"I'm well aware that at times your task will seem... monumental." Janus Films has revealed a new official US trailer for the Icelandic film titled Godland, made by acclaimed Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason. This initially premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival last year playing in Un Certain Regard, and it also played at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival (where I eventually saw it and reviewed). It's a stunning, slow burn, mesmerizing film about how nature is God and how this young priest struggles to survive. In the late 19th century, a young Danish priest travels to a remote part of Iceland to build a church and try to photograph its people. But the deeper he goes into the unforgiving landscape, the more he strays from his purpose, the mission, and morality. The film stars Elliott Crosset Hove, Ingvar Sigurðsson, Vic Carmen Sonne, Jacob Hauberg Lohmann, Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir, Waage Sandø, and Hilmar Guðjónsson. This was high on my list of Top 10 from last year, I love it so much. I've seen it twice and it's just as incredible a second time around. Every last shot is alluring. Plus it has one of the best movie dogs ever as one of its stars. https://onfs.net/3iIVXL1

"Make sure he is elected." Samuel Goldwyn Films has revealed the new US trailer for Cairo Conspiracy, the film formerly known as Boy From Heaven, set entirely in Egypt even though it's actually a Swedish production. This premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Screenplay award, and has since played at numerous other festivals including Zurich, Hamburg, London, Busan, Vancouver, Ghent, Mill Valley. The story follows Adam, the son of a fisherman, who is offered the ultimate privilege to study at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, the epicenter of power of Sunni Islam. Shortly after his arrival in Cairo, the university's highest ranking religious leader, the Grand Imam, suddenly dies and Adam soon becomes a pawn in a ruthless power struggle between Eqypt's religious and political elite. The film stars Tawfeek Barhom as Adam, Fares Fares, Mohammad Bakri, Makram Khoury, Mehdi Dehbi, Moe Ayoub, Sherwan Haji, and Ahmed Lassaoui. I saw this in Cannes and gave it a positive review, mostly because it's so frighteningly honest about corruption and that is worthwhile to show. I still recommend it. https://onfs.net/3kqsy8V

"Satisfy every movie mood with Netflix in 2023." It's time for a 2023 preview! Netflix has launched the "Save the Dates" trailer featuring a look at the new 2023 line-up of original films debuting on this global streaming service. We've heard of many of these before, but now they've set actual release dates for them so we know when to expect each of them. Have a look below! "Start saving the dates for your perfect movie nights in 2023. We’ve got new must-watch movies from your favorite filmmakers featuring the stars you love. Whether it’s big action blockbusters, intimate dramas, romantic comedies, sci-fi thrillers, international escapades, family adventures or eye-opening documentaries — we are delivering films for everyone!" Netflix has a new David Fincher film, The Killer, a new Sam Esmail film, Leave the World Behind, a new Zack Snyder film, Rebel Moon, and a fun Robert Smigel animated movie called Leo. These four are featured in here with a glimpse at footage, along with the rest of their 2023 selection. What are you most excited about? https://onfs.net/3XzEbs8

"Now I'm not being dramatic, but... these people are evil." Focus Features has revealed an official US trailer for Polite Society, a kick ass new British film marking the feature debut of filmmaker Nida Manzoor ("We Are Lady Parts"). This is premiering in just a few days at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, as part of the Midnight section, which is why they're dropping this trailer just before that unveiling. A merry mash up of sisterly affection, parental disappointment & bold action, Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting the help of her loyal friends, Ria attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood. The cast includes Priya Kansara as Ria, with Ritu Arya, Nimra Bucha, Akshay Khanna, Seraphina Beh, and Ella Bruccoleri. I just listed this as one of my Most Anticipated at Sundance, can't wait to see Ria kick some ass!! Looks like it will be a blast, especially with a big audience. https://onfs.net/3XCk1xR

"Nobody gets through this life unscathed." Apple has revealed the full official trailer for the comedy series Shrinking, landing on Apple TV+ soon. A grieving therapist starts to tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge changes to people's lives - including his own. Jason Segel co-stars with Harrison Ford. Ford plays Dr. Phil Rhodes, "a down-to earth, sharp as a tack 'blue collar shrink,' blunt but with an ever present twinkle. Phil is a pioneer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy who has built a successful practice over the years that he shares with his two young proteges, Jimmy and Gaby. Fiercely independent, Phil has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's, which forces him out of his comfort zone." It's co-written by Emmy Award winning "Ted Lasso" co-creator Bill Lawrence, Emmy Award-winning "Ted Lasso" star, writer and co-executive producer Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel. Shrinking's primary cast also includes Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, and Lukita Maxwell. This looks like a crazy fun mix of being depressing and hilarious. Segel and Ford! What a combo. https://onfs.net/3kslQ2d

"How is that girl ever gonna learn that she has a place in this world?" "What makes you think she has a place in this world?" Altitude Films in the UK has revealed an official trailer for Blue Jean, an outstanding film marking the feature directorial debut of Georgia Oakley. This first premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival last year in the Venice Days sidebar, where I first saw it. It's as good as it looks! Set in the 1980s in England, the film follows a young woman named Jean, played by the very talented actress Rosy McEwen (she was also in Vesper last year). She must carefully navigate the tumult of a rise in LGBTQ hate during the Margaret Thatcher era. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new girl at her school catalyses a crisis that will challenge Jean to her core. Also starring Kerrie Hayes, Lucy Halliday, Stacy Abalogun, and Izzy Neish. This already won a bunch of awards from BIFA, and will open first in the UK in February. https://onfs.net/3ZJTUXw

"I've got three shots – that's enough!" "Can't argue with a confident man." Newly restored in 4K, Assault on Precinct 13 is back on the big screen—loud, beautiful, and inescapable, as it was always meant to be seen. The American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), the largest non-profit genre film archive and distributor in the world, has released a brand new trailer for the 4K re-release of Carpenter's 1976 action classic. This brutally violent, gritty film from the 1970s was made before Carpenter went on to direct Halloween, Escape from New York, The Thing, and everything else. Screw the 2005 remake (don't watch it) this is the real shit. A Highway Patrol Officer, two criminals and a station secretary defend a defunct Los Angeles precinct office against a siege by a bloodthirsty street gang. Starring Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, and Tony Burton. Growing up, I remember watching this because my friends found it and it's such a violent film that we weren't supposed to see it, but that's part of Carpenter's genius. Check it out. https://onfs.net/3CSWKjl

"We are the beings that need to survive in order to keep this planet alive." An early teaser has launched for yet another upcoming Sundance 2023 film, this one titled Divinity, playing in the Next section at the fest kicking off this week. From writer / director Eddie Alcazar, Divinity is also produced by Steven Soderbergh, along with a handful of other producers. The short description explains: Two mysterious brothers abduct a mogul during his quest for immortality. Meanwhile, a seductive woman helps them launch a journey of self-discovery. It's a retro sci-fi thriller shot in black & white. Starring an impressive cast: Stephen Dorff, Moises Arias, Jason Genao, Karrueche Tran, Bella Thorne, and Scott Bakula. Sundance adds that "Alcazar leads a skilled team of creative collaborators to construct this world, and together they conjure a boldly lit black and white wonder with untold mysteries hidden in the shadows." With music by DJ Muggs & Dean Hurley. This looks wild!! You have to see this footage, punk sci-fi like we don't see anymore. Must see. https://onfs.net/3wbG2rC

"I don't know how I can help." Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for a crime thriller titled Among the Beasts, the latest from actor / filmmaker Matthew Newton. Now set to open both in theaters and on VOD coming up in February. When a gangster's daughter reluctantly teams with a former Marine to find her kidnapped cousin, the combat veteran must overcome his own demons in order to rescue the child. There's not much more to the plot than that, yet another of these junk films being dumped on VOD every week. This indie thriller stars Tory Kittles, Libe Barer, Sarunas J. Jackson, Kate Easton, Jeremy Holm, Mark Mitton, with Jon Bass, and Jim Norton. Unfortunately this looks instantly forgettable and entirely uninteresting, not even worth watching the trailer either. Save yourself the trouble and just skip it. https://onfs.net/3klWFhz

"I thought this key only opened the right doors. But it turned this dream into a nightmare." Wow. Another magnificent short film made by students at the French animation school known as GOBELINS in Paris. This short is called Hôtel Nuit Noire, which in English is titled Midnight Hotel. "What if it were possible to meet one another in our sleep? One night, three strangers find themselves in a Hotel of dreams. They must navigate this strange world together before dawn." This short is less than 7 minutes, but is split into three chapters, each about a different character. Along with a sumptuous, moody score, it's a seriously bewitching animated short with a magical vibe that reminds me of Miyazaki's movies. This is one of these mesmerizing shorts where we recommend that everyone turn off the lights, go full screen, turn up the volume, and enjoy. https://onfs.net/3GR4zHl

"Not for the squeamish." Uh oh. Momentum Pics has revealed an official trailer for an indie horror thriller titled Swallowed, the latest from filmmaker Carter Smith. It premiered at a few genre festivals last year, including at Fantasia and Overlook. Not to be confused with the other body horror film Swallow, with Haley Bennett, this one is a bit different. The film follows two best friends on their final night together in a small town, with a nightmare of drugs and bugs and horrific intimacy. "Dripping with blood and pus, Swallowed is queer body horror with all the naked flesh and shocking violations of a classic midnight movie." Starring Jena Malone, Mark Patton, Cooper Koch, and Jose Colon. This trailer seems a bit tame, or they don't seem to want to show all the gross stuff, with only a few quick glimpses near the end. Still seems disgusting. https://onfs.net/3ZN9thq

"This machine is reminding people our lives have more than one possible path." Apple TV+ has revealed a first look teaser trailer for one of their upcoming series titled The Big Door Prize, adapted from novel of the same name written by M.O. Walsh. This is a clever, alluring teaser that uses the cool blue glow of this machine to grab your attention, leaving the rest up to your imagination. The series follows the residents of a small town called Deerfield, who one day discover a magical, destiny-predicting machine in their grocery store - "promising to reveal each resident’s true life potential." It's about a mysterious machine that upends a small Louisiana town, asking us all to wonder if who we truly are is who we truly could be. Starring Chris O'Dowd as Dusty, with Gabrielle Dennis, Ally Maki, Josh Segarra, Damon Gupton, Crystal Fox, Sammy Fourlas, and Djouliet Amara. I haven't read the book before - but yeah I'm sold, this definitely got my attention. I want to know what the Morpho machine tells them! And how they respond! Anyone else? https://onfs.net/3GR9VSX

"Congratulations on your new home in the stars!" Apple has released an official trailer for a sci-fi comedy series titled Hello Tomorrow!, arriving for streaming February on their Apple TV+ platform. This has a peculiar concept that involves classic sci-fi concepts like floating cars, rocket packs, and robo helpers even though it's all set in the past. "What if the life you’ve always dreamed of was just one great deal away?" In a retro-futuristic world, charismatic salesman Jack Billings leads a team of fellow sales associates determined to revitalize their customers' lives by hawking timeshares on the moon. Billy Crudup stars as Jack Billings, along with Haneefah Wood, Alison Pill, Nicholas Podany, Matthew Maher, Dewshane Williams, and Hank Azaria. It's pretty obvious from this trailer what's going on, it looks like one big setup to just get rid of people by firing them into space. I wonder if they figure it all out, then what? Hmmm this looks good. https://onfs.net/3wd43ym

"There's a darkness inside of me... it followed me here. And it's going to keep coming for us." Paramount has debuted the first full trailer for Scream VI, the follow-up sequel to last year's Scream (also known as Scream 5) - the return of this iconic horror franchise. Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four young survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. This one brings the mayhem to New York City, as a new killer pops up in this city wreaking havoc. It looks like they're going all out with this sequel, even bringing in all the other killings back into the mix! That big "shrine" reveal with all the Ghostfaces is creepy. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Hayden Panettiere, and Courteney Cox return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving. There's a few intriguing reveals in here, the rest still looks chilling and freaky af. Enjoy. https://onfs.net/3HhkIHG

"Tender as it is ugly... admits the war on drugs is lost." The unfortunate truth that is hard for many to deal with. The official trailer has debuted for a documentary film titled Love in the Time of Fentanyl, from Canadian filmmaker Colin Askey. This premiered at two important doc film festivals last year - DOXA and DOC NYC - and it will begin playing in theaters in February. The doc film is an "intimate and compassionate look at the frontlines of the overdose crisis." Executive produced by fellow filmmaker Sean Baker. In Love in the Time of Fentanyl, a group of misfits, artists, and drug users operates a renegade safe injection site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside - specifically in a forward-thinking overdose prevention center. The film is an empathetic portrait of a community fighting to save lives and keep hope alive in a neighborhood ravaged by Fentanyl and other opioids. This looks like an especially compassionate examination of this drug crisis. https://onfs.net/3IX9nh9

"You think you're safe?" Oooh this is creepy! An eerie festival promo trailer has debuted for an indie horror film from India called The Underbug, the latest film from director Shujaat Saudagar. It's premiering later this week at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival, hence why this trailer is available. As India is ravaged by sectarian violence on the eve of its Independence Day, two rioters take refuge in an abandoned house. An eerie presence in the house, however, haunts the men to the edge of sanity. There is some kind of strange snail in this with black tentacles sticking out of it, the rest of it just seems scary and unsettling in the best of ways. The Underbug stars Ali Fazal, Hussain Dalal, & Areenah Fatima. This looks like an extra freaky low budget haunted house horror film, with the poster offering a big hint as to what's going on. Have a look. https://onfs.net/3ZMpEv8

"4000 meters down on the ocean floor, another energy revolution is underway." A festival teaser is out for a documentary film titled Deep Rising, one of our most anticipated premieres at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. It's debuting in the Premieres section, an important doc about climate change and environmental destruction. The festival description sets it up: The fate of the planet's last untouched wilderness, the deep ocean, is under threat as a secretive organization is about to allow massive extraction of seabed metals to address the world's energy crisis. It's actually about another environmental crisis brewing, with companies ready to mine unique "polymetallic nodules" that are sitting at the bottom of the ocean, specifically a huge area of the Pacific Ocean. The doc is narrated by Jason Momoa, who talks us through why they're ever so important, what's going on with them and companies trying to get at them, and why we should care. This is one doc to keep an eye on as it premieres at Sundance, I've got a good feeling it's going to be worth a watch. https://onfs.net/3J0S3aV

"It's nice to be old. It's nice to have fun with no buttons." Greenwich Ent. has revealed an official trailer for an indie comedy titled iMordecai, which is an amusing title for this film about a cranky old timer whose life is changed when he gets a new iPhone. How's that for a story? This initially premiered at the 2022 Naples Film Festival last year, and is set in Florida. A holocaust survivor born and raised in a different time, must now face the realities of modern world. when confronted with an unfamiliar object, an iPhone will Mordecai be able to fit into a world that has changed so much around him? Starring the wonderful actor Judd Hirsch (he's also in The Fabelmans) as Mordecai, along with Sean Astin, Carol Kane, Nick Puga, and Azia Dinea Hale. This actually looks really sweet and nice, not as cheesy as expected. Might actually be an entertaining and uplifting film worth watching, a nice break from all these usual depressing stories. https://onfs.net/3iKVzf3

"He works for the Russians. He has lied to you, and he has used you." MGM+ has revealed a quick first look teaser trailer for their upcoming British spy series titled A Spy Among Friends, arriving for streaming in March in a few more months. The service formerly known as Epix has re-branded as MGM+, and they're getting preparing a big line-up this spring. "The epic true story of Kim Philby, the Cold War's most infamous spy, from the 'master storyteller' and author of Prisoners of the Castle." Yes it's an adaptation of the book of the same name. The British mini-series that stars Guy Pearce and Damian Lewis as Nicholas Elliott and Kim Philby, two real-life 1960s British spies who, despite their opposing allegiances, developed a life-long friendship. This reminds me a bit of the other British spy film The Courier (aka Ironbark) from a few years ago. The series also stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Stephen Kunken, Nicholas Rowe, and Anastasia Hille. I'm looking forward to seeing more footage from this before it's out to watch. https://onfs.net/3wg7u7t

It's so wonderful to settle into a screening and hear the buzz in the air before a film starts. To listen to the applause and laughter and gasps during a premiere screening. After two years of online screenings thanks to the pandemic, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival has returned with an in-person event in Park City, Utah this January. This is my 17th year covering Sundance, starting way back in 2007, and I'm happy to be back. Yes, as always, there's some generic frustrations with the festival (the local bus lines have changed, there's tons of standstill traffic already, the screening queues are a mess) but overall, it's exciting to see Sundance roaring back to life and bringing everyone together again to watch movies. It's cliche to say, but the glory of film festivals really is the experience of everyone traveling from all around to sit together and watch films together, as one big audience, participating in the magic of watching movies. That excitement in the air, the conversations with people in line or people sitting next to you, is what this is all about. Onward to the films. https://onfs.net/3WoMztx

Let's take a trip into the past, to journey into the future. I am a sci-fi geek and I've always loved spaceship designs and future technology and imagining what it's like to be in a time where we can travel to planets (or even galaxies). This video called The Future of The 1920s examines what it was like to imagine the future in the 1920s. It features drawings and designs created by people living in the 20s, just after "The Great War" and before the next one, wondering what the future might be like. Most of it is pulled from an old magazine called "Science And Invention." They weren't interested in leaving Earth, more into improving livability. The narrator explains the 1920s "took place in the immediate aftermath of a massive, destructive war, and both [the 50s] carried an optimism for the future. The difference was science fiction was not as mainstream... so it didn't quite fully develop a unique look." Just some visual inspiration and vintage sci-fi imagery to peruse. https://onfs.net/3Wr90hX