What Films, TV Shows and Novels To look out for in 2023

FILM

There’s quite a few anticipated movie releases this year, in terms of blockbusters anyway with various Marvel films being released, the comeback of Transformers (which I was well and truly over about 10 years ago), and of course the hotly anticipated ‘Barbie’ adaptation directed by Greta Gerwig. However, I have a few others on my mind and can’t wait to see how they land:

• Oppenheimer (21 July 2023) – Ever since Cillian Murphy had signed up to take on the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer – the man who has been dubbed the ‘father of the Atomic Bomb’ – alongside the release of the recent trailer, Oppenheimer has been bumped up to the top of my list of films I need to see. I am nothing but a lover of historical drama’s and since Christopher Nolan is directing this beast of a film alongside a rather substantial budget, I hope they will shine a light on such a complex and intriguing story, in an admirable way.
• Dune, Part Two (3 November 2023) – another release which has scale on its side. After seeing part one, this has been on my radar for a while. With the addition of Florence Pugh and Austin Butler, this stellar cast has the ability to pull something pretty impressive off. Yet, with the reception of the first film, I think it’ll take a lot to match up to peoples expectations.
• Wonka (15 December 2023) – Yes, we have a while to wait until Timothée Chalamet takes on the infamous role of Willy Wonka in his younger years, yet after all the sneak peaks and press releases of his uptake of the role, I think it would be silly not to watch out for this one. Will it still have the outrageous but glorious sense of nostalgia and fun!? I hope so! If anything, this should be for everyone.
• Luther: The Fallen Sun (February/March): If you have not seen the fantastic series on BBC, Luther, starring Idris Elba, where have you been? Think James Bond but a lot more dark and full of more twists and turns than you care to imagine. Although unfortunately the British hit is now premiering on Netflix, it is a movie fans have been desperate for since the series finale. And one which I cannot wait to sit down and watch.

Of course, this is a long list of Hollywood films entering our screens so I am keeping my eye out for more independent features as and when they get announced. But going by this list, I think we’re looking at a year filled with drama, intensity and fleshed out stories which I for one, am looking forward to.

TV

TV is probably the hardest thing to keep on top of nowadays with new shows appearing all over streaming channels and broadcasting giants at an insane rate. Coming with that, also sees more shows being cancelled, even when they have pretty impressive viewing figures. However, as always, some favourites are set to return like YOU, The Mandalorian, Shadow and Bone and Loki (to name a few). Going forward, here are some new shows that have caught my attention:

• Break Point (Netflix Jan 13) – from the creators of Drive to Survive, Break Point is set to unravel the world of tennis and the up and coming stars which grace the courts. After recently watching the trailer, I am intrigued to get a glimpse behind the curtain and to find out more about what it takes to go up against some of the greats. You can now watch it on Netflix.
• Citadel (Amazon Prime) – the series which is set to premiere on Prime at some point during 2023 featuring Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, is a sci-fi espionage show directed by the Russo brothers. Now, not that I quite know what to expect from the Russo brothers who are used to large scale productions and blowing things up (not saying those two things won’t appear here considering its rumoured that the budget on this show matched Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series) but I do hope it produces something different, thought provoking and entertaining (with depth, hopefully).
• Daisy Jones and the Six (March, Amazon Prime) – this hotly anticipated show follows a ‘Fleetwood Mac-esque” band’s rise to fame in LA, featuring a stellar cast as an adaptation of Taylor Jenkin Reid’s novel, I don’t think I have heard as much love for a show in a long time. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype.
• The Diplomat (early 2023, Alibi and Now): From the creators of Line of Duty and Vigil, starring Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders), this new series is set to keep you on the edge of your seat. The two main characters Laura and Alba deal with interesting and dangerous cases that come through the doors of the British consulate. If the creators and cast are anything to go by, I think we’re in for a treat.

There’s a lot more where that came from, with TV being the hottest place right now considering the scale to which streaming platforms are increasing at. However, with a line up like that, you start to think you’ll never get through them all. Is quality being replaced for quantity? We shall see. 2023 will be a busy one, that’s for sure.

Novels are a tricky one to ‘anticipate’ and I think are probably one of the more personal items of entertainment. However, after raking through numerous ‘to be published’ lists, I’ve found some books which have caught my attention:

• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (May release)- I have always been drawn to novels which comment on the literary scene and showcase the imbalance between white writers and people of colour. R.F. Kuang’s upcoming publication of Yellowface fits this description as it focuses on a white writer stealing a recently deceased Asian-American’s novel then passes it off as her own. A highly complex tale, this is not one to miss.
• The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor – A novel which theme hits home as it follows your ‘found’ family in your 20s, i.e your closest friends and how they navigate their way into adulthood. I am intrigued to see how this is portrayed and if it’s a story which connects to what many my age are currently experiencing.
• A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo – A story set in Nigeria of two families caught ‘in the riptides of wealth, power, romantic obsession and political corruption’, Adebayo’s next novel shines a light on the divide in Nigeria between those who are wealthy and those who are not. Compared to Chimamanda Ngozi Aichie and China Achebe, both loved authors of mine, I am excited to see how this novel does and what Adebayo has in store for us.

Of course, Salman Rushdie also sees his next novel being published in 2023 and Margaret Atwood has her first collection of short stories since 2014 being published in March, showing us that the greats have not put their pens down yet, much to the worlds admiration. The world of books is one that is ever-growing and just as I continue to dip my toe into novels that have come before me, I am reminded too that I must keep up with the fantastic talent of today.

As you can see just from those announced at the start of the year/end of 2022, 2023 is set to be another year full of talent and captivating stories right at our doorsteps. When lists like this get put together, it’s easy to see that we live in a world full of talented writers, directors, actors, and creatives who bring such fantastic stories to life.

To that end, I am looking forward to a year full of escapism and entertainment. Equally, I am excited to take a dive into the creative decisions and process behind what looks to be a very interesting year.

Let me know what you’re most looking forward to below!