February 2025 is set to deliver a fresh slate of movies, promising to engage various audiences with captivating stories ranging from superhero narratives to horror spectacles. The month's highlights include major titles such as Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru, along with several indie selections.
Debuting on February 5 is the much-anticipated documentary film, Becoming Led Zeppelin. This film takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic rock band, showcasing never-before-seen footage and telling the true story of how the group clawed their way to stardom. Critics have hailed it as both visually appealing and informative.
Valentine's Day will see the release of Captain America: Brave New World, with Anthony Mackie stepping up as the new Captain America. Mackie describes this installment as, “It’s back to old-school Marvel,” moving away from the multiverse chaos to focus on more straightforward storytelling. Alongside him, veteran Harrison Ford joins the cast as the president facing crises outside of cosmic threats.
Also on February 14, families can enjoy Paddington in Peru, where everyone's favorite bear embarks on another adventure. This time, Paddington must travel to Peru to assist his aunt, who has mysteriously gone missing. This film is expected to blend humor and heartfelt moments, appealing to both children and parents alike.
Moving away from family films, the horror genre makes its mark with several titles. Among them is The Ugly Stepsister, premiering to sensational reactions for its challenging body horror aspects, which reportedly made at least one audience member vomit during its Sundance viewing. Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, this film reimagines the Cinderella tale through the eyes of Elvira, who takes horrific measures to become beautiful. Graeme Guttmann from ScreenRant emphasized the film's disturbing visuals, stating, “The film's fairy tale setting makes its body horror moments all the more visceral.”
Alongside The Ugly Stepsister, horror will see sequels like The Black Phone 2, Final Destination: Bloodlines, and The Conjuring: Last Rites, maintaining the genre's solid footing at the box office. Fans are increasingly eager for these entries, particularly after successful releases in the previous year.
On the darker side of the release schedule, Mel Gibson’s new film, Flight Risk, gripped critics with its lack of coherence and engaging plot. Featuring Mark Wahlberg as the film's pilot, the movie has been labeled by critics as “the first out-and-out terrible movie of 2025.” According to /Film's Witney Seibold, the film exemplifies the poor quality often associated with January's typical releases. With the plot involving chaotic mid-flight revelations, it leaves much to be desired.
For those seeking quieter, more introspective storytelling, Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake) premiered at Sundance to positive reviews. This anthology film offers four delicate narratives reflecting on personal transformation and life's unpredictable nature. Critics praised the film's understated grace and engaging direction, with one remarking, “This is called directing.” The interwoven tales bring to life life's intricacies, allowing viewers to ponder on their own experiences.
The February movie lineup showcases not only blockbusters but also indie films and genres pushing established boundaries. The anticipation surrounding these titles is palpable, as audiences look to both theatre and streaming platforms for their cinematic fix. Whether you're seeking laughter, horror, or heartfelt tales, February has something to offer.
Closing out the discussion on upcoming films, the variety of stories set to release reflects Hollywood's continual evolution, making way for unique narratives and diverse filmmakers. The ambitious blend of genres speaks to audiences craving both entertainment and thought-provoking cinema.