Lights, Screens, Action: What to See in Theaters This Weekend: January 2

We Bury the Dead arrives in theaters as a somber twist on the zombie genre, following Ava (Daisy Ridley) as she joins a body-retrieval unit after a catastrophic military experiment lays waste to Tasmania, only to discover that the corpses she buries might not be as gone as they seem; critics say the film’s focus on grief and emotional depth—borne out in Ridley’s compelling lead performance and haunting atmosphere—elevates it above typical undead fare, even if its slow, introspective pacing and familiar genre elements divide opinion.

The Dutchman brings Amiri Baraka’s provocative 1964 play into a contemporary thriller, centering on a tense encounter between a reserved Black man and a roguish white woman aboard a New York City subway, with André Holland and Kate Mara navigating a claustrophobic exploration of race, identity, and power; early reviews describe the film as haunting and unnerving in its attempt to translate the play’s charged themes to the screen, though some critics find the adaptation uneven and its political commentary blunt.

KIDZ BOP Live: The Concert Movie offers a joyous, family-friendly cinematic showcase of the chart-topping sing-along franchise’s energetic performers as they bring their high-energy hits and dance routines to the big screen, transforming arenas into singalong spectacles designed to delight young audiences; while not aimed at traditional critics, early reactions from parents and fans highlight its infectious enthusiasm and appeal as a feel-good, interactive experience for children and families alike. (No major critic reviews available yet.)

Finally, Stranger Things 5: The Finale is being screened in theaters as a special event presentation of the final two-hour episode of the hit Netflix series, giving fans a communal, immersive way to witness the series’ epic conclusion on the big screen; although this is television content rather than a traditional theatrical release, audience buzz and fan reviews emphasize emotional payoff and spectacle, while critics note that the cinematic screening amplifies the emotional and visual impact of the show’s long-running journey. (Critic aggregation not yet available specific to theatrical screenings.)