Want to see a movie, but not sure what's worth your time (and money)? To help you decide, we've got this week's lineup of acclaimed films showing on the big screen in and around San Francisco.
Read on for the highestrated movies to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
Shoplifters
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
Boasting a 99 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Shoplifters" has gotten stellar reviews — and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film — since its release on Nov. 23.
The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes explains, "Understated yet ultimately deeply affecting, 'Shoplifters' adds another powerful chapter to director Hirokazu Koreeda's richly humanistic filmography."
Catch it on the big screen at Roxie Theater (3117 16th St.) through Monday, Dec. 17. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Free Solo
Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Sept. 28.
According to the site's overview of critiques thus far, "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
Get a piece of the action at AMC Van Ness 14 (1000 Van Ness Ave.) through Sunday, Dec. 16. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
When bestselling celebrity biographer Lee Israel is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Oct. 19 — as well as two Golden Globe nominations.
Critics say that, "Deftly directed and laced with dark wit, 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy."
It's playing at Presidio Theatre (2340 Chestnut St.) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
People's Republic of Desire
In China’s popular live-streaming showrooms, three millennials – a karaoke singer, a migrant worker and a rags-to-riches comedian – seek fame, fortune and human connection, and ultimately finding the same promises and perils online as in their real lives.
With a 96 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "People's Republic of Desire" has gotten outstanding reviews since its release on Nov. 30.
It's playing at Roxie Theater (3117 16th St.) through Friday, Dec. 14. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
In 18th century England, the close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
Set to be released on Friday, December 14, "The Favourite" already has a critical approval rating of 94 percent and an audience score of 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the site's critical consensus, "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext — and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
All three of the main female characters have received Golden Globe nods for their work — and the movie was also nominated for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) and Best Screenplay.
It's playing at Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (2550 Mission) through Wednesday, Dec. 19. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
