11 unmissable films to see at the cinema in January 2025

At the start of 2025, here are some essential films to spend the month of Blue Monday in the warmth of a cinema. We take stock.

Sacred at Cannes, in the Un Certain Regard category, then a few months later at the Zurich Festival, director Rungano Nyoni (“I Am Not A Witch”) summons surrealism to talk about Zambia. Shula (Susan Chardy) comes across the remains of his uncle, and while a funeral is being prepared, family secrets slowly disintegrate. An absurd, hilarious comedy, full of drama, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” was also the first Zambian film in the history of the Cannes selection.

“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” can be seen in cinemas from January 29.

Father of “Logan” and other “Le Mans 66”, in January, the American filmmaker James Mangold unveils the highly anticipated biopic on the life of singer Bob Dylan. To embody it, the whooping cough Timothée Chalamet alongside in particular Elle Fanning et Edward Nortonin a performance that is already making its way into the Oscars.

“A Perfect Stranger” can be seen in cinemas from January 29.

Based on the novel “What is your torment?” (2023) by the American writer Sigrid Nunez“The Room Next Door” is Almodóvar’s first feature film shot in the language of Shakespeare. An author, Ingrid (terrific Julianne Moore), learns by chance that his former friend, the war reporter Martha (equally formidable Tilda Swinton), has cervical cancer.

“The Room Next Door” can be seen in cinemas from January 8.

Just divorced, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) meets Almut (Florence Pugh). It was the beginning of an intense and close relationship that spanned several years. Together, and always with humor, they face the difficulties of life. But when the specter of illness looms over them once again, they will have to consider all eventualities.

“Love in the Present” can be seen in cinemas from January 1.

Bailey, 12 ans (Nykiya Adams), looks more mature than its age. No wonder, there is no room for carelessness in this small town in Kent. She lives in a squat with her father (Barry Keoghan) who is preparing to marry his new partner. His older half-brother, involved in gang activities, gets his girlfriend pregnant, while his mother lives elsewhere, in equally precarious conditions, with three young children and a violent partner. One day, Bailey crosses paths with a strange man named Bird (Franz Rogowski), who, after decades, follows in the footsteps of his childhood and his parents. Soon, a unique friendship is forged between the two characters.

“Bird” can be seen in cinemas from January 1.

Few Hollywood stars throw themselves with such enthusiasm and courage into roles as complex as Nicole Kidman. In “Babygirl”, the Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn (“Bodies Bodies Bodies”) explores an extramarital affair with an intern. If the actress has since spoken about the delicate interpretation of this character, “Babygirl” nonetheless remains a work to watch closely in January.

“Babygirl” can be seen in cinemas from January 15.

The Australian filmmaker Adam Elliot pulls no punches in telling Grace’s story. When she and her twin Gilbert were born, their mother died in childbirth. Raised in poverty, marginalized, bullied at school, the two children grow up with improbable passions: collecting snails for Grace, whose only desire is to remain hidden in her shell, magic and fire for Gilbert, who dreams of being a street artist in Paris like his father was to escape his reality. But soon, the reality becomes much darker.

“Memories of a Snail” can be seen in cinemas from January 15.

Robbie Williams is one of the greatest, most famous and beloved singers in the world. “Better Man” tells the story of his rise from boy band success, acclaimed then fired, to charismatic showman. The story highlights his experiences and successes and shows the struggle against his demons, which he had to fight against.

“Better Man” can be seen in cinemas from January 22.

Pierre (Vincent Lindon), widowed for years, lives with his two sons: Félix (Benjamin I could) called “Fus” and Louis (Stefan Crepon). At the end of an evening at work, the father learns with amazement from a colleague that “Fus” is associated with a far-right group. Back home, he can only observe the radicalization of his elder in the following weeks. Firmly opposed to these new acquaintances, Pierre tries to reason with his son and maintain balance within his family.

“Playing with Fire” can be seen in cinemas from January 22.

Despite financial difficulties, Jule (Ophelia Kolb) raises her three children alone in a small town in the heart of Swiss nature. Already tossed by life, she is ready to do anything for them. But his mysterious past and his often questionable choices could well destroy everything.

“Les Courageux” can be seen in cinemas from January 22.

Karen lives in her childhood home in an idyllic setting with her husband Markus and their children. For Markus’ birthday party, Jule, Karen’s sister, arrives with her family. Everything contrasts the two women. Dark memories of their late mother exacerbate Jule’s tendency to rebel against her overbearing sister. As the house fills and a sparrow stuck in the chimney tries to get out, Karen’s anger builds – to the point of no return. It’s time to make a clean slate of the past. The new film of Ramon Zuercherincluding Maren Eggert.

“The Sparrow in the Chimney” can be seen at the cinema from January 29.