2025 Film Preview: From Slasher Reboots to Whodunits, A Look at Upcoming Releases

The cinematic landscape of 2025 is shaping up to be a diverse one, with a mix of anticipated sequels, intriguing reboots, and character-driven dramas. Audiences can expect a range of genres, from horror and mystery to heartfelt stories about family and politics. This preview offers a glimpse into some of the most talked-about films on the horizon.

Key Takeaways

• Silent Night, Deadly Night" gets a reboot that attempts a more character-driven approach, focusing on a tortured antihero.

• "Ella McCay" explores the complexities of a young politician's life, balancing professional ambition with a messy family background.

• "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" promises a return to the classic whodunit, delving into themes of faith, logic, and societal division.

• "Merv" offers a lighthearted take on a couple navigating their breakup through shared custody of their dog.

• "Influencers" delivers a vicious and darkly humorous sequel that expands on the social commentary of its predecessor.

A New Take on a Holiday Classic: "Silent Night, Deadly Night"

The 1984 slasher "Silent Night, Deadly Night" receives its second reboot in 2025. This new iteration reimagines the original's disturbed lead, Billy, as a tortured antihero who only targets the wicked. While the film boasts some gnarly kill scenes, critics note that the reboot doesn't fully explore Billy's complex emotions, making it a somewhat meandering cash-in despite a promising premise and credible chemistry between the leads.

Political Intrigue and Family Drama: "Ella McCay"

James L. Brooks returns with "Ella McCay," a film centered on an idealistic young politician whose drive to fix everything stems from her own unfixable family. Set in 2008, the movie features Emma Mackey as Ella, who unexpectedly becomes governor. The film excels in its portrayal of sibling dynamics and sharp dialogue, though its political commentary is deemed quaint and its ending abrupt. Despite its flaws, the endearing characters and bright moments make it a worthwhile watch.

Benoit Blanc Returns for "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery"

Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" franchise continues with "Wake Up Dead Man," a film that steers away from the lighter tone of "Glass Onion." This installment, inspired by classic "locked door mysteries," sees Benoit Blanc investigating an impossible case within a troubled New York parish. The film delves into themes of faith versus logic and greed versus sacrifice, featuring a stellar ensemble cast and a script praised for its sharpness and optimism in exploring societal divisions.

Canine Custody Comedy: "Merv"

"Merv" presents a cute, albeit lackluster, premise about a dog who becomes depressed after his owners, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox), split up. The shared custody arrangement forces the ex-couple to remain in contact, leading to lukewarm romantic comedy tropes. While the film has opportunities for silliness, it fails to capitalize on its potential, resulting in a heartwarming but ultimately uninspired story.

The Vicious Cycle Continues: "Influencers"

Following up on the 2022 horror film "Influencer," the sequel "Influencers" promises a bigger, badder, and bitchier experience. Director Kurtis David Harder cleverly subverts expectations, delivering a vicious and darkly humorous film that expands on themes of social media commentary, toxic masculinity, and true crime online. Shot on location in France and Thailand, the movie is visually spectacular and culminates in an insanely violent and hysterical climax, leaving audiences eager for more.

Sources

• Silent Night, Deadly Night movie review (2025), Roger Ebert.

• Ella McCay movie review & film summary (2025), Roger Ebert.

• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery movie review (2025), Roger Ebert.

• Merv movie review & film summary (2025), Roger Ebert.

• Influencers movie review & film summary (2025), Roger Ebert.