6. The Post
A front-runner for Oscars 2018, and already acclaimed among critics following its screening, ‘The Post’ is the film adaptation/depiction of the leak of Pentagon Papers in 1970s by the journalists from The Washington Post and The New York Times, that contained information about U.S. government’s involvement in Vietnam War.
The movie stars the living legends Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, leading an ensemble cast, and is directed by Sir Steven Speilberg, who will unite with Hanks once again.
Initially titled ‘The Papers’, the movie is already facing criticism from people associated with the leak.
Set for a January 12, 2018 relaease worldwide, the movie will debut on U.S.A and Canada box-office on December 22.
7. Bright
Set in an alternate timeline, where humans co-exist with fantasy creatures like Orcs, Centaurs and Elves, ‘Bright’ focuses on LAPD Officer Daryl Ward and Orc Deputy Nick Jakoby, who on a routine patrol, discovers an ancient but artifact, which have the power to alter the world.
Movie stars Will Smith as Daryl and Joel Edgerton as Nick, while Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry and Èdgar Ramìrez star in pivotal roles. The movie also re-unites Will Smith with director David Ayer after ‘Suicide Squad’.
The film will release on December 22, on the online streaming portal Netflix.
8. Hostiles
‘Hostiles’ is a period-western drama cum thriller, from director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Black Mass). Set in 1982, the story revolves around U.S. Army Captain Joseph J. Blocker, who takes upon a task to escort a dying war-chief, back to his tribal lands.
The movie has already been screened at various film festivals and has received critical acclaim for its direction and screenplay. Bale has also gnarred critical attention for his performance, which The Hollywood Reporter described as “expertly judged and executed”.
The film stars Christian Bale as Capt. Blocker, who leads an ensemble including Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi, Adam Beach and Rory Cochrane.
It is set to release on December 22, making it fifth of the seven films that’ll release in the same day.
9. Molly’s Game
Based on Molly Bloom’s memoir of the same name, the ‘Molly’s Game’ follows Bloom’s underground poker empire she operated, for celebrities, athletes, business tycoons and Russian mobsters; and its subsequent FBI investigation.
The movie is directed by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (in his directorial debut) and stars Academy Award nominated Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom, while Idris Elba and Kevin Costner appear as second leads.
The movie is already expected to become this year’s highest critical success after its overwhelming response at screening festivals and is slated to release on December 25, Christmas Day.
10. Phantom Thread
The final film of the year will be Paul Thomas Anderson’s romantic period drama, ‘Phantom Thread’. The movie is in talks as it can be Daniel-Day Lewis’s last film as an actor, after he announced his retirement from cinema industry earlier this year.
The movie is about a famous dress maker and his love for a young woman, and depicts how he balances his carefully adjusted life, disrupted by his feelings for his lover.
The film stars Lewis as dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock, Lesley Manville as his sister Cyril and Vicky Krieps as his love Alma.
The film will clash in a major box-office competition with ‘Molly’s Game’ on Christmas Day and will close the year for Hollywood box-office.
