21 Best Movies New to Streaming in January: ‘A Different Man,’ ‘The Wild Robot,’ ‘Blink Twice,’ Cameron Diaz’s ‘Back in Action’ and More

2025 marks Cameron Diaz’s comeback to acting, this time on streaming platforms, with her starring in Netflix’s “Back in Action,” a humorous spy film alongside Jamie Foxx. The anticipation surrounding Diaz’s return makes “Back in Action” the most talked-about Netflix original for January 2025. Additionally, Netflix is premiering the latest installment of the beloved animated series, “Wallace & Gromit,” titled “Vengeance Most Fowl,” which is perfect for families seeking a new movie to enjoy at home during this month.

In January, a potential dark horse contender for the Oscars makes its appearance. The critically-acclaimed black comedy “A Different Man” premieres on Max following its win of the Best Feature prize at the Gotham Awards and Sebastian Stan’s nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. This film, praised by Peter Debruge of EbMaster as one of the top films of 2024, is also nominated for two Spirit Awards and earned Stan the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at last year’s Berlin Film Festival.

Apart from the highly anticipated premieres in January 2025, here are some other noteworthy releases: “Unstoppable”, an inspiring sports drama, and Zoe Kravitz’s exciting directorial venture, “Blink Twice”. For a comprehensive guide to all the significant debuts during this month, continue reading below.

A Different Man (Jan. 17 on Max)

Critic Peter Debruge from EbMaster’s ranked “A Different Man” as the sixth best movie of 2024. This film, which received the Gotham Award for Best Feature, features Sebastian Stan as a struggling actor who achieves success following a procedure to correct a facial deformity. His life is disrupted by the arrival of a popular actor who also has the same condition. In his review, Debruge stated: “The less common of the two science fiction tales this year, both exploring body image issues in the film industry, Aaron Schimberg’s gritty dark comedy delivers a ‘be careful what you ask for’ message similar to ‘The Substance.’ However, it challenges notions of representation, identity, and casting in a more profound way.

The Wild Robot (Jan. 24 on Peacock)

Blink Twice (Jan. 21 on Prime Video)

As a woman who has spent much of her adult life navigating through various professional and social settings, I must say that Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice” resonated deeply with me. The narrative centers around a waitress (Naomi Ackie) who accepts an invitation to a tech billionaire’s private island, which initially appears to be a dream come true but quickly turns into a harrowing experience of patriarchal oppression.

Having experienced my fair share of uncomfortable encounters and power dynamics in male-dominated industries, the film felt eerily familiar yet daringly innovative. The parallels drawn with “Midsommar” by reviewer Owen Gleiberman were particularly insightful, as both films explore the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic settings where the line between fantasy and reality becomes blurred.

What sets “Blink Twice” apart is its grounding in the sexual menace that pervades our everyday lives. The film dares to confront these taboo subjects head-on, offering a stark reminder of the dangers women face in navigating through their careers and personal lives. I commend Zoë Kravitz for her fearless storytelling and look forward to seeing more groundbreaking work from this promising director.

Unstoppable (Jan. 16 on Prime Video)

The film “Unstoppable” chronicles the real-life journey of Anthony Robles, portrayed by Jharrel Jerome, who was born with only one leg but overcame numerous obstacles to join the Arizona State Wrestling team. Robles’ aspirations were realized through the unwavering affection and backing of his devoted mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and the motivation from his coaches. Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle are among the stars. The movie was highly acclaimed as “a rare sports drama that is genuinely inspiring” with Jerome’s performance being described as “powerfully moving yet understated.

Back in Action (Jan. 17 on Netflix)

This month, Cameron Diaz makes her comeback to acting after an 11-year break, teaming up with Jamie Foxx once again in Netflix’s action-comedy spy flick “Back in Action”. In this film, Diaz and Foxx portray retired CIA agents who are thrust back into action when their undercover identities are compromised. The impressive lineup of actors includes Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, and Rylan Jackson. Seth Gordon, known for directing comedies like “Horrible Bosses” and “Baywatch”, is at the helm for this project.

You’re Cordially Invited (Jan. 30 on Prime Video)

In “You’re Cordially Invited,” streaming on Prime Video, comedy stars Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell find themselves in a hilarious predicament. The story unfolds as they discover that their destination weddings, hers for her sister (Meredith Hagner) and his for his daughter’s fiancée (Geraldine Viswanathan), are scheduled on the same day at a secluded resort island off the coast of Georgia. When they decide to share the limited venue, mayhem erupts, and disaster seems inevitable.

Red Rooms (Jan. 14 on Shudder)

As a cinephile captivated by the chilling artistry of Pascal Plante, I found myself utterly disturbed by his masterpiece, “Red Rooms.” This film doesn’t just haunt you with gory violence or gratuitous sadism; instead, it burrows deep into your psyche with a malevolent psychological ambiance. The fascination that two women develop for a notorious serial killer on trial for the murder of abducted teenage girls is not portrayed from his perspective, but rather from an insidious parasitic sickness that compels spectators to be drawn to such monstrosities. In stark contrast to typical serial killer films, “Red Rooms” refrains from depicting violence, yet the eerie tension it creates can leave you feeling so uncomfortable that a shower might not even be enough to wash off the taint of association.

The Front Room (Jan. 3 on Max)

According to Susan Hill’s short story, “The Front Room” is a horror movie produced by A24 that narrates the tale of a young, pregnant couple who are obligated to accommodate their sick, estranged stepmother. However, things aren’t always as they appear. The film stars Brandy Norwood, Kathryn Hunter, Neal Huff, and Andrew Burnap. This movie represents the first feature directorial venture for Sam and Max Eggers, siblings of Robert Eggers, who directed “Nosferatu.” Max collaborated as a co-writer with Robert on “The Lighthouse,” while Sam served as a production assistant on “The Witch.

Look Into My Eyes (Jan. 10 on Max)

“Lana Wilson’s Documentary ‘Look Into My Eyes’: A Peek into the World of New York City Psychics”
Review: “In this A24-produced film, shown at Sundance, Lana Wilson skillfully navigates between the sarcastic and the sincere. Strict skeptics may find it amusing, while others might be intrigued. Running throughout is a light-hearted humor that appeals to everyone, regardless of their beliefs about the afterlife or its accessibility. For instance, even diehard skeptics could chuckle at a self-proclaimed psychic boasting she could diagnose a cat’s urinary tract infection merely by using her telepathic abilities.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Jan. 3 on Netflix)

In this review, we’re discussing “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” Netflix’s latest installment in the beloved series since 2005’s “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” which won an Oscar for best animated feature. This new movie welcomes back Feathers McGraw, the cunning diamond thief from the 1993 short film “The Wrong Trousers,” who once again exploits one of Wallace’s inventions to escape the local zoo. While not as grandiose as “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” this charming feature offers fans a delightful reunion, complete with a frosty penguin and an abundance of puns.

Hereditary (Jan. 15 on Netflix)

As the Sundance Film Festival approaches this month, it’s an ideal moment to re-explore Ari Aster’s terrifying debut, “Hereditary.” This 2018 horror film by A24 left a lasting impression at Sundance and catapulted Aster into one of the festival’s most notable breakouts. In his review for EbMaster, film critic Owen Gleiberman noted, “Aster’s unsettling spectacle, starring a brilliant Toni Collette, delves into the scariest ghosts: those within… It’s a haunting and intense supernatural thriller about a family torn apart by spirits. The film is filled with elements that would fit perfectly in a typical week’s horror movie release (except for the fact that they are executed exceptionally well here).

You Hurt My Feelings (Jan. 26 on Netflix)

One more film that received acclaim at Sundance in 2023 is “You Hurt My Feelings,” directed by Nicole Holofcener. This charming movie features Julia Louis-Dreyfus as an author who finds herself in turmoil after overhearing her husband criticize her work. As described in a review, “‘You Hurt My Feelings’ reflects the laid-back tone suggested by its title. It might not be one of Holofcener’s grander films; instead, it resembles an engaging and meandering short story. Despite this, it’s intriguing to observe how Holofcener weaves together the stories of all her characters with a subtle twist on the usual positivity… ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ may be compact in scale, but it could offer insights for us all.

Sorry to Bother You (Jan. 1 on Hulu)

Once more, Boots Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You,” a fan favorite from Sundance, will be available for streaming this month. This film was one of the most talked-about titles at the 2018 festival. In it, Lakeith Stanfield portrays a telemarketer on his way up who is persuaded to adopt a “white voice” over the phone to succeed in his job. As he climbs the corporate ladder, the world around him transforms into a nightmarish dystopia. After this mind-bending and unforeseeable journey, you may find yourself viewing horses differently forevermore.

The Silent Hour (Jan. 12 on Hulu)

In the thriller movie “The Silent Hour,” directed by Brad Anderson, Joel Kinnaman plays a Boston police detective who experiences an accident at work that results in hearing loss. Seventeen months pass, and this same detective, along with his colleague and partner (Mark Strong), find themselves embroiled in a struggle against Lynch (Mekhi Phifer) and a band of crooked cops. Their target is a deaf murder witness (Sandra Mae Frank) who resides in the apartment complex where she lives, as these corrupt officers aim to silence her.

American Star (Jan. 10 on Hulu)

In “American Star,” Director Gonzalo López-Gallego skillfully unfolds the intricate psyche of an unfeeling murderer, played by Ian McShane. As a seasoned assassin tasked with eliminating someone he’s never met, McShane’s character spends time pondering his actions instead, as he anticipates his target’s arrival. From the review: “The director’s shrewdest move was to put faith in McShane to evoke the atmosphere. Now 81 years old, the esteemed British actor effectively portrays a wealth of character through his subtle yet steady movements, embodying a taciturn hitman.

Arcadian (Jan. 24 on Hulu)

Movie director Benjamin Brewer’s action-horror flick titled “Arcadian” features Nicolas Cage as the father of two teenagers (Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins). In this post-apocalyptic world swarming with dangerous bug creatures, it falls on him to safeguard his family. Brewer, a visual effects expert from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” contributes innovative concepts for the film’s enormous bug-like monstrosities, which bear an unusual resemblance to both praying mantises and resilient cockroaches in the aftermath. Their design includes multiple mandibles and other unexpected sharp features that deploy like the tools of a Swiss Army knife.

Humane (Jan. 28 on Hulu)

Under the guidance of director Caitlin Cronenberg, the offspring of renowned “body horror” creator David Cronenberg, the film titled “Humane” presents a dystopian satire that unfolds post a global ecological disaster. A novel euthanasia program has been implemented to control the earth’s burgeoning population, catching the interest of a retired newsman and his family. The star-studded cast includes Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, and Peter Gallagher. In its critique, EbMaster described the movie as a “scorching domestic thriller”: “The movie, structured around an unforgettably horrific dinner party, is Cronenberg’s unique creation, but it delves into crimes of tomorrow.

The Fall Guy (Jan 2. Prime Video)

This month, the action romance “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, will be accessible on Prime Video at no additional cost for subscribers. After premiering on Peacock last year, it’s now ready for streaming. In this film, Gosling portrays a stuntman who consents to look for the missing lead of an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster, which is being directed by his ex (Blunt). The chemistry between these two actors received numerous accolades, with Peter Debruge from EbMaster praising them in his review: “Gosling delivers one of his most captivating characters to date, combining the committed action hero from ‘Drive’ with the charming ladies’ man from ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’

The Wolf Man (Jan. 1 on Peacock)

This month, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse are reimagining the iconic monster of yore – “Wolf Man” – with a fresh take, starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner as a couple whose family encounters dreadful events in the woods following a car accident. The film is helmed by Leigh Whannell, who garnered praise for his modernized adaptation of “The Invisible Man” in 2020. Will he manage to create another bolt of fear? To excite horror enthusiasts, Universal has made the original “Wolf Man” movie from 1941 available for streaming on Peacock, featuring Lon Chaney Jr. portraying the lead role.

The Wolfman (Jan. 1 on Peacock)

I’m excited to share that Universal is making “The Wolfman” from 2010 available on Peacock streaming before the premiere of “Wolf Man” on January 17. This modern take on the timeless tale boasts an impressive cast, including Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, and Hugo Weaving. In this movie, a performer journeys to his family’s English estate following his brother’s gruesome murder. While there, he is bitten by a werewolf and undergoes a terrifying metamorphosis.

Get Away (Jan. 10 on Shudder)

In the British horror comedy “Escape,” starring Nick Frost and Aisling Bea, a family’s peaceful vacation on a secluded Swedish island is disrupted when they realize a serial killer is on the loose. Notably, it was Frost who penned the script for this chilling tale. XYZ Films, along with John Hegeman from Wayward Entertainment, Lee Kim from Resolute Films, and Frost himself, produced “Escape.” Richard Kondal of Big Safari served as co-producer, while Vince Totino from Wayward Entertainment and Patrick Fischer from Creativity Capital took on executive producer roles.

2025-01-04 01:49