November 2022 Film Preview

Awards contenders are making their way to multiplexes this month. Jennifer Lawrence is eyeing a fifth Oscar nomination for “Causeway” (November 4), Lila Neugebauer’s drama about a U.S. soldier struggling to adjust to life back home after suffering a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan. Laura Poitras, who took home an Academy Award for “Citizenfour,” her 2014 portrait of Edward Snowden, tells the story of artist Nan Goldin’s attempts to hold the Sackler family accountable for the opioid epidemic in “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” (November 23).

Writer-directors Dina Amer and Sally El Hosaini are taking inspiration from the headlines with “You Resemble Me” (November 4) and “The Swimmers” (November 23), respectively. Both films are based on true stories and center on sisters. “You Resemble Me” follows Hasna Ait Boulahcen, a woman who was falsely accused of being Europe’s first female suicide bomber, and explores her close relationship with her sister, whom she helped raise in the outskirts of Paris. Yusra and Sara Mardini take center stage in “The Swimmers,” which tells the story of their journey from war-torn Syria to the Rio Olympics.

Maria Schrader’s “She Said” tells the story behind the story, recounting how Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor helped expose Harvey Weinstein and bring the #MeToo movement to the mainstream.

Counting Hillary and Chelsea Clinton among its exec producers, “In Her Hands” (November 16) follows Afghanistan’s youngest female mayor and her fight for her community, exploring the perils of being a female politician in her country, which is run by the Taliban. Another doc on our radar, “Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me” (November 4), sees the “Love You Like a Love Song” singer and “Only Murders in the Building” actress opening up about her mental health struggles.

We’ve also got a couple sequels to look forward to. “Stranger Things'” Millie Bobby Brown returns as the clever younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 2,” premiering on Netflix November 4. Fifteen years after “Enchanted” hit the big screen, Amy Adams reprises her role as Giselle in “Disenchanted,” launching on Disney+ November 18.

These are the women-centric, women-directed, and women-written films set to debut in October. All descriptions are from press materials unless otherwise noted.

November 1

“The Takeover” – Directed by Annemarie van de Mond (Available on Netflix)

Framed for murder after uncovering a privacy scandal, an ethical hacker (Mary Tabor) must evade the police while trying to track down the criminals blackmailing her.

November 2

“Mother Teresa: No Greater Love” (Documentary Re-Release) (In Theaters)

Twenty-five years have passed since the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, sparking a renewed interest in this spiritual giant of the 20th century. Filmed on five continents and featuring unprecedented access to both institutional archives and the apostolates of the Missionaries of Charity, this film reveals not just who Mother Teresa was, but how her singular vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today.

November 4

“Causeway” — Directed by Lila Neugebauer; Written by Ottessa Moshfegh, Elizabeth Sanders, and Elizabeth Sander (In Theaters and Available on Apple TV+)

A soldier (Jennifer Lawrence) struggles to adjust to her life after returning home to New Orleans.

“You Resemble Me” — Directed by Dina Amer; Written by Dina Amer and Omar Mullick (In Theaters)

When two young sisters (Lorenza Grimaudo and Ilonna Grimaudo) are torn apart, the eldest loses her identity and transforms into someone new in the name of belonging and resistance.

“Enola Holmes 2” (Available on Netflix) 

Now a detective-for-hire like her infamous brother, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) takes on her first official case to find a missing girl, as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends — and Sherlock himself — to unravel.

“Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me” (Documentary) (Available on Apple TV+) 

After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. An intimate study which spans her six-year journey into a new light.

“Dear Zoe” — Directed by Gren Wells; Written by Melissa Martin and Mark Lhormer (In Theaters and Available on VOD) 

When Tess (Sadie Sink) and her family suffer an unimaginable loss, she finds support from a surprising source: her biological father — a lovable slacker from the wrong side of the tracks — and the charming but dangerous juvenile delinquent next door.

“Soft & Quiet” — Written and Directed by Beth de Araújo (In Theaters and Available on VOD)

The thriller, which plays out in real time, follows a single afternoon in the life of an elementary school teacher (Stefanie Estes) as she organizes a mixer of like-minded women. When the group heads home, the teacher encounters a woman from her past, leading to a volatile chain of events.

“Next Exit” – Written and Directed by Mali Elfman (In Theaters and Available on VOD)

After humanity confirms the existence of an afterlife, a research scientist (Katie Parker) launches a study in which volunteers commit painless suicide. Traveling from New York to San Francisco, two strangers share a rental car as they go to end their lives.

“Dream Life” (2K Restoration) – Directed by Mireille Dansereau; Written by Mireille Dansereau and Patrick Auzépy (In Theaters)

The first Quebecois feature film directed by a woman, Mireille Dansereau’s feminist perspective on commercial culture still resonates. Two women (Liliane Lemaître-Auger and Véronique Le Flaguais) strike up a titillating friendship, however this simple plot line is embedded in a deeper, complex fantastical world framed by desire and discovery.

“Calendar Girls” (Documentary) — Written and Directed by Maria Loohufvud and Love Martinsen (In Theaters)

A coming-of-golden-age-film about Florida’s most dedicated dance team for women over 60 — the Calendar Girls. A film that is shaking up the outdated image of “the little old lady,” and a calling for everyone to dance their hearts out, while they still can.

“I’m Totally Fine” — Written by Alisha Ketry (In Theaters and Available on VOD)

Vanessa (Jillian Bell) embarks on a solo trip to clear her head after the death of her best friend Jennifer (Natalie Morales). But her self-care vacation takes a detour when she finds the recently departed Jennifer standing in her kitchen, claiming to be an extraterrestrial. Together, they spend the next 48 hours partying and reminiscing on better days in a comedy that’s out of this world.

“Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” (Documentary) — Written by Dana Thomas (In Theaters)

Growing up poor in Bonito, Italy, Salvatore Ferragamo began his career as a shoemaker before he was barely a teenager. “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” tracks Ferragamo’s life from humble beginnings to California and to a storied studio in Florence, Italy. Narrated by Michael Stuhlbarg, the film is a portrait of a man whose vision, passion, and craftsmanship made him “shoemaker to the stars,” an architect of Hollywood magic, and an enduring cultural, fashion, and artistic influence.

“Nocebo” (In Theaters; Available on VOD November 22) 

A fashion designer (Eva Green) suffering from a mysterious illness puzzles her doctors and frustrates her husband (Mark Strong) until help arrives in the form of a Filipino carer (Chai Fonacier), who uses traditional folk healing to reveal the truth.

November 5

“Orgasm Inc.: The Story of OneTaste” (Documentary) – Directed by Sarah Gibson and Sloane Klevin (Available on Netflix)

A sexual wellness company gains fame and followers for its practice of “orgasmic meditation” — until members come forward with disturbing allegations.

November 10

“Falling for Christmas” — Directed by Janeen Damian; Written by Janeen Damian, Michael Damian, Jeff Bonnett, and Ron Oliver (Available on Netflix)

After losing her memory in a skiing accident, a spoiled heiress (Lindsay Lohan) lands in the cozy care of a down-on-his-luck widower and his daughter at Christmastime.

“State of Alabama vs. Brittany Smith” (Documentary) (Available on Netflix)

This documentary tells the harrowing story of a woman trying to use Alabama’s Stand Your Ground law after killing a man she says brutally attacked her.

November 11

“Being Thunder” (Documentary) — Written and Directed by Stéphanie Lamorré (Available on VOD)

Wearing traditional female dress, Sherente Mishitahin Harris — a Two-spirit genderqueer teenager from Rhode Island’s Narragansett tribe — joyfully performs a traditional female dance in competition at Powwows around New England, but not everyone accepts Sherente’s inclusion in the “girls” category. Facing biased Powwow judges to tackling college applications, Sherente shines through as a role model for youth worldwide to go against the grain and live their authentic selves with tenacity and grace.

“My Father’s Dragon” — Directed by Nora Twomey; Written by Meg LeFauve (In Theaters and Available on Netflix)

Elmer Elevator searches for a captive Dragon on Wild Island and finds much more than he could ever have anticipated.

November 16

“The Wonder” — Written by Emma Donoghue, Alice Birch, and Sebastian Lelio (Available on Netflix)

1862, 13 years after the Great Famine. An English Nightingale Nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is called to the Irish Midlands by a devout community to conduct a 15-day examination over one of their own. Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy) is an 11-year-old girl who claims not to have eaten for four months, surviving miraculously on “manna from heaven.” As Anna’s health rapidly deteriorates, Lib is determined to unearth the truth, challenging the faith of a community that would prefer to stay believing.

“In Her Hands” (Documentary) — Directed by Tamana Ayazi and Marcel Mettelsiefen (Available on Netflix)

As Western forces withdraw, Afghanistan’s youngest female mayor braves mortal danger to lead a fight for education for the next generation of Afghans.

November 17

“Bantú Mama” — Written by Clarisse Albrecht and Ivan Herrera (In Theaters and Available on Netflix)

A French woman of African descent (Clarisse Albrecht) manages to escape after being arrested in the Dominican Republic. She finds shelter in the most dangerous district of Santo Domingo, where she is taken in by a group of children. By becoming their protégée and maternal figure, she experiences an unimaginable change in her destiny.

“I Am Vanessa Guillén” (Documentary) – Directed by Christy Wegener (Available on Netflix)

Vanessa Guillen was 20 years old when she was found murdered at a US Army base. Rather than submit to silence, her family fought for justice and change.

“The Voice of Dust and Ash” (Documentary) — Directed by Mandana Biscotti (In Theaters)

When Iran’s ayatollah banned music in the entire country, instruments became contraband, and artists were exiled, imprisoned, and executed. As the government rescinded human rights and self expression, Mohammad Reza Shajarian risked everything to confront the regime, singing truth to power. The film is seen through the animated prism of Shajarian’s internationally renowned song, “Morghe Sahar,” performed at the finale of all his concerts and widely considered the Unofficial National Anthem for Iranian Freedom.

“Christmas with You” — Directed by Gabriela Tagliavini; Written by Jennifer C. Stetson, Paco Farias, and Michael Varrati (Available on Netflix)

Seeking inspiration for a hit holiday song, a pop star (Aimee Garcia) grants a young fan’s Christmas wish to meet her — and finds a shot at true love along the way.

November 18

“She Said” — Directed Maria Schrader; Written Rebecca Lenkiewicz (In Theaters)

The New York Times journalists Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) publish a report that exposes sexual abuse allegations against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The shocking story also serves as a launching pad for the #MeToo movement, shattering decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault and harassment.

“The People We Hate at the Wedding” — Directed by Claire Scanlon; Written by Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin and Wendy Molyneux (Available on Prime Video) 

Struggling American siblings Alice (Kristen Bell) and Paul (Ben Platt) reluctantly agree to attend the wedding of their estranged, wealthy half-sister (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) in the English countryside alongside their mother, Donna (Allison Janney). Over the course of the wedding week, the family’s many skeletons are wrenched from the closet, and the unlikely reunion gives everyone the motivation to move their own lives forward.

“Disenchanted” (Available on Disney+)

Set ten years after the first movie, “Disenchanted” sees Giselle (Amy Adams) questioning her happily ever after, and accidentally triggering events that make everyone’s lives turn upside down in both the real world and in the animated kingdom of Andalasia.

“Actual People” — Written and Directed by Kit Zauhar (In Theaters)

On the precipice of her college graduation, Riley (Kit Zauhar) is frantically searching for connection. Jealous of the job offers her classmates are receiving — and desperate to regain control of something — she decides to win the affections of a boy from her hometown of Philadelphia with catastrophic results. ​​

“Flaming Ears” (4K Restoration) — Directed by Ursula Pürrer, A. Hans Scheirl, and Dietmar Schipek; Written by Ursula Pürrer and Dietmar Schipek (In Theaters)

“Flaming Ears” sets its scene in the year 2700 in the burnt-out, all-lesbian city of Asche, where the overlapping tales of three women unfold: comic book artist Spy (Susana Helmayr); pyromaniac pervert performance artist Volly (Ursula Pürrer); and utterly amoral, reptile revering alien Nun (A. Hans Scheirl). This atmospheric, anarchic film of ornate dialogues and homespun SFX has drawn comparisons to Lizzie Borden’s “Born in Flames” — and to almost nothing else.

“Poppy” — Written and Directed by Linda Niccol (Available on IndiePix)

Nineteen-year-old Poppy Simpson (Libby Hunsdale) is an irrepressible young woman with Down Syndrome and an assumption she should get to do what everyone else does – have a job, drive a car, get married. Holding her back is Dave (Ari Boyland), her older brother and only family since the death of their parents. Quietly rebellious, Poppy secretly begins to teach herself to drive. And it’s not until she teams up with an old school friend who needs his car fixed in time to enter the local burnout competition that her plans progress.

“The Violence Action” (Available on Netflix)

A young girl (Kanna Hashimoto) leads a double life as an assassin for hire.

“Slumberland” (Available on Netflix)

A young girl (Marlow Barkley) discovers a secret map to the dreamworld of Slumberland, and with the help of an eccentric outlaw, she traverses dreams and flees nightmares, with the hope that she will be able to see her late father again.

November 23

“Nanny” — Written and Directed by Nikyatu Jusu (In Theaters; Available on Prime Video December 16)

Immigrant nanny Aisha (Anna Diop), piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, is forced to confront a concealed truth that threatens to shatter her precarious American Dream.

“The Swimmers” — Directed by Sally El Hosaini; Written by Sally El Hosaini and Jack Thorne (Available on Netflix)

“The Swimmers” tells the true story of swimming sisters Yusra (Nathalie Issa) and Sarah Mardini’s (Manal Issa) miraculous journey as refugees from war-torn Syria, all the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” (Documentary) — Directed by Laura Poitras (In Theaters)

Following the life of artist Nan Goldin and the downfall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical dynasty who was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic’s unfathomable death toll.

“Christmas on Mistletoe Farm” — Written and Directed by Debbie Isitt (Available on Netflix)

After inheriting a farm at Christmas time, a widowed father makes a bumpy adjustment to village life — while his kids hatch a plan to stay there forever.

November 24

“Love, Lizzo” (Documentary) (Available on HBO Max)

“Love, Lizzo” was filmed over three years through the Cuz I Love You world tour, the height of the pandemic, and the recording of Lizzo’s latest album, “Special.” This intimate documentary allows the multi-platinum artist to get candid about body positivity, self-love, and recognizing Black women for their contributions.

“The Noel Diary” — Written by Rebecca Connor, Charles Shyer, and David Golden (Available on Netflix)

Cleaning out his childhood home at Christmas, a novelist meets a woman searching for her birth mother. Will an old diary unlock their pasts — and hearts?

November 25

“Leonor Will Never Die” — Written and Directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar (In Theaters)

Leonor Reyes (Sheila Francisco) was once a groundbreaking figure in the Filipino film industry during its ragtag action cinema glory days. While revisiting an unfinished script about a fearless protagonist trying to avenge his brother’s murder, Leonor is struck on the head by a falling television set and knocked into a coma. As she lays unconscious in the hospital, fantasy and reality begin to blur when Leonor finds herself awake inside her script, becoming the hero of her own story.

“Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich” (Documentary) – Directed by Lisa Bryant and Maiken Baird (Available on Netflix)

Stories from survivors of the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, a socialite and accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.