Dune

In this first half of a two-part feature adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 science fiction novel, the House Atreides, led by Duke Leto (Isaac) and his concubine Lady Jessica (Ferguson), is tasked with taking over the rule of planet Arrakis, also referred to as "Dune." It is here that the extremely valuable Melange is found, a natural sand-born spice mixture that bestows heightened vitality and expanded consciousness upon its users. While the Atreides try to govern the planet's people and harvest the temperamental Melange, the house's heir, Paul (Chalamet), learns to hone his own supernatural gift — a gift he must use to fulfil a great destiny on Arrakis by saving the future of his family and the planet's native Fremen people.

Director: Denis Villeneuve. Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem. 2021. 156 mins. Science Fiction.

Mass

In the years following a tragic and preventable school shooting, the parents of the shooter agree to meet with the parents of one of the victims in an attempt to find peace and move forward with their lives. An intimate portrait of grief, anger, acceptance and a parent's attachment to their child's legacy, this four-character drama takes place in a lone, emotion-riddled, Tennessee Williams-esque room.

Director: Fran Kranz. Stars: Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton. 2021. Drama.

Spencer

During the Christmas season of 1991, the British royal family spends the holidays at the quaint and quiet of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. It's anything but celebration for Princess Diana (Stewart), however, as she struggles with her declining mental health and the public rumors of her husband Prince Charles' (Farthing) extramarital affair. Despite knowing how the royal family prefers to keep their dirty laundry hidden, Diana decides to take a stance for her own well-being and that of her children by leaving the royal family for good.

Director: Pablo Larraín. Stars: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Jack Farthing, Sean Harris, Sally Hawkins. 2021. Drama.