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As February ushers in the season of love, it’s an ideal time to cozy up with a date, whether it be a partner, a beloved pet, or a warm blanket, and enjoy adaptations of your cherished books. The month promises a variety of film and television adaptations across genres, rather than just romance. Here are seven notable adaptations to look out for this month.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix, February 6)
This new Netflix series is based on the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. It chronicles the deceptive tale of Belle Gibson, who falsely portrayed herself as a cancer survivor managing her illness solely through diet and alternative treatments. Kaitlyn Dever takes on the role of Belle, while Alycia Debnam-Carey portrays her close friend Milla Blake. The series is the brainchild of Samantha Strauss, known for Nine Perfect Strangers, and is directed by Jeffrey Walker.
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (Netflix, February 11)
This anime film continues the narrative within the Witcher universe, following its predecessor, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf. It is based on the short story “A Little Sacrifice” found in Sapkowski’s anthology Sword of Destiny. The voice of Geralt of Rivia, Doug Cockle, reprises his role from the video game series, along with Joey Batey and Anya Chalotra from the live-action adaptation. Directed by Kang Hei Chul, with a screenplay by Mike Ostrowski and Rae Benjamin, the film promises to deliver an engaging addition to the franchise.
Captain America: Brave New World (Theatrical Release, February 14)
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the cinema offers another compelling option: the latest installment in the Captain America saga, featuring Sam Wilson as the titular hero, portrayed by Anthony Mackie. First introduced as Falcon in Captain America #117 in 1969, Sam Wilson made history as the first Black superhero in mainstream comic books. Directed by Julius Onah, the film features an ensemble cast, including Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, and Giancarlo Esposito.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Theatrical Release, February 14)
The second Valentine’s Day option brings back Bridget Jones, with Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant reprising their beloved roles in this fourth film of the franchise. Directed by Michael Morris, the screenplay is crafted by Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, and Abi Morgan. This film will debut in theaters and be available for streaming on Peacock.
Limonov: The Ballad (Theatrical Release, February 19)
Adapted from Emmanuel Carrère’s biographical novel Limonov, this film centers on the life of Russian writer and political figure Eduard Limonov, played by Ben Whishaw. After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, the film will finally be available in theaters worldwide this month. Directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, its screenplay has been co-written by Ben Hopkins, Paweł Pawlikowski, and Serebrennikov himself.
Reacher (Prime Video, February 20)
Fans of the action-packed Jack Reacher series will be pleased to learn that the third season returns to Prime Video this month. This season adapts the seventh book, Persuader by Lee Child. Alan Ritchson returns as the titular character, joined by Anthony Michael Hall, Brian Tee, and others. The first three episodes are set to premiere on February 20, with each subsequent episode released weekly.
The Monkey (Theatrical Release, February 25)
The horror genre welcomes back Osgood Perkins with The Monkey, an adaptation of Stephen King’s short story from the collection Skeleton Crew. The film stars Theo James in a dual role as twins Hal and Bill, alongside a talented cast including Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood. This adaptation is highly anticipated, and more details on its premise will be available closer to the release date.
Amid these thrilling adaptations, it’s noteworthy that the majority showcase narratives from authors primarily from a particular demographic. Encouraging a more diverse representation in storytelling is vital as audiences continue to explore and support literature from a broader range of voices.
Source
bookriot.com