Film-Forward

Sci-fi

Tenet

Christopher Nolan’s time-bending fantasy deliberately prioritizes mystery and spectacle over character and keeps viewers in the dark for most of its first half.

Little Joe

An attempt at sci-fi with stinging social commentary.

Ad Astra

Brad Pitt as an astronaut on a pilgrimage through the solar system.

Auggie

Director Matt Kane transcends clichés to deliver a sad, knowing look at male pride in a small, intimate sci-fi film.

High Life

In French director Claire Denis’s first film set in the future and on a space ship, human relationships are still central.

Aniara

In space, no one can hear you despairing.

The Shape of Water | Toronto 2017

A mash-up of lump-in-your-throat romance, espionage thrillers, and then some, this fantasy is catnip for unapologetic movie musicals fans.

Colossal

Nacho Vigalondo’s script is odd as hell, which is welcome, at least at first.

Evolution

Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s haunting new film is much more interested in mystery than resolution. There are no answers to be found, only strangeness, horror, and just enough sanity to hold it all together.