New Movies Hit Theaters: Thrills, Docs & Horror

This weekend, the cinematic landscape is enriched by several new releases catering to varied tastes. Mubi presents "Pompei: Below The Clouds," a striking black-and-white documentary by Gianfranco Rosi, offering a portrait of life in Naples under the shadow of Vesuvius. The film has garnered significant critical acclaim, boasting a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and award recognition from its festival run.

Action-thriller "Protector," featuring Milla Jovovich as a war hero forced back into the underworld after her daughter's kidnapping, marks the first project in a ten-picture deal. Horror enthusiasts can anticipate "Dolly," a film described as a blend of New French Extremity and 1970s American horror, following a woman's fight for survival against a monstrous figure. Additionally, Film Forum in New York is showcasing the U.S. premiere of "André Is An Idiot."

"André Is An Idiot" documents the final journey of André Ricciardia, an advertising executive diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, as he navigates his illness with dark humor. The film, a collaboration with director Tony Benna, features stop-motion animation and previously won the Audience Award for Best U.S. Documentary at Sundance 2025. These diverse offerings signal a dynamic period for film releases, balancing compelling narratives with artistic exploration.