As we all still catch up on the best films of 2023 or the ones that, at least, needed time for broader distribution, January is already delivering a bevy of solid and worthwhile titles. It’s a busy time of year for film, from the awards discussion in the lead-up to the Oscars to the Sundance Film Festival, but Hollywood doesn’t slow down to accommodate. While some features will likely be forgotten by the month’s end, plenty more are worthy discoveries as we brace ourselves for the colder months.
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January sees a potent mix of titles going straight to streaming versus theatrical releases, starting this week with Dan Levy’s feature film debut “Good Grief” on Netflix. Later in the month, see the premiere of one of Sundance 2023’s most enigmatic titles, a remake/revitalization of “Mean Girls,” and more.
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“Society of The Snow”
Directed by J.A. Bayona, “Society of Snow” tells the story of a group of survivors following a Uruguayan flight that crashes in the remote heart of the Andes. Based on the true story and adapted from Pablo Vierci’s book of the same name, the film stars Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Tomas Wolf, Diego Vegezzi, and more.
Release Date: Available to stream on January 4 on Netflix.
“Night Swim”
Bryce McGuire makes his directorial debut in the supernatural horror film “Night Swim,” based on the 2014 he directed alongside Rod Blackhurst. The film follows the Waller family, who discover a supernatural presence haunting their backyard swimming pool after moving into a new house. Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, and Gavin Warren star.
Release Date: In theaters January 5 via Universal Pictures.
“He Went That Way”
Jacob Elordi found new career heights in 2023 with films “Saltburn,” and “Priscilla,” cementing his breakout status. He continues that streak in the indie movie “He Went That Way,” in which he plays a serial killer picked up while hitchhiking by a celebrity animal trainer, played by Zachary Quinto. Jeffrey Darling directed the film in his debut, based on the book “Luke Karamazov” by Conrad Hiberry.
Release Date: In theaters January 5 via Vertical Entertainment.
“Foe”
Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal, two of their generation’s most exciting and interesting actors, join forces in the latest from “Lion” director Garth Davis. Aaron Pierre joins them in this romance story, would-have-beens, and artificial intelligence that follows a couple in the future whose lives are thrown into turmoil. The film is based on the 2018 novel by author Iain Reid, who also penned the adaptation. The film made its premiere at the 2023 New York Film Festival.
Release Date: Available on Prime Video January 5 via Amazon Studios.