April showers bring May flowers, as well as the perfect excuse to go to the movies. And this April brings quite a few new releases to the big screen. And, Jacksonville, you’re lucky enough to also get a limited run of a highly anticipated anime film from an iconic Japanese animator. There’s so much to choose from, it can almost feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to share five of the most exciting new, and retrospective, releases coming to Jacksonville theaters this month! 

4.15

“Dual”

Director Riley Stearns has a dark sense of humor that runs through his previous films such as “The Art of Self Defense” and “Faults.” That dark streak continues with his lo-fi sci-fi drama “Dual” where a woman must fight her clone to the death. In a world where cloning is common, Sarah (Karen Gillan) clones herself when she’s diagnosed with a terminal illness. But, somehow, the illness is cured. But the problem is she and her clone can’t co-exist. They must fight to the death to determine who gets to live Sarah’s life. Aaron Paul plays a combat coach with a love of dancing. Rated R. 

4.22

“The Northman”

With “The VVitch” and “The Lighthouse,” director Roger Eggers solidified himself as a strong and unique voice in the genre space. Now, he bursts into the action scene with his third feature “The Northman,” a Viking revenge epic full of blood, gore, and guttural screams. It sports an all-star cast featuring Alexander Skarsgard, Claes Bang, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Bjork in her first role since “Dancer in the Dark.” Clocking in at two hours and 17 minutes, it’s not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Rated R.

4.22

“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”

Nick Cage plays Nick Cage in this meta-comedy as he tries to find ways to deal with his massive debt. He takes a deal to spend a day with his biggest fan. But it all spirals downhill and Cage must channel his most iconic performances to save the day. It’s silly, sure, but it’s also surprisingly charming and reminds us why we all love Nicolas Cage so damn much. Rated R.

4.24 + 4.27

“Pride and Prejudice” (2005) at Epic Theaters of St. Augustine

If you’re in the mood for a downright gorgeous romance, then why not revisit Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”? Starring Kiera Knightley in her prime and future “Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen, Wright’s version of the classic story is lush and subtly sexy (we see you, Mr. Darcy). Rated PG. Epic Theaters at St. Augustine: 112 Theatre Dr, St. Augustine, FL; epictheatres.com 

4.27 + 4.28

“Pompo The Cinephile” at Epic Theatres at Oakleaf

From seasoned animator Takayuki Hirao comes his latest film “Pompo the Cinephile,” a beautifully animated tale about the trials and tribulations of making a movie. Pompo is a B-movie producer with a flair for action. Her assistant Gene, though, wants to try his hand at a quiet drama. She takes a chance on him, but will it pay off? It’s a perfect showing for kids and adults alike. Not Rated. $12.50. Epic Theaters at Oakleaf: 8368 Merchants Way, Jacksonville, FL; epictheatres.com

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