The Dig- Out April 26

Winner of Best Film at the Galway Film Fleadh, Belfast-born brothers Andy and Ryan Tohill have made a promising directorial debut with their gritty western inspired drama The Dig. After years in prison for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Ronan, played by Moe Dunford, returns home to the discovery that her father, played by Lorcan Cranitch, has dedicated himself to continually digging for her body.

Director Ryan Tohill discussed the film with Hot Press: "The Dig has some echoes of the past. There are links to the disappeared and people who were buried in the bog and never found again. But really the film is about universal emotions, the idea that sometimes you don't relentlessly need to pursue justice; you need closure." Roe McDermott's full interview with Ryan Tohill and review of The Dig is available in the latest issue of Hot Press.

Vox Lux- Out May 3

Natalie Portman plays a pop star who at 14 years old became a sensation after surviving a school shooting and penning a song about the tragedy. Years down the line, she is tortured diva, dealing with the pressures of her own fame and legacy. Directed by Bradley Corbet, the audacious musical explores the intersections of terrorism and mass celebrity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dolxUIZzb3w

Red Joan- Out Now

Melita Norwood was a real-life British civil servant who supplied information to the KGB. Red Joan is adapted from a novelized version of Norwood's story, written by Jessica Rooney. Judi Dench and Sophie Cookson share the lead role as younger and older versions of Joan Stanley, Norwood's analogue in the film. It is directed by Trevor Nunn, who is most well known for his work in theatre, in addition to directing the 1996 film adaptation of Twelfth Night and 1986 period drama Lady Jane. 

Mid90s- Out Now

Actor Jonah Hill's directorial debut follows a 13-year old boy who one summer falls in with a crowd of older skaters. Set, as the title suggests, in mid-1990s Los Angeles, the coming of age film sees the young protagonist, played by Sunny Suljic, navigate the world of his new friends and his troubled home life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igfhy3Q5CeI

Dragged Across Concrete- Out Now

Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn star in the exploitation inspired police thriller Dragged Across Concrete. The two play dirty cops who wallow in a world of violence and amorality. With striking violence and controversial casting choices, the film has proved divisive. It was directed by S. Craig Zahler, previously behind western horror Bone Tomahawk and prison film Brawl in Cell Block 99.

Read Roe McDermott's thoughts on these new releases and additional film coverage in Hot Press's latest issue.