Aside from a relatively slow start, April showcases an industry ready to get back to whatever version of the new normal is. With fewer and fewer films being released through streaming services, it looks like theaters are hoping for a comeback and, with some select titles, in particular, are looking like they could have just that. The early blockbuster season is rolling as we’ve got new superhero products, films from the Harry Potter universe, and a Michael Bay project all opening in the first couple of weeks. However, if you’re not in the mood for any of those titles, April is also full of several films that were festival favorites last year, from the documentary “Cow” to the Iranian road-trip film “Hit the Road.” And, if nothing else, there are still plenty of us waiting for the much talk about “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to make it to our respective cities.
“Morbius”
The latest in the near-monthly additions to the superhero genre, “Morbius,” starring Jared Leto, introduces the latest antihero to the Sony library, joining Spider-Man and Venom. Following biochemist Michael Morbius as he tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, his experiment soon goes wrong, and he infects himself with a form of vampirism instead. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, the cast also includes Matt Smith (“The Crown,”) Adria Arjona (“Good Omens,”) and Jared Harris (“Foundation.”)
Release Date: April 1 in theaters via Sony Pictures.
“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”
For those looking for yet another addition to the world of Harry Potter, the prequel series returns with its third installment, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” David Yates, who has been directing this series since 2007’s “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” returns along with Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, and Jude Law. The film follows our usual group as Albus Dumbledore learns that the powerful, dark wizard Grindelwald (now played by Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. He’s unable to stop him alone, so he entrusts our protagonist Newt to lead a team of wizards and witches. A fourth and fifth installment to the series has already been announced.
Release Date: April 6 in theaters via Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Cow”
One of the most exciting filmmakers working today, Andrea Arnold (“American Honey,”) returns with her latest film, “Cow,” her documentary debut. Following, you might’ve guessed it, a dairy cow, the film chronicles its daily life in an attempt to move humans closer to them and to see the beauty and challenges of their lives. Our critic, who saw the film at the 2021 Cannes, called it “…a seemingly simple film that brings up interesting and difficult questions regarding the limits between anthropomorphism onscreen and animal rights — or the lack thereof.”
Release Date: April 8, available to stream via MUBI.
“Ambulance”
Filmmaker Michael Bay returns with an all-star cast for his latest action film “Ambulance.” Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“The Matrix Resurrections,”), and Eiza González (“Baby Driver,”) star in this contained thriller which is a remake of the 2005 Danish film of the same name. Following a veteran in desperate need of money to cover his wife’s medical bills, he teams up with his adoptive brother to steal $32 million from a bank. As expected, though, their getaway goes wrong, which leads them to hijack an ambulance carrying a severely wounded cop and an EMT worker. Adapted by Chris Fedak (“Chuck,”) the stripped-down narrative gives hope to fans that it will be more in the vein of Bay’s better work, such as titles like “Pain & Gain.”
Release Date: April 8 in theaters via Universal Pictures.