Five movies to see this month

If you’re seeking cinematic stimulation minus superheroes and animated critters, this month at Australian cinemas offers up a roster sure to please those with a taste for drama, wit, and emotional resonance. Here’s what stands out for audiences 55-plus:

Four Letters of Love

If romance and fate are your cup of tea, prepare to be swept up by Four Letters of Love, a winsome Irish drama adapted from Niall Williams’ beloved novel. Director Polly Steele assembles a top-notch cast – Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter (pictured above), Ann Skelly – that brings genuine warmth and texture to a tale of love, ghosts, and destiny.

It’s a “very slightly elevated Hallmark movie,” – which, for our tastes, means plush interiors, heartfelt performances, and sweeping Irish vistas as Nicholas and Isabel wrestle with the will of the universe. It’s a swirling symphony of sea, rugged knitwear, and poetic longing, each emotion heightened by the gentle fantasy and understated humour threaded through the screenplay. For those who appreciate a film steeped in wistful nostalgia and the ache of never-quite-realised love, this is unapologetically your night at the cinema. You’ll revel in Gabriel Byrne’s gravitas, Pierce Brosnan’s charm, and Bonham Carter’s eccentric verve. Out now in 200 cinemas nationwide – an ideal escape for mature romantics.

Kangaroo Island (August 21)

For a meaty Australian drama, Kangaroo Island offers a family reckoning amid bucolic landscapes. When Lou returns at her father’s behest, old secrets resurface. Audience praise touts its “beautifully made” and “emotionally rewarding” style – think sweeping shots and restrained performances sure to stir memory and heart.

Irena’s Vow (Out now)

History buffs should circle Irena’s Vow, based on the true story of a Polish housekeeper sheltering Jewish workers during WWII. Expect tense, moving drama with Sophie Nélisse delivering a standout central performance. It’s a compelling narrative with gravitas, free of slick Hollywood contrivances – a film that honours courage and compassion.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (Out now)

Fans of eccentric comedy-dramas will appreciate The Ballad of Wallis Island, in which a lottery winner tries to orchestrate his own fantasy musical jamboree. Tim Key and Carey Mulligan provide welcome quirks – and behind the whimsy, the film quietly probes solitude, longing, and the meaning of community. It’s light on the palate but leaves a poignant aftertaste.

Caught Stealing (August 28)

If you’re after a thriller with dark comedy trimmings, Caught Stealing offers a 1990s New York setting, a washed-up baseball player in over his head, and performances from Austin Butler and Regina King. Wry, punchy, and brisk, it’s a sharp crime caper for adults seeking edge without excess gore or juvenilia.