The Academy Awards nominees have now been announced, and if you didn't make it to one or more of the nominated dramas yet, check out this week's lineup of films showing on the big screen in and around Seattle.
Read on for the best drama films to catch in theaters, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
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 98 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" has proven to be a critical darling since its release on October 19.
The site's critical consensus backs up the film's two acting nominations for Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant, noting 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 screening at AMC Oak Tree 6 (10006 Aurora Ave. North) through Thursday, Jan. 31. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
The Favourite
Queen Anne's closest friend and advisor 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.
With a 93 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 14. Along with "Roma," it leads the nominations race with a whopping ten Academy Award nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress or Supporting Actress for all three main actresses.
The site's critical consensus has it that "'The Favourite' sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext — and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
It's playing at Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 31. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Stan & Ollie
With their golden era long behind them, comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille and Ida – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair's love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public
With a critical approval rating of 92 percent and an audience score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Stan & Ollie" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on December 28.
The site's critical consensus has it that "'Stan & Ollie' pays tribute to a pair of beloved entertainers with an affectionate look behind the scenes — and a moving look at the burdens and blessings of a creative bond."
It's screening at Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 & IMAX (316 N.E. Thorton Place) through Saturday, Jan. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Green Book
Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With five Academy Award nominations, an 82 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has been getting attention since its release on November 16.
Per the site's overview of critic reviews, "'Green Book' takes audiences on a surprisingly smooth ride through potentially bumpy subject matter, fueled by Peter Farrelly's deft touch and a pair of well-matched leads."
You can catch it at Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 31. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet – finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.
With a 62 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is well worth a watch. It's received five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for star Rami Malek.
The site's critical consensus was more lukewarm, noting that "'Bohemian Rhapsody' hits a handful of high notes, but as an in-depth look at a beloved band, it offers more of a medley than a true greatest hits collection."
It's screening at Regal Meridian 16 (1501 Seventh Ave.) through Thursday, Jan. 31; and Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 & IMAX (316 N.E. Thorton Place) through Saturday, Jan. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
[Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.]
