New Movies: Frankenstein, Hamnet & More – Film Reviews Roundup 2025/26

The race for Best Picture at the 2026 Academy Awards is shaping up to be a contest between starkly different cinematic visions, with Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, the darkly comedic Bugonia, and the emotionally resonant Hamnet among the frontrunners. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony from the Dolby Theatre, adding a layer of anticipation to an already competitive field. Critical reception has been mixed, with some films lauded for their artistry and others facing scrutiny for stylistic choices or narrative execution.

A Spectrum of Critical Responses

Sandra Hall, writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, described Sinners as a film that “rapidly transformed into a semi-comic bloodfest, its effect magnified by [Ryan] Cooglar’s decision to shoot with IMAX cameras.” This suggests a film that begins with serious intent but veers into more sensational territory. Conversely, Jake Wilson’s review of Frankenstein was less charitable, stating bluntly, “We already have a good Frankenstein film. We don’t need this one.” This assessment points to a perceived lack of originality or necessity in del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The film, starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, reportedly cost $120 million to produce and has so far grossed $480,678, a figure that suggests limited box office success to date. Filming took place between February and September 2024, and the film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, before its wider release on October 17, 2025, in the United States and November 7, 2025, on Netflix.

In contrast to the more divisive reactions to Frankenstein and Sinners, Stephanie Bunbury’s assessment of Hamnet is overwhelmingly positive. She characterizes the film as “paradoxically uplifting,” an “affirmation of humanity that reaches a crescendo in the wake of Hamnet’s death.” The film, starring Jessie Buckley, appears to be a powerful and emotionally affecting work.

Beyond the Blockbusters: Emerging Contenders

Several other films are also generating buzz. Stephanie Bunbury highlights Sentimental Value, noting its surprising appeal to audiences beyond its specific Norwegian setting. The film’s ability to resonate with a broad audience despite its localized focus suggests a universal quality in its storytelling. Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia, meanwhile, is described as “unleashed,” a film of “extreme mood swings” and a deliberately “hilarious” conclusion that subverts expectations. This suggests a challenging and unconventional cinematic experience. Jake Wilson notes the film’s “mad genius” and invites viewers to decide if it’s simply “mad.”

Brad Pitt’s performance in F1 is also garnering attention, though Jake Wilson suggests the film itself is “skilfully made but monotonous.” The focus on precision and detail within the world of Formula 1 racing, although technically impressive, may not translate into a compelling narrative for all viewers. Finally, Marty Supreme is praised for its central metaphor, with Jake Wilson observing that the protagonist is “quick on his feet, knows all the angles, and when backed into a corner is always prepared to pivot rather than give in.” This suggests a film that uses the setting of competitive table tennis to explore themes of adaptability and resilience.

The Brazilian Thriller and Cave’s Adaptation

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent offers a different perspective, focusing on the pervasive corruption within a country’s political system. Sandra Hall notes that the film isn’t interested in the ideology of the regime itself, but rather in the systemic nature of corruption and its impact on everyday lives. This suggests a socially conscious and politically charged work.

Finally, Craig Mathieson praises Joel Edgerton’s performance in Train Dreams, an adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novel. Mathieson emphasizes Edgerton’s “watchfulness” and his ability to convey a sense of overwhelming intimacy, suggesting a nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of a complex character. Mathieson’s review highlights the challenges of adapting Nick Cave’s writing, but also acknowledges the power of Edgerton’s performance.

The Academy’s Evolving Landscape

The Academy Awards have undergone significant changes in recent years, aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity among its members. These changes have led to a broader range of nominees and winners, reflecting a more diverse range of cinematic voices and perspectives. The inclusion of streaming services like Netflix as major players in the awards season further complicates the landscape, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a “serious” film. Netflix’s release of Frankenstein directly into homes on November 7, 2025, after a limited theatrical run, exemplifies this shift.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Speculative

Currently confirmed is the list of films receiving critical attention, the hosting duties of Conan O’Brien, and the date of the ceremony. The box office performance of Frankenstein is also a confirmed data point, though its ultimate impact on its awards chances remains to be seen. What remains speculative is the ultimate outcome of the Best Picture race. While critical reception provides some indication of a film’s potential, the Academy’s voting process is complex and often unpredictable. The influence of campaigning, lobbying, and personal preferences among Academy members cannot be discounted.

The Road to the Dolby Theatre

The voting process for the Academy Awards unfolds in several stages. Initial nominations are determined by members of the Academy’s various branches. Then, all Academy members vote to select the final nominees. Finally, a smaller group of Academy members vote to determine the winners in each category. The process is designed to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered, but it is also susceptible to various forms of influence.

The presence of Conan O’Brien as host adds an element of unpredictability to the ceremony. O’Brien is known for his quick wit and irreverent humor, which could inject a much-needed dose of levity into the proceedings. However, his comedic style may not appeal to all viewers, and his hosting performance could either enhance or detract from the overall experience.

The coming weeks will see increased campaigning from the studios behind the nominated films, as they seek to sway Academy members in their favor. The outcome of the Best Picture race remains uncertain, but the diverse range of contenders suggests a potentially exciting and unpredictable awards season. The interplay between critical acclaim, box office success, and the Academy’s evolving priorities will ultimately determine which film takes home the coveted prize.