The start of a new year brings a host of new releases to Brussels' big screens. What better way to beat the January blues than with a cosy trip to the cinema?
Not sure what to watch? No need to worry: The Brussels Times has selected some of the best films and festivals that cinephiles and curious cinema-goers should alike should not miss this January.
New releases
'We live in time' (2024), various cinemas, from 1 January
Written by British writer Nick Payne, 'We live in time' tells a familiar yet unconventional love story with a temporal twist. The comedic drama shows the ups and downs of the shared life of a young couple, Almut and Tobias, as they learn to cherish every moment in time.
Directed by John Crowley, and starring vulnerable performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, the film promises almost two hours of laughter and tears.
Find more information here.
'Nosferatu' (2024), Cineflagey, until 26 January
There's nothing like starting the new year with a thrill. Directed by Robert Eggers, 'Nosferatu' is a remake of the 1922 unauthorised adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic 'Dracula'. This gothic story, set in the 1830s, tells the tale of a young woman who is plagued with terrifying visions and haunted by an infatuated vampire.
Starring well known faces like Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård, the film is a treat for any horror fan.
Find more information here.
'Babygirl' (2024), various cinemas, from 15 January
Directed by Dutch actress-turned-director Halina Reijn (also known for cult-hit 'Bodies, Bodies, Bodies'), this erotic thriller tells the story of successful CEO Romy (Nicole Kidman), who puts her career and family at risk when she begins an affair with a young intern (Harris Dickinson).
Distributed by US production company A24, Reijn says the film is discovering how to love all layers of yourself, "including the dark bits." 'Babygirl' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where Kidman won the award for Best Actress for the portrayal of Romy.
Find more information here.
'The Room Next Door' (2024), Cineflagey, from 5 January
Ingrid (Julianne Moore) and Martha (Tilda Swinton) were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. Ingrid went on to become an autofiction novelist while Martha became a war reporter, and they were separated by the circumstances of life. After years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation.
Spanish film maker Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film combines stunning cinematography, fitting music and a deeply poignant narrative to create a touching tragedy.
Find more information here.
'Bird' (2024), Cineflagey, from 17 December
12-year-old Bailey (Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan) and brother Hunter (Jason Buda) in a squat in Kent in southern England. Bug doesn't have much time for his kids, and Bailey, who is approaching puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.
Fans of Andrea Arnold are in luck, as Cineflagey is screening several of the British director's previous films this month, including 'Red Road' (2006), 'Fish Tank' (2009), and 'American Honey' (2016) – all of which have won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Find more information here.
Other languages
'BXL' (2024), various cinemas, from 22 January
Inspired by their own childhood, brothers and directors Ish and Monir Ait Hamou follow two brothers, 26-year-old Tarek and 12-year-old Fouad and show the challenges as well as the beauty of the Belgian capital.
'BXL' offers a nuanced vision of a city whose reputation does not do it any favours while also showing that hope sometimes comes from an unexpected place. The film won the North Sea Port Audience Award.
Find more information here.
'Maldoror' (2024), Cineflagey, from 22 January
Set in Belgium in 1995, this film follows the disturbing disappearance of two young girls which shocks the population and triggers an unprecedented media frenzy.
Impulsive young police recruit Paul Chartier (Anthony Bajon) is assigned to 'Maldoror' – a secret unit set up to monitor a dangerous sex offender. When the operation fails, fed up with the limits of the dysfunctional legal system, Chartier embarks as a solitary hunt to bring down the culprits.
Find more information here.
'Vingt Dieux'/'Holy Cow' (2024), various cinemas, various dates
Totone (Clément Faveau) and his band of friends, local barflies, spend most of their summer scouring the Jura dances. Following the sudden death of his cheese-making father, Totone suddenly finds himself responsible for his seven-year-old sister, and must find a way to earn a living.
With his friends, he sets out to make the best Comté cheese, one that will win him the gold medal at the agricultural competition and €30,000.
Find more information here.
