THE BOY AND THE HERON

Twelve-year-old Mahito struggles to settle in a new town after his mother’s death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, which takes him to another world. A semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki. “This is not a happy-go-lucky story, but an old-school fairy tale meant to frighten, confuse, and excite. It’s the good kind of scary: the kind that helps prepare children for the terrors of the real world.” (The Washington Post) Fantasy/adventure, rated PG-13, 124 minutes, Violet Crown. Review Page 40

EILEEN

Eileen is a peculiar young woman — aloof and unfazed by the gloomy nature of her job at the local youth prison. But something in her changes the day that the new counselor, Dr. Rebecca St. John (Anne Hathaway), arrives. She is instantly captivated by Rebecca’s glamorous, enigmatic presence. As the two women grow closer, Eileen is inspired to explore new facets of her own personality and desires. But her metamorphosis takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret — throwing Eileen onto a much more sinister path. “Eileen is a mean movie, but I intend that as a compliment: There’s no lesson here, no revelation, no good vibes to wander away with. Spiky and cold, it’s a bitter holiday treat.” (The New York Times) Mystery/thriller, rated R, 96 minutes, Violet Crown

MAESTRO

The biographical drama Maestro centers on the relationship between American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Directed by Bradley Cooper from a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer, the film stars Carey Mulligan as Montealegre alongside Cooper as Bernstein . Maestro uses the love story between Bernstein and Felicia — complicated by Bernstein’s bisexuality — as the impressionistic framing device to cover the renowned conductor’s five decade career. The film features compositions handpicked by Cooper from Bernstein’s musicals and operettas, as well as extended performances of orchestral pieces including Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. “Cooper throws himself into the role of Bernstein and delivers one of his finest performances, playing a complicated family man who desired men and couldn’t deny that desire even while loving his wife.” (Observer) Musical/romance, rated R, 129 minutes, CCA

THE OATH

In 400 A.D., during a forgotten time of ancient America, a lone Hebraic fugitive must preserve the history of his fallen nation while being hunted by a ruthless tyrant. But rescuing the King’s abused mistress could awaken a warrior’s past. Action/drama, rated PG-13, 104 minutes, Dreamcatcher 10