The films we don’t want to miss this February

From a star-studded spy thriller to a true scandal that rocked a seaside town in the 1920s.

2024 has already got off to a flying start as far as UK film releases are concerned, and there are loads more to look out for in February.

Argylle – out now 

Director Matthew Vaughn’s latest spy thriller has plenty of twists and turns to keep us guessing. We follow Elly Conway, an introverted spy novelist who seldom leaves her home but is soon drawn into the very real world of espionage when the plot of her novels start to bleed into reality. Elly and her beloved cat Alfie find themselves plunged into a covert world where nothing is what it seems. It’s a star-studded cast that includes Henry Cavill, Samuel L Jackson, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena and pop superstar Dua Lipa.

American Fiction – out now 

A black writer is struggling to sell his next novel as rather ironically, the publishers believe that it is not ‘black enough’. After following the success of a fellow author Sintara Golden, he soon decides to write a novel that he thinks panders to black stereotypes and finds very much to his dismay, that great success soon follows.

Zone of Interest – out now

Zone of Interest is a chilling drama that comes from acclaimed director Jonathan Glazer. It follows the life of the commandant of Auschwitz while the horrors of the Holocaust are ongoing. Based on the novel of the same name by Martin Amis, This film is an expertly crafted but deeply disturbing look at the banality of evil. It’s been nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars.

Migration – out now 

Migration follows a family of ducks who decide to leave the safety of a New England pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. However, their plans go a little awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City. The experience soon inspires them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. This one comes from the studio Illumination – makers of movies including Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, Minions and others.

The Iron Claw – released 9th February 

The Iron Claw depicts the incredible true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who together made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 80s. Former teen heart throb Zac Efron has bulked up massively for the film, in which he plays 80s American wrestler Kevin Von Erich, who was once part of the much feared Von Erich wrestling family. Through huge personal tragedy and triumph under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger than life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

One Love – released 14th February 

Bob Marley is the latest musical icon to get the biopic treatment. One Love chronicles the life and music of the iconic Jamaican singer, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, who inspired generations with his message of love and unity. This one follows his powerful story of overcoming adversity as a pioneer of the reggae music genre, introducing Jamaican music to the world. Set during his rise to stardom, we see how Bob Marley became a revolutionary musician despite facing discrimination, assassination attempts and more.

Madame Web – released 14th February 

Fifty Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson is Cassandra Webb, a New York City paramedic who struggles to control her sixth sense when she begins to start showing signs of clairvoyance. When she is forced to confront revelations about her past, she must protect three young women from a mysterious adversary who appears to possess powers that are very similar to hers. The movie also stars Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Isabela Merced and Tahar Rahim.

Wicked Little Letters – released 23rd February

A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark and absurd scandal in this black comedy. This one happens to be based loosely on a stranger than fiction true story that rocked the town of Littlehampton. Wicked Little Letters follows two neighbours Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and the fellow residents of the town begin to receive a series of obscene letters, Edith soon begins to suspect that her neighbour Rose is the culprit. The police are eventually drafted in to help solve the increasingly perplexing mystery. Be warned – this one has been described as hilariously funny but with some very naughty language throughout.

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