2017 was a great year for both the film connoisseur and the TV aficionado. With so many incredible productions released, many of us will still be catching up with the hit shows of the year as 2018 rolls in. But to kick off 2018, here are a few of the movie and TV releases that are eagerly anticipated and, hopefully, will help give 2017 a run for its money.

Molly’s Game

What better way to start the year than with Russian mobsters, Hollywood royalty and the FBI? New Year’s Day saw the release of Molly’s Game, which sees Jessica Chastain return to our screens as Olympic Skier turned Poker game runner Molly Bloom. Arrested after a 10-year stint running poker games for the richest men in the world, the only person she can turn to is her lawyer Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba) for help. This directorial debut for Aaron Sorkin is set to be a fast-paced and harsh portrayal of a confident woman effortlessly manoeuvring through a man’s world.

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Black Mirror Season 4

The only negative attribute of Black Mirror season 4 is that it took so long to arrive. The amazingly written dark psychological-thriller series worked wonders in season three. With episodes such as Shut Up and Dance, San Junipero and Nosedive managing to brilliantly portray and tackle both current and sensitive issues. Its 29th December release date means those busy with new year's festivities may have left it off their to-do list. With all the festivities long gone, now is the time to catch up.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

I must admit, at face value, this film doesn’t seem to catch your eye as a world-beater. However, bought to us by the genius mind of Martin McDonagh, this comic drama is riddled with great casting calls and immediate potential. Following the story of Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), in the months following the murder of her daughter. Mildred decides to paint signs leading to her small town with an emotional and controversial message for the police chief William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). A promising mix of dark comedy and drama, it certainly cannot be allowed to go under the radar after its release on the 12th January.

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Coco

We’ve had to wait so long for this film in the UK and I’m so glad it's finally arrived. The guys at Disney and Pixar seemingly never lose their touch, with Coco having made waves since its release in October 2017. Released in the week before the Day of the Dead in Mexico, Coco follows the story of Miguel in his struggle to break away from his family’s generations-old ban on music. During this struggle, he enters the home of his ancestors, the world of the dead. A great tale of family, remembrance and togetherness, it’s an uplifting way to start your year.

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Darkest Hour

Last, but most definitely not least, we have Darkest Hour. I couldn’t help but sneak this portrayal of Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II into the list. Director Joe Wright’s biographical war drama allows us to follow Churchill’s tough decision of whether to surrender to Hitler or fight on for the sake of Britain. Starring the always excellent Gary Oldman, if a little wartime nostalgia is your cup of tea, I tell you, go no further.

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