Films You Can't Miss in May 2023

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Mon 01 May 2023 - Wed 31 May 2023

May is gearing up to be another exciting month for cinema enthusiasts, with a variety of genres on offer, from action to drama to romcoms. Whether you’re looking for a touch of nostalgia with Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, or you’re in the mood for something a little more adrenaline-pumping like Fast X and The Mother, May has it all. Let’s take a closer look at some of the films hitting cinemas and streaming services this May:

1. The Little Mermaid



Ever since singer Halle Bailey was announced as Ariel, there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The long-awaited film stays close to the original story, focusing on a mermaid who trades her voice for a chance to explore the world on land. Disney fans can expect a modern touch to the timeless story, with some new songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Bailey is joined by Melissa McCarthy as the infamous Ursula, and Javier Barden as King Triton. Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay voice Scuttle and Flounder, respectively. Make sure to experience the magic of The Little Mermaid on the big screen when it's released on May 26th.

2. Beau Is Afraid



Described as a “zonky nightmare comedy”, Beau Is Afraid is the latest offering from director Ari Aster, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed Midsommar (2019) and Hereditary (2018). Joaquin Phoenix stars as the lead, a man who's just lost his mother and starts experiencing hallucinations. The talented cast also includes Amy Ryan, Parker Posey, Zoe Lister-Jones and Hayley Squires. Despite its mixed reviews, Beau Is Afraid is a must-see for horror aficionados, with its allegorical and contemplative themes. Beau Is Afraid will be released on May 19th.

3. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret



Judy Blume's beloved 1970 novel Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret has finally been adapted into a film, which will arrive in UK cinemas this month. It's a coming-of-age comedy written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, who is known for bringing us the critically acclaimed The Edge of Seventeen in 2017. Like the book, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret centres on a girl who moves from New York City to suburban New Jersey, where she learns more about her religious identity. Rachel McAdams steps into the shoes of the protagonist's mother, and she's joined by Abby Ryder Fortson (A Dog's Journey). Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is bound to provide audiences with a sweet and heart-warming experience. Catch the film in cinemas from May 19th.

4. Love Again



Love Again is an upcoming rom-com written and directed by James C. Strouse, best known for The Winning Season (2009). It's a remake of the 2016 German film SMS für Dich, which was based on a novel by Sofia Cramer. Leading the cast are Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan. Adding to the excitement, legendary singer Celine Dion has written some new songs for the film. Love Again will be released exclusively in cinemas on May 12th.

5. Book Club: The Next Chapter



Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen return in the sequel to the 2018 film Book Club’. This time, the four friends venture to Italy in the hope of having a fun girls trip – which they never had the chance to experience before. However, things don’t go quite according to plan, and secrets are soon revealed, sending the women on a wild adventure. Grab your friends and head to the cinema on the 12th to see Book Club: The Next Chapter.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3



Undoubtedly one of the year's most anticipated film releases, the third and final instalment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise will finally land in cinemas in May. The film picks up directly after the events of ‘Holiday Special’, which was released on Disney+ in November 2022. With the loss of Gamora still on their minds, Peter Quill and his team reunite for one last time on a mission to save the universe from an even greater threat.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Will Poulter, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper and Sylvester Stallone. Marvel fans won’t want to miss one of the biggest superhero films of 2023 when it arrives on May 3rd.

7. Fast X



Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) will once again get behind the wheel in the tenth film in the Fast & Furious saga. In Fast X the street racer comes face to face with the most lethal opponent he’s ever faced: a criminal mastermind played by Jason Momoa. Returning for the franchise’s latest film are Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Jason Statham, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, John Cena and Kurt Russell. In addition, Fast X introduces new additions Brie Larson and Rita Moreno. Promising to be a thrilling ride that stays true to the series' roots, Fast X speeds into cinemas on May 19th.

8. The Mother



After delighting audiences with the recent romcoms Shotgun Wedding and Marry Me, Jennifer Lopez fans can once again look forward to seeing the singer-actress on the screen in the upcoming action thriller The Mother. In the film, Lopez stars as a former assassin who swaps her old life for something more low-key in order to protect her daughter. However, after her daughter is kidnapped, Lopez’s character is forced to come out of hiding to save her. Released on Netflix on May 12th, The Mother is one to look forward to.

And here are four films that can be enjoyed by American moviegoers this May:

9. The Starling Girl



Set in rural Kentucky, The Starling Girl follows Jem, a teenage girl called who struggles to find her place within her Christian community. As Jem starts to question her love for dance, she turns to youth paster Owen for guidance, and soon begins an illicit affair with him. The Starling Girl is reminiscent of the 2019 film Yes, God, Yes in the way in which it explores themes of sexuality and faith, and the pressures women often face to conform to societal expectations. The Starling Girl is a thought-provoking coming-of-age story, with a powerful performance from Eliza Scanlen, who exhibits palpable chemistry with Lewis Pullman as Owen. See The Starling Girl in cinemas from May 12th.

10. You Hurt My Feelings



Director Nicole Holofcener centres her latest film You Hurt My Feelings on the relationship between popular writer Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and teacher Don (Tobias Menzies). When their marriage is put on the line after an act of infidelity, Beth is forced to question whether their entire relationship has been a huge lie. You Hurt My Feelings is an intriguing character study that offers a unique take on love, relationships and honesty. You Hurt My Feelings is represented by A24, the independent entertainment company behind critically acclaimed films such as Midsommar, Lady Bird, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Whale, and most recently Beau Is Afraid.

11. Monica



Monica is an intimate film that explores complex themes of abandonment, ageing, acceptance and forgiveness. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2022 to overwhelmingly positive reviews, with IndieWire praising Tracy Lysette's performance as "stunning to watch and radiating great depth". The story follows an estranged woman who returns to her childhood home after 20 years to look after her terminally ill mother. Lysette is supported by a talented cast that includes Emily Browning and Patricia Clarkson. Monica is released on May 12th.

12. Robots



Joining the horror flick M3gan and sci-fi/romance film The Pod Generation, Robots is another 2023 release that delves into the negative impact of advanced technology. Adapted from Robert Sheckley's short story The Robot Who Looked Like Me, Robots is set in a near-future America and centres on a womanizer and a gold digger who use illegal robot doubles of themselves to scam others into relationships. However, their plan goes awry when they unknowingly use this tactic on each other, and their robot counterparts fall in love and run away. The pair have to team up to track the robots down before their secret is exposed. Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies) and comedian Jack Whitehall star in Robots, which is due for release on May 19th.


Grab your popcorn and get ready for another fantastic month of films.


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!date 01/05/2023 -- 31/05/2023