After months of closure, cinemas around the country are now open to the public. The opening of cinemas has been met with great excitement with many people booking tickets for the latest movie releases. Omniplex Cinemas have compiled a list of safety precautions. All tickets have been requested to be booked online as well as an option to pre-order any treats. Seating arrangements have been noted as being restricted to group bookings of 6 guests maximum and that empty seats will be between separate groups. Face coverings have been asked to be worn when waiting in the foyer, along with social distancing and the use of contactless payment when possible, being encouraged. IMC cinemas have also made similar requests and stated their priority for the safety of cinemagoers. We have compiled a list of ten of the most exciting releases set to come out in the next few months, although it should be noted that these release dates could potentially be subject to change due to restrictions regarding COVID-19 but we are hopeful this will not be the case.
The Forever Purge
The fifth instalment of the Purge franchise sees the annual purge be turned on its head as the rules are changed by a new governing power who reinstate the original rules of the purge, ensuring it never ends. The dystopian horror film follows a migrant couple, Juan and Adela, who attempt to hide from the chaos and surge of white supremacy that ensue during the “Forever Purge.” The Forever Purge landed in Irish cinemas on the 16th of July, and you can still catch it now.
Old
A summertime nightmare, Old takes place on a family day out to the beach, where along with other beachgoers, the meaning of time is warped and everyone there begins to age rapidly. The chilling thriller is based on “Sandcastle,” a graphic novel by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, and is brought to life by M. Night Shyamalan. You can expect Old to arrive in cinemas on the 23rd of July.
The Suicide Squad
DC films presents a standalone film, loosely related to their box office success “Suicide Squad.” Although with returning favourite Harley Quinn, the film also follows a new gang of eccentric cons imprisoned in the hellish Belle Reve prison. Here they come across and join the questionable and mysterious Task Force X. The team are dropped straight into enemy lines on the island of Corto Maltese for a search and destroy mission. The Suicide Squad is set to drop in cinemas on the 30th of July.
The Green Knight
The upcoming fantasy film is based on the medieval poem of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and retells the adventures of King Arthur’s nephew, Sir Gawain, who journeys on a bold quest to challenge the Green Knight. Whilst embarking on his quest, he sets out to prove his worth as he battles mythical creatures and schemers alike. The Green Knight is reimagined by filmmaker David Lowery, with the film arriving in cinemas on the 6th of August.
Minamata
American photographer Eugene Smith documents the devastating effects of mercury poisoning on the citizens of Minamata, Japan, caused by a factory contaminating water resources in the city. The film is based on the true story of the famed photojournalist, which was recorded by his wife Aileen Mioko Smith in her book “Minamata.” Eugene Smith becomes entangled in fighting against the corporation and attempts to bring the story of the affected broken communities to light. Directed by Andrew Levitas, the film will hit cinemas on the 6th of August.
Reminiscence
A man with the ability to help people relive any memory they chose, has his life changed when he meets a client whose memories incriminate the mysterious woman he falls for. The veteran, Nick Bannister, has to investigate the past in order to find out the truth about her. The science fiction film is both directed and written by Lisa Joy. Reminiscence is out in cinemas on the 18th of August.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marvel Studios presents the 25th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The title character, Shang-Chi has confronts the organization of the 10 Rings, led by the Mandarin. He has to deal with his complicated past and the heavy shadow of his father as he tries to determine his path. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the superhero film is currently set to be released in cinemas on the 3rd of September.
Respect
The biographical musical drama follows the life and career of iconic powerhouse singer Aretha Franklin. The film follows her humble beginnings from gospel choir singer to moving up in the music industry, becoming the Queen of Soul and R&B. Set against the backdrop of a politically turbulent time, the film also documents the civil rights movement, to which Aretha Franklin was a great activist for. Director Liesl Tommy brings her life and legacy to the big screen. Respect is currently set to be released for the 10th of September in cinemas.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
The sequel to “Venom,” takes place over a year later where Eddie Brock is adjusting to his new life playing host to the alien symbiote, Venom. Acting as a deadly vigilante thanks to the super-human powers given to him from Venom, Brock tries to get back into his investigative journalism by interviewing a serial killer. However, once the killer becomes the host to symbiote Carnage, his escape from prison proves to be even more dangerous. Based on Marvel Comics, the film is directed by Andy Serkis and is set to be released in cinemas on the 15th of September.
No Time to Die
The 25th James Bond film takes place 5 years after the ending of “Spectre,” and sees Bond no longer a part of MI6. However, when approached by a CIA officer asking for help with a missing persons case, Bond races to find missing scientist Valdo Obruchev who has been abducted. He finds himself on a trail to a dangerous villain, who owns even more lethal technology. No Time to Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and the film is set to arrive in cinemas on the 30th of September.
Angelina Pierce – Film & TV Writer
