[imagesource: Netflix]

Yes, despite the pandemic, there are still new cinematic releases coming our way if all goes to plan.

‘Plans’ – remember those? I miss ‘plans’.

In the US, they’ll have physical distancing measures in place in cinemas, while ours will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

There won’t be nearly as many new releases as usual, but there are a few good ones to look out for.

Rolling Stone rounded up 20 of them, but we decided to go for quality over quantity and select our five favourite films on the list.

Shirley (June 5, 2020)

Elizabeth Moss is back in a “go-for-broke portrayal of horror author Shirley Jackson”.

Director Josephine Decker subverts the usual biopic clichés, as The Lottery writer and her professor husband (Michael Stuhlbarg) play “get the guests” games out of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf  with the young couple (Logan Lerman, Odessa Young) they take into their home.

I’m adding this to the ‘must watch’ list.

Artemis Fowl (June 12, 2020)

This is one for the kids (and the adults because, why not?)

Kenneth Branagh directs this take on the young-adult fantasy novels of Eoin Colfer. Artemis Fowl II is a 12-year-old Irish prodigy (played by Ferdia Shaw, the grandson of Jaws shark hunter Robert Shaw). His mission? To rescue his criminal-mastermind father (Colin Farrell) from an underground cult of sinister fairies.

Cult, crime and fairies. Got it.

Da 5 Bloods (June 12, 2020)

I’ve never seen a Spike Lee film that I didn’t like.

Spike Lee, fresh from the Best Screenplay Oscar he won for BlackKklansman, tackles the moral hangover left by Vietnam. Four veteran African American soldiers, led by Delroy Lindo, go back in-country to find a buried treasure and make peace with the memory of the deceased fifth blood, played in flashbacks by Chadwick Boseman.

The best part is that this one is coming to Netflix, which can be enjoyed from the safety and comfort of your couch.

Hamilton (July 3, 2020)

Okay, if you haven’t heard of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, then you really need to consider climbing out from under that rock.

No, it’s not the official movie of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking Broadway musical — it’s simply director Tommy Kail’s filmed record of the original-cast production of Hamilton, shot onstage in 2016.

That includes Miranda, as Alexander Hamilton, and Leslie Odom Jr., as Aaron Burr, the self-described “fool who shot him.” It was meant to debut in theaters next year, but some smart somebody thought we needed it now.

I’ve wanted to see it for ages, but tickets to New York were a little pricey.

The Old Guard (July 10, 2020)

Charlize Theron is back – and yes, this one is also coming to Netflix.

Charlize Theron puts her action-movie chops to good use as the leader of a group of immortal warriors who must stop Big Pharma from cracking their genetic code for profit. Asked if they’re good guys or bad guys, one of the team members answers, “Depends on the century.” As of right now, it’s war. Having director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball) calling the shots adds to the “must-see” factor.

While there’s no guarantee that we’ll be allowed back in cinemas over the next few months, it’s nice to know that they’ll be waiting when the lockdown eases up.

You can see the full Rolling Stone list here.

[source:rollingstone]