Movies Update: ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and More

Plus, what's coming to Cannes.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story April 15, 2022 By Mekado Murphy Movies Editor Hey, movie fans! Prepare your spells, a new "Fantastic Beasts" has hit the big screen — though this time with a lot less emphasis on magical creatures and a much deeper focus on the deceitful wizard Grindelwald, now played by Mads Mikkelsen. This installment, "The Secrets of Dumbledore," has an election at its center. The critic Amy Nicholson calls the film "a political primer sprinkled in magic dust." Elsewhere in the movie world, the Cannes Film Festival lineup has been announced. New works from seasoned directors like David Cronenberg, Claire Denis, Park Chan-wook and Cristian Mungiu will be in competition at the prestigious festival, which begins May 17. Speaking of movies and France, Manohla Dargis has reviewed what she calls "a very French French movie": the new work from Jacques Audiard, "Paris, 13th District." It is a Critic's Pick. The Robert Eggers viking drama "The Northman" arrives next week. Ahead of that, Kaly Soto spoke to the film's star, Alexander Skarsgard, about all the time spent in production (and in the mud) to complete it. And Viola Davis has a memoir coming later this month. She spoke to Jazmine Hughes about overcoming a life of hardship to become one of the most revered actresses of her generation. Other movies out this week include an experimental horror film, an oddball priest drama, an Australian zombie sequel and a Netflix horror entry about a killer computer game. Enjoy the movies. Warner Bros. 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' Review: The Plot Against Muggles Mads Mikkelsen plays an evil wizard with political talent in the latest "Harry Potter" spinoff movie, which also stars Jude Law and Eddie Redmayne. By Amy Nicholson Robbie Lawrence for The New York Times Alexander Skarsgard's Viking Dream Stories from his grandfather inspired what would eventually become "The Northman." But it took years of development and then seven months in the mud to complete. By Kaly Soto Ruven Afanador for The New York Times Viola Davis, Inside Out How she drew on a life of private hardship to become one of the greatest actors of her generation. By Jazmine Hughes Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT CRITICS' PICKS IFC Films Critic's Pick 'Paris, 13th District' Review: Groping Toward Happiness In his latest movie, the French director Jacques Audiard tells the story of lovers finding their way in Paris. By Manohla Dargis Oscilloscope Critic's Pick 'The Tale of King Crab' Review: In Exile, Both at Home and Abroad This fiction feature debut follows a scandalous son of a physician turned adventurer in spite of himself. By Glenn Kenny MOVIE REVIEWS Utopia 'We're All Going to the World's Fair' Review: Is It Horror, or Just Ennui? In Jane Schoenbrun's first feature, a teenager finds terror and distraction in a multiplayer online game. By A.O. Scott RLJE Films 'Dual' Review: Seeing Double, Inviting Trouble A woman prepares to battle her clone in Riley Stearns's imprecise satire that invites questions about the self and then leaves them unexplored. By Natalia Winkelman Thom Davies/XYZ Films 'Wyrmwood: Apocalypse' Review: Maximum Zombie Slayage In this Australian zombie sequel, a soldier helps a pack of vigilantes rise up against his evil boss. By Lena Wilson Netflix 'Choose or Die' Review: Press Start. Or Not. In this horror movie, a vintage computer game forces players to make gruesome decisions. By Ben Kenigsberg Vertical Entertainment 'To Olivia' Review: Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal Cope With Tragedy This drama about the author and the actress is poignant, elegant and aggravating. By Lisa Kennedy Deborah Anderson 'Women of the White Buffalo' Review: Speaking Out on the Reservation This documentary sheds light on the destitute conditions in two South Dakota reservations through the stories of the communities' women. By Concepción de León Karen Ballard/Sony Pictures, via Associated Press 'Father Stu' Review: Screwball Salvation Mark Wahlberg throws himself into the real-life story of an oddball priest in Rosalind Ross's debut feature. By Nicolas Rapold Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT NEWS & FEATURES OK McCausland for The New York Times A New Horror Film Finds Solace, and Identity, in Terror The director Jane Schoenbrun and the actress Anna Cobb talk about their experimental horror film "We're All Going to the World's Fair." By Erik Piepenburg Brynn Anderson/Associated Press David Cronenberg and Claire Denis Will Compete at Cannes Film Festival Organizers announced a lineup of nearly 50 movies for the event's 2022 edition, including 18 in the running for the top honor, the Palme d'Or. By Alex Marshall Richard Drew/Associated Press New Era Begins at Warner Bros., Tinged With Nostalgia With a new owner, the 99-year-old movie studio appears headed back to its traditional sweet spot as an entertainment company. But the business of Hollywood is no longer the same. By Brooks Barnes STREAMING RECOMMENDATIONS Netflix The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now Movies upon movies await, and you don't even have to drill down to find them. By Jason Bailey Robert Falconer/FOX The Best Movies and Shows on Hulu Right Now We've handpicked the finest movies and television shows currently streaming on Hulu in the United States. Take a look. By Jason Bailey Gaumaont Five International Movies to Stream Now This month's picks include a French high school comedy, a documentary about football-obsessed Syrian refugees, a Chinese slacker movie and more. By Devika Girish Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT How are we doing? We'd love your feedback on this newsletter. 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