DiCaprio, horrors, and fantasy: what to watch in cinemas this week

There are many interesting movies coming to theaters this week: the new film with Leonardo DiCaprio, "One Battle at a Time," the Spanish film "Maspalomas," filmed in Gran Canaria, as well as horror and fantasy films – "The Strangers: Chapter 2," "The Toxic Avenger," and "Sketch, Be Careful What You Draw."

"One Battle at a Time" is the new work by director Paul Thomas Anderson, which has already caused a stir among critics and may become one of the contenders for an Oscar. It is an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland" about the turbulent 60s. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall. The plot follows former revolutionaries who come together to save the daughter of one of them, as their old enemy has reappeared after 16 years.

"Maspalomas" is a film about the importance of self-acceptance. It has already been well-received at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Directors José Mari Goenaga and Aitor Arregi tell a touching story of a 76-year-old man who is forced to hide his orientation after an accident. Filming took place in the Basque Country and in the south of Gran Canaria.

Another Spanish novelty is "No More Jungle Left" by director Luis Gabriel Beristain. The main roles are played by Ron Perlman, Megan Montaner, and Hovik Keuchkerian. This is a fictional story about a former soldier who befriends a Ukrainian prostitute. After her murder, he begins to take revenge on the suspected lawyers, meeting a policewoman and a cruel hired killer along the way.

Also coming out is "Relay," a new conspiracy thriller from Oscar nominee David Mackenzie ("Hell or High Water"). It's a race against time in a world where the truth can cost you your life. The main roles are played by Riz Ahmed and Lily James.

Horror fans can look forward to "The Strangers: Chapter 2." Renny Harlin, who directed action films such as "Cliffhanger" and "Deep Blue Sea," is once again directing the second part of the trilogy. Maya and Ryan survived the horror in the first part when their romantic trip turned into a cruel game for three masked people. But Maya survived, and her nightmare is not over. The Strangers have returned to finish what they started.

For science fiction fans, "Astronaut" will be shown in cinemas, written and directed by Jess Varley. Kate Mara plays Sam Walker, who returns from her first space mission with a strange story. General William Harris forces her to remain in quarantine under NASA supervision in an isolated house. Maybe she didn't return to Earth alone.

Legendary Pictures has revived the cult trash film "The Toxic Avenger" for a new generation. Peter Dinklage embodies the audacious, cruel, and not very politically correct protagonist. He is joined in the film by Elijah Wood and Kevin Bacon. The plot follows a disaster that turns an ordinary janitor into a hero.

The French film "The Ties That Bind" by Karine Tardieu tells the story of Sandra, an independent bookstore owner, and her relationship with her neighbor Alex, a young architect who is widowed with two children.

And for family viewing, "Sketch, Be Careful What You Draw" is suitable – a mixture of fantasy, comedy, and emotions. Seth Worley, director, screenwriter, and visual effects specialist, makes his directorial debut with this touching story. It is an adventure of a girl with a rich imagination who accidentally throws her notebook into a pond, and her drawings come to life.