Respect

Following the life of Aretha Franklin (Hudson), the biopic begins as the young woman sings in her father's (Whitaker) choir after the sudden death of her mother. As a teenager, Franklin meets Ted White (Wayans), who launches her career with Columbia Records and later marries her, a union that would see future tumult. Releasing hit after hit, Franklin begins to overwork herself while coping with the pressures of her career by turning to alcohol and drugs. As a way to reconcile with herself and those around her, Franklin returns to her gospel roots, where she records the most successful album of her storied career.

Director: Liesl Tommy. Stars: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Mary J. Blige. 2021. 145 mins. Drama.

Reminiscence

In the near future, the rising sea levels and temperature make it unbearable to work during the daytime. Meanwhile, Nick Bannister (Jackman) operates a business that allows people to relive their memories. After meeting Mae (Ferguson), a walk-in client, Nick becomes obsessed with her and the two start a relationship. Months later, Mae disappears and Nick spends hours reliving his memories of her, a decision that could ultimately trap him in the memories forever. Regardless, Nick's obsession won't stop until he finds the truth, even if it means putting himself at risk.

Director: Lisa Joy. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, Cliff Curtis, Marina de Tavira, Daniel Wu. 2021. 116 mins. Sci-Fi.

My Salinger Year

Aspiring writer Joanna (Qualley) leaves graduate school to pursue her dreams and gets hired as an assistant to Margaret (Weaver), the stoic literary agent of J.D. Salinger. Spending her days in an old-fashioned office where Dictaphones and typewriters still reign, Joanna is tasked with responding to Salinger's fan mail. Despite the agency's standard impersonal responses, Joanna opts to take a different approach to the return mail and soon discovers her own voice.

Director: Philippe Falardeau. Stars: Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver, Douglas Booth, Seána Kerslake, Colm Feore, Brían F. O'Byrne. 2020. 101 mins. Drama.