SPIDER-NOIR (2026): Cinematography Making Black & White Look Super…

Given the option, I’d never have guessed I’d choose to watch a film or series in black and white over colour. That is, until I saw the trailer for Spider-Noir, the upcoming eight-part action/adventure/fantasy/mystery starring Nicolas Cage, Li Jun Li, Lamorne Morris and Karen Rodriguez.

The stark contrast of true black against blown-out whites, and every smoky grey in between, is so striking that it’s inspiring a detour to the nearest gallery, one where I could lose myself in a black-and-white photography exhibition. There isn’t an exhibition that fits the bill right now, so I’ll wait for May 2026 to watch creator Oren Uziel’s 8-part Spider-Noir series. An action/adventure/fantasy about an ageing private investigator and former superhero who’s down on his luck.

Below are my favourite shots from the promising trailer.

Spider-Noir (2026), Nicolas Cage, Prime Video
Spider-Noir (2026), Nicolas Cage, Prime Video

He’s not looking directly at me, so this can hang on my wall at home. No problem.

Spider Noir (2026), Karen Rodriguez, Prime Video
Spider Noir (2026), Karen Rodriguez, Prime Video

The lighting. The asymmetry. The expression. Yes!

Spider-Noir (2026), Lamorne Morris, Prime Video
Spider-Noir (2026), Lamorne Morris, Prime Video

Two words: texture and shadow. Good day.

Spider-Noir (2026), Prime Video
Spider-Noir (2026), Prime Video

Lines. Light. Movement. I need this humongous.

Spider-Noir (2026), Li Jun Li, Nicolas Cage, Prime Video
Spider-Noir (2026), Li Jun Li, Nicolas Cage, Prime Video

Yes to the intriguing perspectives. Thank you.

Spider-Noir (2026), Nicolas Cage, Prime Video
Spider-Noir (2026), Nicolas Cage, Prime Video

Lines and shadows for the light lover’s glee. Merci beaucoup.

When I think of brilliantly lit black-and-white films or shows, Roma (2018), directed by Alfonso Cuaron, comes to mind first. Based on how this looks, I may have another to add.

Thank you, film, you perfect amalgamation of all the arts.

Watch the Spider-Noir Trailer here.

Spider-Noir Release Dates: May 27th, 2026 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

SCARPETTA (2026): New Trailer Starring Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale…

Scarpetta, a new eight-part crime thriller, stars Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta, a formidable forensic pathologist drawn into the hunt for a serial killer.

Created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, the series also features Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Simon Baker and Bobby Cannavale.

As is often the case with serial-killer films and series released after 1995, Scarpetta will inevitably be compared (admittedly by me) to Se7en, David Fincher’s delightfully grim benchmark for the serial killer genre.

Unlike the key protagonists in Se7en, Kidman isn’t playing a detective, at least not in the traditional sense of the word, and the story appears to operate in a different lane altogether.

Ideally, I’ll forget about Se7en once the series begins. That shouldn’t be difficult, provided the storytelling is compelling enough to hold my attention. Fingers, toes and everything crossed for a good result.

Are you curious about Scarpetta?

Simon Baker, Deja Dee, Tyler Merritt, Chiketa Madu, Nahzah Blair, Stanley Aughtry, Janet Montgomery, Mount, Alejandro Barrios, Alanna Giuliani, Paul Bishop and Ashley Shelton also star.

Scarpetta Release Dates: March 11th, 2026, US & UK…

Happy Film Loving,

G

PRESSURE (2026): New Trailer From Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Andrew Scott, Damian Lewis, Chris Messina…

Pressure (2026), Andrew Scott, Focus Features
Pressure (2026), Andrew Scott, Focus Features

Directed by Anthony Maras, Pressure is a new drama/history/thriller set during the tense 72 hours before D-Day, history’s largest seaborne invasion, marking the start of Western Europe’s liberation from Nazi control.

Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Andrew Scott, Damian Lewis and Chris Messina are among the key cast.

When you don’t want to watch a war movie, but the acting power involved is so strong, you may just have to. That’s where I am right now.

Admittedly, part of what’s swaying me to see this is how much I loved Andrew Scott’s small role but mighty performance in Sam Mendes’s 1917 (2019). His part in Pressure is far from small, and that’s what’s so exciting about it; he has more screen time to delight and move us with his performance.

What is your appetite like for this particular war movie?

Henry Ashton, Con O’Neill, Tamsin Topolski, Daniel Quinn Toye, Wil Coban, Michael Benz, Harrison Osterfield, Richard Clothier, Joshua Hill, Charles Camrose and Patrick Flannery also star.

Pressure Release Dates: May 29th, 2026 (US), September 9th, 2026 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

TOW (2025): New Trailer From Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Ariana DeBose…

Based on the true story of Amanda Ogle, new drama Tow stars Rose Byrne as a homeless woman who fought her way out of tow-company hell.

Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose are among the key cast, while Stephanie Laing directs.

The feel-good happy ending. That’s my reason. And to see Spencer on screen again, because it’s been too long.

Simon Rex, Corbin Bernsen, Dominic Sessa, Elsie Fisher and Becky Ann Baker also star.

Tow Release Dates: March 20th, 2026 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

WAKE UP DEAD MAN – A KNIVES OUT STORY (2025): The Things I Liked…

Writer/director, Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man – A Knives Out Story does what the Knives Out franchise does best, deliver fun, well-executed murder mysteries that have you looking forward to the next instalment. 

Starring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, this time the scene of the murder is a small-town church with a dark history, arguably an immediately intriguing setting.

Also starring Kerry Washington, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin and Mila Kunis, in true Knives Out style, the well-titled Wake Up Dead Man has several twists and turns. You won’t see most of them coming, though you may guess a couple.

If you enjoyed Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion – A Knives Out Story (2023), then don’t hesitate to watch Wake Up Dead Man. The quality and fun are still there. Plus, O’Connor and Brolin are especially great.

Lastly, I have a feeling you won’t want to miss out on that super delicious punch at the beginning.

Happy Film Loving,

G

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