Cinema Preview: The Big New Movie Releases Hitting Screens This Friday 21 August
From star-studded dark comedies and high-octane action thrillers to nostalgic 30th-anniversary classics, Friday, 21 August, brings one of the most diverse cinema line-ups of the year.
From star-studded dark comedies and high-octane action thrillers to nostalgic 30th-anniversary classics, drag-queen extravaganzas, and spine-tingling horror, Friday, 21 August, brings one of the most diverse cinema line-ups of the year.
Whether you’re looking for high-brow literary drama, raucous comedy, or heart-pounding suspense, here is your complete guide to what’s arriving at the box office.
The Headline Dramas & High-Octane Thrillers
& Sons
Run Time: 1 hr 59 mins
Starring: Bill Nighy, George MacKay, Noah Jupe, Johnny Flynn, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Arthur Conti, Anna Geislerová
A genre-defying, darkly comedic drama based on David Gilbert’s acclaimed novel, & Sons explores the fragile ties of family, inheritance, and artistic legacy. Bill Nighy stars as Andrew Dyer, a reclusive, world-renowned author who summons his estranged sons—played by George MacKay, Johnny Flynn, and Noah Jupe—to New York after decades of emotional distance. As long-buried secrets and sibling rivalries come to the surface, the family must cont
end with the towering shadow of their father’s literary fame. Supported by stellar turns from Imelda Staunton and Dominic West, Pablo Trapero’s adaptation delivers a piercing meditation on family history.
Mutiny
Starring: Jason Statham, Annabelle Wallis, Jason Wong, Roland Møller, Adrian Lester
Action heavyweight Jason Statham leads Mutiny, directed by Jean-François Richet (Plane). Statham plays Cole Reed, an ex-Special Forces security expert who witnesses the brutal murder of his billionaire industrialist boss. Set up to take the fall for the assassination, Reed goes on the run across international waters. Trapped aboard a cargo ship while hunted by mercenaries and law enforcement, he must use his lethal skill set to uncover a global corporate conspiracy and clear his name.
Comedy, Drag & Girls’ Getaways
Coyote vs. Acme
Run Time: 1 hr 43 mins
Starring: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Tone Bell
After a long and turbulent road to the big screen, the hybrid live-action/animated courtroom comedy Coyote vs. Acme finally arrives in cinemas. The story follows Wile E. Coyote, who, after decades of catastrophic device failures while pursuing the Road Runner, decides to sue ACME Corporation for negligence. Teaming up with a down-on-his-luck human attorney (Will Forte), the persistent canine takes on ACME’s formidable corporate defense lawyer, played with bombastic charm by John Cena.
Read what the critics have said about the movie, here. You’ll be surprised!
Spa Weekend
Run Time: 1 hr 37 mins
Starring: Isla Fisher, Anna Faris, Leslie Mann, Michelle Buteau
Written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (Bad Moms, The Hangover), Spa Weekend brings together a powerhouse comedic ensemble. Childhood best friends Jane (Isla Fisher), Coco (Leslie Mann), and Sophie (Michelle Buteau) head off to a tranquil luxury resort for a much-needed mental health break from careers, kids, and daily burnout. However, when their wild card friend Mel (Anna Faris) crashes the retreat, the soothing getaway rapidly devolves into a hilarious, booze-fueled trail of bad decisions and total chaos.
Stop! That! Train!
Starring: RuPaul, Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Monét X Change, Symone
Drag royalty takes over the silver screen in Stop! That! Train!. Best friends and train stewardesses Tess (Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee) are fed up with working dreary, grueling shifts on the budget “Stank Rail” line. Opportunity knocks when they manage to sneak aboard the Glamazo—a ultra-exclusive luxury express train hosting a high-stakes fashion and talent gala. Featuring an all-star supporting cast of Drag Race icons including RuPaul, Monét X Change, and Symone, it’s a campy, music-filled heist-comedy hybrid. (Note: Contains sequences of flashing lights).
Horror, Slasher Satire & Sci-Fi
Insidious: Out of the Further
Starring: Amelia Eve, Brandon Perea, Lin Shaye
The terrifying Insidious franchise expands its universe with Out of the Further. Amelia Eve (The Haunting of Bly Manor) stars as Gemma, a young mother who moves back into her childhood home to raise her daughter. After experiencing a series of eerie paranormal occurrences, Gemma discovers a terrifying gift passed down through her lineage: the ability to consciously project her mind into “The Further,” the dark astral realm of restless spirits. Guided by franchise mainstay Lin Shaye, Gemma must venture deep into the shadowy underworld to protect her child from a predatory entity.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Run Time: 1 hr 52 mins
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Hannah Einbinder, Eva Victor, Patrick Fischler, Dylan Baker, Zach Cherry
Jane Schoenbrun (I Saw the TV Glow) directs this razor-sharp psychosexual slasher satire. Kris (Eva Victor), an ambitious queer indie filmmaker, is hired by a studio to reboot Camp Miasma, a forgotten 1980s horror franchise. Fixated on authenticity, Kris travels to the abandoned camp where the original was filmed to track down Billy (Gillian Anderson), the reclusive, long-retired “final girl” from the first movie. As the filmmaker coaxes the former star back into the spotlight, their collaboration spirales into an intense, unsettling psychological obsession where reality and movie magic blur. (Note: Contains sequences of flashing lights).
International Blockbusters & Epic Animation
Khalifa (Malayalam)
Run Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Kajal Aggarwal, Krithi Shetty, Indrans, Neil Nitin Mukesh
Malayalam cinema brings one of its biggest action spectacles of the year with Khalifa. Headlined by superstars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal alongside an ensemble cast, the film dives deep into the high-stakes underworld of international gold smuggling. Following a young man who uncovers dark family secrets tied to a global syndicate, he is thrust into a gritty saga of revenge, heritage, and political influence spanning the Middle East and India. (Note: Contains sequences of flashing lights).
David
Run Time: 1 hr 49 mins
Starring (Voices): Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Lauren Daigle, Asim Chaudhry, Brent Mukai, Mick Wingert
This epic animated feature retelling brings the classic biblical story of David to life with vibrant visual animation and a soaring contemporary soundtrack featuring gospel artist Lauren Daigle and singer Phil Wickham. The film follows David’s journey from a humble shepherd boy facing down the giant Goliath to navigating palace intrigue and stepping into his destiny as a leader.
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit (Malayalam)
Starring: Nivin Pauly, Mamitha Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap, Suresh Krishna, Vinay Forrt, Shyam Mohan, Srindaa
Produced by the acclaimed Bhavana Studios and directed by Girish A. D. (Super Sharanya, Premalu), Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is a feel-good romantic comedy. Starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, the film revolves around the quirky, chaotic dynamics of a local parish neighborhood unit in Kerala, where unexpected romance and community drama collide in hilarious fashion.
Nostalgic Classics & Anniversary Screenings
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1998 Re-Release)
Studio Ghibli’s timeless coming-of-age masterpiece returns to the big screen. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the beloved animated film follows Kiki, a young witch who moves to a picturesque seaside town with her witty black cat, Jiji. To support herself, she uses her flying broomstick to start an airborne delivery service, discovering independence, self-doubt, and the true meaning of growing up.
Trainspotting (30th Anniversary)
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Peter Mullan, Shirley Henderson
Danny Boyle’s game-changing 1996 British cinema landmark returns to big screens in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Set against the dark, chaotic backdrop of 1990s Edinburgh, the film follows Renton (Ewan McGregor) as he attempts to kick his addiction and break free from a destructive circle of friends—including the volatile Begbie (Robert Carlyle), suave Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), and hapless Spud (Ewen Bremner). Remastered for modern theaters, it remains as visceral, funny, and punchy as ever.
Located in the UK? Check out timings, tickets and special offers via https://myvue.com or the free VUE app.
Keep in the know with a 50% discount
Upgrade to a paid subscription to The Version for half price this summer to get:
🔓 Full vault access to every article, review, and breakdown—no paywalls, ever.
🎯 Exclusive regional streaming guides tailored specifically for the UK & US.
💬 Join the community: Unlock commenting on all posts and get tailored watchlist recommendations.
Stop searching, start watching, and support independent pop culture coverage.
You’ll pay just £2.50 / $3.36 a month with our special offer if you subscribe today!
Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less
In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.