What I'm Watching: March 2024

With Dune: Part Two, Dumpuary is officially behind us, but what else is there to watch this month?

Photo: Warner Brothers

I think we can all agree, January seemed to go on for eons. Each second held the same energy as a dog stretching out, paw by paw, to shake off his morning sleepies. It was as if the year itself just needed one more minute to slump down in bed and stare at the ceiling before rising from the covers to fulfill its promise of newness.

Now that it’s up, 2024 is guzzling espresso and taking a single bite out of a bagel before throwing it in the trash on its way to preheat a sub-zero car. Whereas the previous 31 days dragged, the month of love flitted mercifully.

However, even with this extra pep in its step, February provided next to nothing in the movie department. Since studios refuse to spread the release of their features throughout the year, February twas barren. Even its coveted 29th day just felt like yet another barrier to what I really wanted: More Dune.

No matter, no matter! That’s all in the past now. March is rolling in, and as a reward for our patience, there are quite a few titles to look forward to. Here's a handful of movies I’m anticipating, or am curious about, this month.

Photo: Warner Brothers

Dune: Part Two (March 1)

This movie has been on most people's radars since 2021, when the first of Denis Villeneuve's adaptations of Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic was released in the form of Dune (What we now understand to be the first in a trilogy). Finally, after a lot of buzz and many many push-backs and delays, the hour has come for its successor, Dune: Part Two to reinvigorate spice bros and geek girls everywhere.

This time, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is seeking revenge for the destruction of his family with help from Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen. Alongside familiar faces like Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, and Josh Brolin, the cast is rounded out by Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken.

It's said to be one of the best sci-fi films of the decade, if not ever. Are you ready for it? Dune: Part Two will be in standard, IMAX, and 70mm IMAX on March 1.

Photo: Free Association/Stillking Films/Tango Entertainment (III)

Spaceman (March 1)

As a 30 Rock fan, I'm unfortunately incapable of reading the title, Spaceman, without pronouncing it "spa-CHE-min." That completely useless tidbit aside, I'm pretty curious about Adam Sandler's latest Netflix vehicle.

Set six months into a space mission, the feature centers on an astronaut, played by Sandler, who encounters an extraterrestrial being willing to help him put his earthly troubles to rest.

It's a pretty standard sci-fi set up, and Sandler's track record with the streamer hasn't exactly been stellar, but what reels me in is the cast. It includes Paul Dano, Carey Mulligan, Isabella Rossellini, and Kunal Nayyar.

Spaceman will be streaming on Netflix on March 1.

Photo: A24

Love Lies Bleeding (March 8)

For a long time, the only thing I knew about this movie was that Kristen Stewart was in it, and that was enough. Once I learned it was also a romantic thriller, I was so unbelievably in.

The story follows the relationship between a gym manager (Stewart) with a criminal family and an ambitious bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) passing through town. Joining Stewart and O'Brian in the cast are Ed Harris, Jena Malone, and Dave Franco.

Love Lies Bleeding will be in theaters on March 8.

Photo: Health Point Productions/Everett Collection

Remembering Gene Wilder (March 15)

Between the new Wonka film with Timothée Chalamet (No shots, I thought this movie was extremely lovable) and the botched Willy Wonka event in Glasgow, March 2024 is the perfect time for the movie-going public to be reminded of the brilliance of the original film. In particular, the original actor.

Cue Remembering Gene Wilder.

With help from home videos, scenes from Wilder's body of work, and interviews with some of his closest friends and family, the 2023 documentary spans the life and career of Gene Wilder, as well as his battle with Alzheimer's.

The documentary will begin its theatrical run on March 15.

Photo: Amazon Prime Video

Road House (March 21)

I will watch this out of pure curiosity and pure curiosity only. I say this, not as an internet troll, but as someone who is deeply confused by the trajectory that Jake Gyllenhaal's career has taken. There was once a time I would go see any and all Jake Gyllenhaal projects simply because Jake Gyllenhaal was in them.

Some of the recent entries in his catalog have me a little wobbly on my guy Jake, but I maintain faith. That's why, against my better judgement, I'm planning to switch on a remake of a 1989 Swayze film that now has Conor McGregor in it? If that doesn't pique your interest, there's now controversy over whether Amazon used AI to finish the film during the actors strike in 2023, which could be fun discourse to be consumed by.

If all THAT doesn't get you, the movie includes Jake Gyllenhaal showing off his grueling workout routine à la shirtless action sequences as an ex-UFC fighter who's taken a job as a bouncer at a Florida roadhouse.

Road House will begin streaming on Amazon Prime on March 21.

Photo: NEON

Immaculate (March 22)

Speaking of movies I'm incredibly intrigued by...let's chat about the upcoming psychological horror film, Immaculate starring Sydney Sweeney.

In the movie, Sweeney plays a nun who, after accepting a role at a convent in the Italian countryside, begins to discover the secrets hidden beneath its eerily perfect surface.

As a fan of Sweeney in Euphoria, I'm really rooting for her to find something that showcases her skills (Madame Web and Anyone But You weren't it). Maybe the horror genre could offer her a home.

Immaculate will be in theaters on March 22.

Photo: Agile Films

Femme (March 22)

Femme is one I'm just genuinely interested to see. It follows Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), the victim of a homophobic attack that destroys his life and career. Some time later, Jules encounters one of his attackers (George MacKay) and wants revenge.

The thriller, which was written and directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, is the first feature film for the duo. It was originally conceived as a short film by the pair back in 2021.

They had me at revenge thriller. Femme will be in theaters starting on March 22.