November’s cinema releases offer something for everyone, from gripping dramas and action thrillers to fantasy adventures and familiar stories with a fresh twist.
Highlights include Cynthia Erivo leading the courtroom drama Prima Facie, Mahershala Ali starring in Bassam Tariq’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, and Stephan James taking on the role of Carl Weathers in I Play Rocky.
Elsewhere, Ava DuVernay explores the legacy of the 14th Amendment in 14TH, while The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back into the arena.
With plenty of Black talent both in front of and behind the camera, there’s something for every kind of cinema-goer this November.
What will you be heading to the cinema to watch this month?
I Play Rocky – Friday 6th November
Actor Sylvester Stallone writes the screenplay for “Rocky,” betting everything on himself to play the lead character against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.
With Stephan James.
Prima Facie – Friday 13th November
A young, ambitious trial lawyer (Cynthia Erivo) brilliantly navigates the ruthless London court system where she is unmatched in her defense of the accused, including men charged with sexual assault. Just as her career is taking off, a life-altering event forces her to reckon with her belief in the judicial system that was once the core of her identity.
Starring Cynthia Erivo, Toheeb Jimoh, Noma Dumezweni and more.
How To Rob A Bank – Friday 13th November
A crew of social media-savvy bank robbers broadcasts their daring heists, unaware that their growing viral fame has put them in the crosshairs of a veteran FBI agent and a brilliant software engineer. Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their beliefs — and their most ambitious heist yet.
With Zoë Kravitz and Rhenzy Feliz.
Ebenezer – Friday 13th November
Haunted by three spirits on Christmas Eve, miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge confronts his past, present and future for one final chance to change his ways and reconcile with those he has wronged.
With Tramell Tillman
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother – Friday 20th November
Follows Latif, a devoutly religious hitman, who embarks on a desperate journey across Houston to protect his children after his wife dies, confronting forces closing in and beliefs threatening to unravel.
Mahershala Ali, dia, Giancarlo Esposito, Tiffany Boone, Tramell Tillman, Jahleel Kamara, Aaron Goodson and more.
Writer/Director Director Bassam Tariq.
Hunger Games: The Sunrise On The Reaping – Friday 20th November
Follows Haymitch into the arena, where he forms an unlikely alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner and joins a coalition determined to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow. As the competition unfolds, Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within the arena — setting in motion the rebellion that will change Panem forever.
Starring Whitney Peak, Billy Porter, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Percy Daggs IV, Salimou Thiam, Tatyana Muzondo, Kaine Buffonge and more.
The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth – Wednesday 25th November
Follows former stuntman Cliff Booth as he navigates a changing, dangerous Los Angeles.
With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Ghost Soldier – Friday 27th November
Henry “Fitz” Fitzgerald, a solitary man with a mysterious past, living a quiet life off the grid in his hometown. But when a powerful foreign corporation descends on his community determined to seize his and his neighbours’ land for a massive payday, Fitz takes action — he’s actually a former Special Forces soldier and advanced weapons developer. Armed with weapons no one has ever seen, a lifetime of lethal military training, and an unwavering code of justice, Fitz becomes the one thing his enemies never anticipated: a one-man war they can’t win.
With Ricky Wittle.
Disney’s Hexed – Friday 27th November
An impulsive and unconventional teenage girl named Billie Doe discovers secret magical abilities which, once unleashed, hurtle her out of suburbia and into a spectacle-filled journey through a vast witch realm called Hexe. Forced to team up with her cautious mother, Alice, they uncover family mysteries that could change the world of witches forever.
With Samson Kayo, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ron Funches and Rashida Jones.
Buddy – Friday 27th November
A magical, singing orange unicorn holds his cast hostage in a surreal TV-show dimension, as he becomes more and more demented.
Starring Keegan-Michael Key as Buddy.
14TH – Friday 27th November
A follow-up to DuVernay’s 13th documentary which examined the racial injustices within the American prison system. 14th centres around the 14th Amendment, which protects due process. Written in the wreckage of the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was meant to close the door on the hierarchy of human worth. Instead, it has become a permanent argument.
With Stacey Abrams, Jelani Cobb, Jasmine Crockett and more.