HORROR NOIRE

Trailer youtube.com/watch?v=eLc626VoUMY Shudder’s anthology horror follow-up to the acclaimed 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror features six original stories of Black horror from established and emerging talents. Available on Oct. 28. Horror, not rated, 120 minutes, Shudder, AMC+

HYPNOTIC

Trailer youtube.com/watch?v=eHsWYmnXk1o Kate Siegel, Jason O’Mara, and Dulé Hill star in this thriller about a young woman who enlists the help of a renowned hypnotherapist in her search for self improvement. But after a handful of intense sessions, she discovers unexpected and deadly consequences. Available on Oct. 27. Drama/Horror/thriller, not rated, 88 minutes, Netflix

LANGUAGE LESSONS

Trailer youtube.com/watch?v=rL-U20BUK4I When Adam’s (Mark Duplass) husband surprises him with weekly Spanish lessons, he’s unsure about where or how this new element will fit into his already structured life. But when tragedy strikes, his Spanish teacher, Cariño (Natalie Morales), becomes a lifeline he didn’t know he needed. Adam develops an unexpected and complicated emotional bond with Cariño — but do you really know someone just because you’ve experienced a traumatic moment with them? “A warm, lovely film about platonic affection and the human need for connection.” (The Wrap) Available on Oct. 26. Drama, not rated, 91 minutes

NO FUTURE

Trailer youtube.com/watch?v=L8tq8SvTe7g Stranger Things‘ Charlie Heaton is Will, a recovering addict with a steady job and a supportive girlfriend. But he’s haunted by a troubled past, one that comes back to light when an estranged friend fatally overdoses. Returning home, he reunites with Claire (Catherine Keener), his friend’s grieving mother, and together they hope to heal the past and mend their damaged lives. “Through the unpredictability of its two leads, Keener especially, and in the knotty connection between their characters, the movie gets under the skin and goes beyond the bromide-laden playbook.” (Hollywood Reporter) Drama, not rated, 89 minutes

SURGE

Trailer youtube.com/watch?v=iThnRwLexGo Ben Whishaw (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, No Time To Die) plays Joseph, a man trapped in a soulless job, living a life devoid of emotion and meaning. After an impulsive act of rebellion, he unleashes a wilder version of himself and is propelled on a reckless journey through London, ultimately experiencing what it feels like to be alive. Whishaw won the Special Jury Award for his performance at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. “A ferocious showcase for Whishaw, who’s never been nervier, and a promising first feature from a filmmaker with energy to spare.” (RogerEbert.com) Available on Oct. 25. Thriller, not rated, 105 minutes, DirecTV, Dish, Sling TV — Michael Abatemarco