forget” about this film that serves as an important reminder to the blunders of the U.S. government and its hubris across party lines. Meanwhile the heavy lifting from both Gyllenhaal and Salim and their ability to play off of each other’s subtleties is what truly sells the film overall. Further, score from Christopher Benstead is particularly notable in that it proves to drive the film without the typical Ritchie rock and rolla style soundtrack. Running two hours and three minutes in length this slightly bloated story could stand to lose a few extra minutes but still works overall. Guy Ritchie’s the Covenant is rated R.

Overmedicated and anxiety ridden Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) is supposed to fly home and visit his mother (Patti LuPone), but, when a missed flight begins a chain reaction of extreme and increasingly tragic events, Beau’s limits will be tested to levels never thought possible. The journey home might just be his darkest hour yet, perhaps estranged girlfriend Elaine (Parker Posey) holds the key to happiness, only one way to find out. Written and Directed by Ari Aster this cinematic showpiece provides a seemingly impossible visual smorgasbord inside what’s destined to become 2023’s most nightmarish and surreal plot line. Beginning grounded in sanity but quickly unfurling to reveal a three hour asphyxiation of normalcy, Phoenix’s ability to hold steadfast is uncanny and impressive. Meanwhile this arduous slog of a film will likely come as an acquired taste that most will never develop a taste for, that is unless you’re a fan of Kafka. Challenges of person vs. self vs. nature vs. others ring loud and clear and without explanation, many question marks hang in the balance, in the end, it’s just exhausting. Beau Is Afraid is rated R.

According to legend, vampires often keep a human companion close at hand as their assistant/henchman otherwise called a “familiar.” To Dracula (Nicholas Cage), Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), is that familiar; but now, after decades of abuse, Renfield is beginning to realize the co-dependent nature of his relationship with Dracula. Empowered by a new friend, Rebecca (Awkwafina), Renfield may stand a chance to break the cycle and be free, but not before Dracula has a say in the matter. Written by Ryan Ridley and Robert Kirkman and Directed by Chris McKay this slapstick horror comedy brings the classic tale of Dracula into the 21st century, and, along with it, blood, lots and lots of blood. In what can be best described as the year’s bloodiest film on screen Nicholas Cage continues his streak of recent winners with a role that seems perfectly cut out for his often two speed delivery, 1) intense…and 2) more intense, to that end, it’s perfectly cast. And, with Hoult and Awkwafina holding up their ends, as ridiculous as it may sound, the film easily achieves most entertaining vampire sendup status, gallon for gallon, while also paying brief respects to Bela Lugosi and F.W. Murnau. Fans of the undead pestilence will find plenty to appreciate here. Not overstaying its welcome at a brief 93 minutes of runtime, Renfield is clearly rated R.