As we approach 2023, our favorite streaming services plan to premiere and revive new films and fan favorites respectively. As avid viewers anticipate the return of their cult classics as well as new surprises, it would only be useful to consider what January 2023 means for the film industry and streaming.

As the public psyche lurches away from the 2010s, some of the films coming to HBO Max could be a reinvigorating project that lay the foundation for what trends and risks filmmakers take. 2021 was a particularly rough year for the streaming platform, as multiple projects and series were cancelled or never released (rest in peace, Batgirl), so whatever decisions HBO Max makes this year could very well define its future.

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Furthermore, for those beginning their exploration into film, what better way to review the biggest, most acclaimed, and most controversial films on a reliable platform like HBO Max? The streaming service is home to franchises such as DC, myriad titles from the incredible Criterion Collection, indie favorites, and some of the biggest films to drop this year. From Don’t Worry Darling to the 2017 cult classic Thoroughbreds, HBO Max hosts a plethora of fantastic films from a wide array of aesthetics, directors, and genres. Here is what to look forward to in January.

Hereditary (Jan. 1)

     A24

Many film fanatics witnessed the rise of the indie film juggernaut that is A24. In the mid-2010s, the company came to prominence off the heels of successful and critically lauded films such as Spring Breakers, Moonlight, and recently Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

Hereditary, from the mind of Ari Aster, joins the aforementioned films as one of the most recognizable within A24’s acclaimed universe and 2010s horror discourse alike. With a strong cast consisting of Toni Colette, Milly Shapiro, Alex Wolf, and Gabriel Byrne, the film follows the Graham family and the drama that ensues following the passing of Ellen, Annie’s (Toni Colette) mother. What begins as a seemingly typical family drama soon morphs into a fascinating yet terrifying sequence of events that explores grief, the occult, and familial tension.

Vendetta (Jan. 1)

     Redbox

Jared Cohn’s Vendetta follows William Duncan (Clive Standon), a distraught father brimming with a vengeance following the murder of his daughter Kat (Maddie Nichols) after finding and bringing the men responsible to court, Duncan realizes he is up against a far more powerful entity (Bruce Willis). Rather than standing down, William is dedicated to getting Kat the justice she deserves. However, the film questions to what length is revenge necessary if any at all.

Those in the mood for an action-packed thriller starring industry heavyweights would find Vendetta enjoyable. Alongside the convincing cast, the themes explored in the film: ranging from revenge to valid critiques of the American judicial system, will undoubtedly provoke a stinging reaction in viewers to come January.

Matilda (Jan. 1)

     Sony Pictures Releasing

Matilda has served as a hallmark of children’s entertainment since its release in 1996. Starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Embeth Davidtz, the film follows the titular character, a child prodigy whose thirst for education is satisfied after being enrolled in a new school. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, the film is a poignant, hilarious, and heartwarming tale about familial love, abuse of power, and ultimately one’s love for learning.

The chemistry between Matilda and Ms. Honey continues to fill audiences with joy and the film’s depiction of Matilda does not lean into her as a stoic child prodigy as seen in other projects. She’s intelligent, but she’s also caring, determined, and yearning for a parental figure that loves her unconditionally. Matilda is packed with adventure, comedy, and a timeless warmth that continues to attract audiences in the present.

The Entire John Wick Franchise (Jan. 1)

     Lionsgate

In anticipation of the fourth film of the John Wick franchise, the three prior films starring Keanu Reeves will be available to stream on HBO Max in January. The films follow former hitman John Wick who is dragged back into the criminal underground following a bloody home invasion. Since the character’s cinematic inception in 2014, John Wick has become one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic anti-hero in film history.

Throughout the three films, viewers watched the titular character pull off amazing stunts, deal with some of the most horrific adversaries and cope with the amount of loss that comes from carrying out the treacherous missions he has been “assigned to,” for lack of a better word. All in all, John Wick captures the dark, gritty underground of its universe phenomenally and in anticipation of the fourth film, it would be wise for loyal fans and new, interested audiences alike to review the three released films on HBO Max this January.

Child’s Play (Jan. 1)

     United Artists Releasing

One of many films in the Chucky franchise, Don Mancini’s horror masterpiece returns to screens in January following the conclusion of Chucky’s second season on Syfy. 2019’s Child’s Play is a reboot of the 1988 film of the same name as well as a remake. Directed by Lars Klevberg, the film stars Mark Hamill as the infamous Chucky alongside Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, and Brian Tyree Henry, the film follows twelve-year-old Andy and his mother Karen.

In hopes of remedying Andy’s loneliness, Karen gives him a ‘Buddi’ doll. Unbeknownst to Karen, the doll in question is an AI-powered serial killer with a dark origin. While straying away from the source material, the film provides audiences with a unique portrayal of Chucky, and with strong casting, the 2019 reboot is a captivating watch.

This One’s for the Ladies (Jan. 1)

     Neon

Due to the popularity of films such as Magic Mike, the Gene-Graham-directed This One’s for the Ladies is a sex-positive exploration of sensuality and exotic dancing in Newark, New Jersey. The film displays the symbiotic relationship between black male exotic dancers, known as the ‘New Jersey Nasty Boyz’ and their patrons, humanizing the people starring in the documentary.

The film does away with the dehumanizing stereotypes circling Black male sexuality and rather reframes the exotic dancing community in Newark as a safe space, an escape away from the stresses of systemic racism.

Rather than capturing the erotic dancers as simply one half of a transactional relationship, the dancers and their patrons are a diverse, loyal community. The lightheartedly titled ‘Satan’ joins Young Rider, twins Tygar and Raw Dawg, as well as Blaze, a lesbian exotic dancer and the only woman on the roster. They are joined by their female clientele which consists of ‘Poundcake Brown’, ‘C-Puddling’, and Michele. Graham humanizes the clientele as well, as each woman’s respective life and activism accompanies them throughout the film. Viewers in search of a dynamic documentary capturing real, multifaceted lives will love This One’s for the Ladies, which is just as entertaining as a fictional narrative.

The Menu (Jan. 3)

     Searchlight Pictures

Mark Mylod’s The Menu has been celebrated as a wild twist of turns baked with a satisfying and satirical take on elitism and dining. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicolas Hoult, the show follows a couple who ventures to an exclusive restaurant. What was supposed to be a classy and enjoyable event soon goes awry and amid such terror, the audiences are treated with a side of delectable humor and fantastic commentary. Potential audiences seeking a goofy yet suspenseful critique of extreme wealth and elitism will surely dive into The Menu and all the twists, laughs, and terror that it provides.

Batman and Superman: Battle of The Super Sons (Jan. 17)

     Warner Bros.

HBO Max has long served as the streaming home for the DCEU. With Black Adam arriving on the streaming platform alongside Man Of Steel and Zack Snyder’s contentious Justice League, (colloquially referred to as the Snyder Cut), it comes as no surprise that Batman and Superman: Battle of The Super Sons is next in line to join the rest of DC’s projects over at HBO Max.

Starro and their parasites are wreaking havoc on earth, taking control of many people, Batman (Troy Baker) and Superman (Travis Willingham) included. As a result, Jonathan Kent (Jack Dylan Grazer) and Damian Wayne (Jack Griffo) join forces to defeat Starro and ultimately save their fathers. This Batman and Superman movie joins Titans and Doom Patrol as projects that expand on existing characters in the DCEU, with some acting as a promising future of the franchise.