From historical war dramas to fantasy adventure, April 2025 brings a packed schedule of diverse film premieres in cinemas and on streaming platforms. Among the most anticipated titles are David Cronenberg's personal thriller The Shrouds, Ryan Coogler's supernatural horror Sinners, and Jared Hess’s live-action take on A Minecraft Movie. Below is a breakdown of the key releases, along with their release dates and highlights.
Table of Contents:
- Vincent Cassel in David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds
- Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan reunite in Sinners
- Jared Hess directs A Minecraft Movie starring Jack Black
- Real combat recreated in Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland
- Andrew Ahn remakes The Wedding Banquet with a modern twist
Vincent Cassel in David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds
David Cronenberg returns with a restrained science fiction drama deeply rooted in personal loss. The Shrouds follows Karsh, played by Vincent Cassel, an inventor mourning his wife's death. He develops an experimental burial system that lets families monitor their deceased loved ones via cameras buried in coffins. Diane Kruger plays his late wife, while Guy Pearce appears as Karsh’s brother-in-law.
When several of these high-tech graves are desecrated, Karsh and Pearce’s character launch an investigation. Rather than indulging in his signature body horror, Cronenberg focuses on emotional grief, making the film both intimate and unsettling. According to Steve Pond of The Wrap, it is a “deeply personal look at loss,” emphasizing emotion over gore.
The Shrouds will be released on 18 April in the United States.
Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan reunite in Sinners
Creed and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler explores gothic horror in Sinners, set in 1930s Louisiana. Michael B Jordan plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who return to their hometown only to discover the supernatural power hidden in local blues music. The plot turns sinister as the town becomes overrun by vampires, triggered by a mysterious link between music and the afterlife.
Coogler describes Sinners as “genre-fluid.” Vampires are one component, but the story incorporates multiple supernatural themes and symbolic questions. The film blends horror, folklore, and philosophy in a uniquely American gothic tale.
Sinners premieres internationally on 18 April.
Jared Hess directs A Minecraft Movie starring Jack Black
The globally popular sandbox game inspires A Minecraft Movie, a hybrid live-action and CGI family adventure. Jack Black stars alongside Jason Momoa and Jennifer Coolidge in a story about a colorful fantasy world under threat from infernal forces. This adaptation stands out with its live-action cast placed in a digitally created environment.
Directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite), the film uses surreal humor and bold visual design. As noted by Entertainment Weekly, Hess’s “cockeyed” style and unorthodox storytelling offer a refreshing take, avoiding typical genre tropes.
A Minecraft Movie was released internationally on 4 April.
Real combat recreated in Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland
Based on real events from the Iraq War, Warfare is a 90-minute real-time recreation of a battle involving veteran Ray Mendoza. Directed by Mendoza and Alex Garland, the film stars D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mendoza, supported by Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton.
Filmed with extreme realism, Warfare emphasizes the chaos and brutality of modern combat. The Times called it a “sensory blitz” and “relentless assault on the soul,” highlighting its immersive style. There is no traditional narrative arc—just a sustained depiction of combat, grounded in actual military experience.
Warfare opened on 11 April in the US and Canada, with further international dates following.
Andrew Ahn remakes The Wedding Banquet with a modern twist
Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet has been updated by director Andrew Ahn, known for Fire Island. The new version stars Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran. Ahn relocates the story to Seattle and introduces a fertility subplot while keeping the central theme: a gay man entering a marriage of convenience with a woman.
The character of the traditional relative has been updated as well — this time, a grandmother from South Korea, played by Youn Yuh-jung, arrives to celebrate. The film explores generational dynamics, cultural expectations, and chosen families in a contemporary context.
The remake of The Wedding Banquet is scheduled for release on 18 April in the US and Canada.
April’s film lineup delivers a range of experiences:
- Emotional science fiction (The Shrouds)
- Gothic supernatural horror (Sinners)
- High-stakes fantasy for families (A Minecraft Movie)
- Raw realism in war storytelling (Warfare)
- A modern cultural reboot (The Wedding Banquet)
Each production brings distinct themes and visual styles, reflecting the diverse voices and genres dominating screens this spring.
Source: BBC