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Based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker ’ s classic novel Dracula , the film tells the terrifying story of the merchant ship Demeter , which was chartered to carry private cargo — fifty unmarked wooden crates — from Carpathia to London . Strange events befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive the ocean voyage , stalked each night by a merciless presence onboard the ship . When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England , it is a charred , derelict wreck . There is no trace of the crew . The film stars Corey Hawkins as Clemens , a doctor who joins the Demeter crew , Aisling Franciosi as an unwitting stowaway , Liam Cunningham as the ship ’ s captain , and David Dastmalchian as Demeter ’ s first mate .
The Pod Generation
Directed by Sophie Barthes Rated PG-13 • August 11 - In Theaters
In this social satire of detachment parenting , a New York couple , Rachel ( Emilia Clarke ) and Alvy ( Chiwetel Ejiofor ), live in a not-so-distant future where technology provides an ever-more convenient living . Arising tech company executive , Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center , which offers couples a convenient ( and shareable ) maternity by way of detachable artificial wombs or pods . But Alvy , a botanist with an affection for nature , prefers a natural pregnancy . And yet , as Rachel ’ s AI therapist puts it , why is that “ natural ”? So begins the tech-paved path to parenthood . The film won this year ' s Sundance Film Festival ' s Alfred P . Sloan Feature Film Prize .
Blue Beetle
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto Rated PG-13 • August 18 - In Theaters
Warner Bros . Pictures introduces the latest DC Super Hero in recent college grad Jaime Reyes ( Xolo Maridueña ), who returns home full of aspirations for his future , only to find that home is not quite as he left it . As he searches to find his purpose in the world , fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology : the Scarab . When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host , he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers , forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle . Also starring Adriana Barraza , Damían Alcázar , Elpidia Carrillo , Raoul Max Trujillo , with Susan Sarandon , and George Lopez .
Strays
Directed by Josh Greenbaum Rated R • August 18 - In Theaters
When Reggie ( Will Ferrell ), a naïve , relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier , is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner , Doug ( Will Forte ), Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose . But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking , foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug ( Jamie Foxx ), a stray who loves his freedom and believes that owners are for suckers , Reggie finally realizes he was in a toxic relationship and begins to see Doug for the heartless sleazeball that he is . Determined to seek revenge , Reggie , Bug , and Bug ’ s pals — Maggie ( Isla Fisher ), a smart Australian Shepherd , and Hunter ( Randall Park ), an anxious Great Dane — hatch a plan and embark on an epic adventure to help Reggie find his way home … and make Doug pay by biting off the appendage he loves the most . ( Hint : It ’ s not his foot ). The film features talking dogs , but it is definitely NOT for kids ! august 2023 illinoisentertainer . com 19