The Salt Path
Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir now comes to life on the big screen directed by Marianne Elliott, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. The Salt Path is a heartbreaking yet uplifting story about a couple struck by fate in multiple ways. After a serious health diagnosis and eviction, they decide to leave everything behind and embark on England's longest walking trail.
The South West Coast Path, stretching from Minehead to Poole and winding through the picturesque coasts of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, is not only a physical challenge but also an inner journey for them. They hope to rediscover themselves and each other through the closeness of nature, the rhythm of quiet steps, and the time spent together. Perhaps—despite their uncertain future—they will find some peace.
Materialists
After Past Lives became one of 2023's biggest film successes, many awaited with bated breath what writer and director Celine Song would come up with next. Her first film told a delicate yet devastating story of love and loss; now she ventures into very different waters: Materialists is a modern New York romantic comedy.
The story centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a professional matchmaker who seemingly finds happiness with a wealthy man. Yet she is haunted by the past: a poor actor-waiter she once left behind but perhaps never truly forgot. Although details of the film remain under wraps, the footage so far promises a stylish, emotional, and witty movie.
Jurassic World: Rebirth
In a battle between a human and a dinosaur, it's hardly a question who will win—but if anyone can survive such a situation, why not a strong woman? The protagonist of Gareth Edwards' new adrenaline-filled film is exactly that. Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), an agent skilled in covert missions, heads to a forbidden island with her team to obtain dinosaur DNA to develop a life-saving medicine.
The team—including Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali—does not realize that the island, once the Jurassic Park research complex, is now more dangerous than ever: genetically modified, blood-curdling dinosaurs rule.
Zora, who we already recognize from the trailers as a character reminiscent of a modern Lara Croft, will surely keep you glued to your seat with her daring actions! Despite all her courage and combat skills, one thought lingers: perhaps she would have been better off staying home…
Ballerina
If a film belongs to the John Wick universe—and Ballerina does—then you can expect no shortage of punches, kicks, and ruthless showdowns. Len Wiseman's new action film delivers exactly that. All centered around a female protagonist who replaces pirouettes with deadly techniques with ruthless precision.
Ana de Armas plays the young ballerina who begins killer training after her father's death to seek revenge. Female-led revenge films are not new, but few characters possess the raw power and determination of her heroine. Ballerina stands out not only for its stunning choreography and pace but also because de Armas fully commands the screen—there is no doubt this is her film.
Fantastic Four: First Steps
Just as the Beatles shared the spotlight, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm—the Invisible Woman—is expected to be a strong, equal member of the new superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman, the long-awaited Fantastic Four finally arrives in the MCU with a special cast. Alongside Kirby, Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn portrays Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm is played by Eben Moss-Bachrach.
In the story, the four must fight to save Earth against the dreaded Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his helper, the Silver Surfer. Beyond superhero duties, Sue Storm's personality carries another important role—she is also a mother. This aspect particularly captivated Vanessa Kirby.
"I was completely fascinated by Sue—based on decades-spanning comics, she is both maternal and incredibly tough... she represents true female strength, which was a joy to portray."
Hamnet
Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao's new film, Hamnet, tells the story of the world's most famous playwright William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes (in real life Anne Hathaway), from her perspective, exploring grief, motherhood, and the boundaries of love.
The film centers on the loss of their son Hamnet—a tragedy that shakes their marriage but also creates an inseparable bond between the grieving mother and her lost child.
The novel adaptation—already considered by critics as one of the year's most sensitive dramas—uniquely evokes the memory of a forgotten boy whose name is nevertheless preserved by one of literature's greatest works. Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes, with Paul Mescal bringing Shakespeare to life.
All in all, this year we will meet many truly diverse, complex, and memorable female characters on the big screen, whether in sensitive dramas, psychological adventures, or pure action. These heroines not only survive but lead, fight, feel, and inspire. Need more reasons to trust them and get to know them better?
