As the Hudson Valley enters the final stretch of 2025, folks are packing away their plastic skeletons and pulling out all of their cozy sweaters. Temperature continues to drop and sometimes, the best thing to warm you up isn’t a hot cup of tea or that maroon argyle knit, sometimes, it’s watching a good old classic movie favorite. Awards season is also revving up—garnering expanded releases of indie festival darlings, and at least three or four big blockbuster releases to keep us entertained throughout the holidays.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy classic, big new release, or something a little more surreal, there’s no shortage of options this November. Here are five movie events happening at local independent Hudson Valley movie theaters for you to keep on your calendars.
The Social Network
David Fincher’s examination of the early days of social media, and a very specific type of toxic masculinity, remains to this day one of the best films released in this century. A monumentally impressive work of art in just about every way, the film’s legacy—from its cast to its score to its themes—continue to be emulated but never replicated in all genres of film. Having a script written by Aaron Sorkin is definitely a good way to start, and the addition of Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake, who play the main three “protagonists,” allows for the witty banter and rat-tat-tat dialogue to come across as believable yet still anxiety-inducing. For this film’s score, Fincher hired his longtime friend, Trent Reznor, and his partner Atticus Ross, who had previously used some music in his earlier films from their band Nine Inch Nails. It is a little crazy to think that this was a controversial decision at the time, but after winning an Academy Award for this film, Reznor and Ross have become one of the most popular and successful film composers of their generation. The Social Network is a movie that was built for big screens, loud speakers, and laughing with strangers in a dark room. It is one of the most perfect movies to watch at a repertory screening, and I can’t wait to be there.
The Social Network screens November 5 at Upstate Films Starr Cinema.
Akira Kurasawa Series
Akira Kurosawa makes good movies. Not the hottest take you’ll probably hear today, but it’s the truth. Whether it’s action epics, mysterious thrillers, or intriguing dramas, there really was nothing that this maestro of cinema couldn’t tackle, and this month the recently reopened Community Theater in Catskill is honoring the director with several screenings of some of his most influential and impressive works. Selections include Ikiru, The Hidden Fortress, Seven Samurai, and High and Low. All of these movies informed fellow filmmakers for generations, and continue to be just as impressive as they were over 50 years ago when they were released. And while the aspect ratios might be small, and the films might be black-and-white with subtitles, you would be hard-pressed to find a better grouping of films to watch on the big screen. I would get your tickets right away before they are gone.
This series screens throughout the month of November at The Community Theater.
Die My Love
While we’re on the subject of great directors, this would be a good segue into one of the most anticipated movies of this awards season: Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love. A movie that absolutely shocked audiences and critics alike at multiple festivals, the film is described as a harrowing and relentlessly engaging drama about a couple thrown into hysteria after one of them struggles to maintain her sanity in an isolated environment. To get any more specific would definitely spoil some of the film’s most fascinating turns, but needless to say, Lynne Ramsay did not leave any meat on the bone (pun intended). Ramsay is most known for her radically awesome debut film, Ratcatcher from 1999, as well as 2011’s We Need to Talk About Kevin and 2017’s You Were Never Really Here. It’s been almost a decade since her last film, and her return to our screens is definitely one of the more exciting aspects of the season.
Die My Love starts November 7 at Upstate Films Midtown Kingston and Story Screen Cinema.
Knives Out
When trying to think about cozy movies for November, one of the most obvious and relevant choices is actually a newer entry in the subgenre: Rian Johnson’s whodunnit-comedy, Knives Out. A movie packed wall-to-wall with oak bookshelves, fireplaces, and rustic carpeting, not to mention some of the most comfortable looking sweaters you will ever lay your eyes on. While this murder mystery dinner party come to life has its grim moments, everything is handled with that delicate touch that Johnson is so famous for, effortlessly weaving tension and release and humor throughout every situation he throws us into. The film follows an investigation into the murder of a patriarch of a wealthy family and all of the nefarious details that come to light along the way. The cast is an absolute homerun, featuring Toni Collette, Chris Evans, Christopher Plummer, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and, of course, Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, our Kentucky Fried detective. Watching this movie feels like climbing under a warm blanket, which makes this one perfect for the November season. This screening will also be offered with a dinner-and-a-movie option (at the Feathers Tavern across the street), or a screening-only option, whichever one tickles your fancy.
Knives Out screens November 19 at The Rosendale Theatre.
Wicked: For Good
One of the most anticipated big releases of the season is finally upon us, with the follow-up to last year’s ridiculously successful and popular Wicked. When word first broke that the film adaptation of the classic Broadway musical was going to be split into two films, the backlash was extreme. Most people who are familiar with the musical know that the two acts of the play are very different in tone. Without going into too much (spoiler) detail, the consensus is the first act is much more cheery and lavish, while the second act becomes quite grim and a little dark. Focusing each film on these different tones might seem like an excellent creative decision, but only time will tell how audiences mileage will vary with how grim this second film actually ends up being. Having Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey singing songs while looking ravishing will definitely help, and the addition of a few new musical numbers is sure to also impress. After the events of the first film, this movie picks up as the fallout of Glinda’s ascension and Elphaba’s banishment come to a head after a surprise visitor lands in Oz.
Wicked: For Good starts November 21 at The Moviehouse, Story Screen Cinema, Jacob Burns Film Center, Crandell Theatre, and The Community Theater.
Hi, writing again to ask the Beacon movie theater be included in these film happenings in the Hudson Valley. We are a mom and pop local theater, nominated for Hudson Valley’s Best and fit all the criteria. We be thrilled to share upcoming December offerings.