10 of the best films to watch this February

The world of cinema is offering a diverse range of new releases this February, from a re-examination of a music icon to a gripping international drama. These films promise compelling narratives and performances, drawing attention from critics and audiences alike.

A New Look at the King

Baz Luhrmann, known for his visually dynamic style, has revisited footage originally gathered during research for his 2022 Elvis Presley biopic. This extensive archive, comprising interviews, rehearsals, and concert outtakes from Presley’s 1970s Las Vegas residencies, has been crafted into a new concert film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. The film is anticipated to offer a fresh perspective on Presley’s later career.

Did You Know? Baz Luhrmann unearthed dozens of boxes of unseen documentary footage while researching his 2022 Elvis biopic.

Early reviews suggest the film is a powerful experience. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes watching EPiC as akin to attending “the greatest concert you ever saw,” praising the enduring strength of Presley’s voice, noting its ability to “soar, quaver, caress, boom, rock, [and] hit every note with singular beauty” over 96 minutes.

International Intrigue and Social Commentary

Dreams, a dark romantic drama directed by Michel Franco, presents a complex story of wealth, philanthropy, and social boundaries. Jessica Chastain stars as a San Francisco socialite with a charitable foundation in Mexico, whose past relationship with a dancer, Isaac Hernández, takes an unexpected turn when he arrives in the United States. The film explores the limitations of charitable giving and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships.

Expert Insight: The premise of Dreams highlights the often-unacknowledged power dynamics inherent in philanthropic endeavors, suggesting that even well-intentioned support can be constrained by social expectations and personal considerations.

Matthew Turner of Next Best Picture calls the film “gripping, chilling, and startlingly bleak,” praising its “thrillingly scabrous socio-political dimension” and the performances of Chastain and Hernández. The film is described as a “devastating critique of the ultra-rich.”

Release Dates

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert was released on February 27th in both the US and the UK. Dreams also debuted on February 27th, but with a release limited to the US and Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert?

It is a new concert film created by Baz Luhrmann using previously unseen documentary footage of Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas residencies in the 1970s.

Who stars in Dreams?

Jessica Chastain and Isaac Hernández are the lead actors in Dreams. Hernández is a real-life ballet star.

What is the critical reception of these films?

EPiC has been praised for its powerful portrayal of Elvis Presley’s live performances, while Dreams has been described as a gripping and thought-provoking drama with a strong socio-political message.

What role do you think concert films play in preserving an artist’s legacy and connecting them with new generations?