The best film releases in April 2025

MINECRAFT: THE MOVIE

Fri 4 April

In an inventive adaptation of the globally renowned video game Minecraft, Director, Jared Hess, combines live-action and animation to create a universe full of imagination, adventure and fun!

After being pulled through a mysterious portal, four outcasts – including Jack Black and Jason Momoa – are trapped in the Overworld, a cubic, enchanted realm where anything is possible as long you have the tools and the vision. In this land where survival is impossible without some creativity, the group must embark on an adventure that tests the scope of their imagination and brings them face-to-face with box-shaped zombies and violent skeletons armed with bow-and-arrows.

FOUR MOTHERS

Fri 4 April

Co-written by brothers, Colin and Darren Thornton, this comedy-drama follows an unexpected journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the formation of an unlikely family over the course of one chaotic weekend.

Four Mothers follows Edward, struggling novelist, full-time carer, and continuous pushover, as he is left with the responsibility of caring for his three friends’ elderly mothers – as well as his own mother – while they attend a Pride weekend in Spain. As Edward copes with the needs of these four eccentric women, he struggles to balance his career and his obligation to care for his mother. Thornton directs an emotionally charged film that leaves audiences with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces.

MR BURTON

Fri 4 April

Based on a true story, Marc Evans directs the moving tale of how the renowned Welsh actor, Richard Burton, rose to fame and earned his legendary status.  

In the Welsh town of Port Talbot in 1942, we meet Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey), a lost, wild schoolboy, who is held back by his drunken father and the impact of an ongoing, devastating war. Richard’s life changes when he is taken under the wing of schoolteacher, Philip Burton (BAFTA winner Toby Jones) who recognises his natural talent and ambitious nature. As Richard rises to fame and is finally in reach of his dreams, his past threatens to risk everything he has worked hard to achieve.  

THE RETURN

Fri 11 April

The Greek myth of Odysseus makes a compelling return in Uberto Pasolini’s film, The Return, starring Academy-Award nominee, Ralph Fiennes, and winner, Juliette Binoche. Pasolini’s interpretation of the myth differs from typical adaptations – rather than focus on Odysseus’ great adventure, The Return focuses on the harrowing emotional and physical scars left on Odysseus upon his arrival home.

After a long twenty years away, Fiennes’ Odysseus washes up on the shores of his home country, Ithaca, and learns that his fight is not yet over. His beloved wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, are in danger of the numerous suitors in pursuit of Odysseus’ throne. Odysseus, who is scarred by his experiences and no longer the warrior he once was, must summon all his remaining strength to win back his family and his throne.

THE PENGUIN LESSONS

Fri 18 April

The classic trope of the guarded human who is slowly softened by their odd and loving animal companion makes a hilarious comeback in Peter Cattaneo’s The Penguin Lessons. Starring Academy-Award nominee Steve Coogan, this comedy-drama follows a poignant and politically charged story on Argentine history through the adventures of an adorable and quirky penguin.  

Based on the heartfelt memoir, Tom Michell’s life is overturned when he decides to rescue a penguin from the beach and smuggles it over the border to stay in his classroom at an Argentinian boys’ boarding school. As the penguin wreaks havoc and wins the hearts of his students, Tom undergoes his own personal and political awakening.  

AN ARMY OF WOMEN

Fri 25 April

Julie Lunde Lillesæter’s An Army of Women is a masterclass in documentary filmmaking and spectacularly portrays the incredible strength of three women whose lives are changed by sexual assault.  

This documentary follows Amy, Marina and Hanna as their rape cases are dismissed and their perpetrators are allowed to walk free. They band together in a class-action lawsuit against Austin Police Department for their inaction. Their courage, resilience and hope are put to the test as they face a system that demands change and rebuilding. This documentary provides an illuminating snapshot into the fight and effort that is required of women to feel safe and obtain justice.

THE ACCOUNTANT 2

Fri 25 April

In this exhilarating and action-packed sequel, Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal return as the estranged and complicated Wolff brothers. The Accountant 2 continues the story of the highly intelligent Christian Woolf as he fights to uncover an intriguing mystery when an old acquaintance is killed.

The clashing dynamic of U.S Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth and the Wolff brothers with a proclivity for illegal and lethal tactics works wonderfully on screen as the trio join together to solve the case while becoming targets of ruthless killers. Is this unlikely team able to solve the murder while evading the threats and attacks on their lives?

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