What was better? The movie or the books? It’s a constant debate among bookworms. Whatever the case, we’re not here to judge until we’ve processed both. There are quite a number of book-to-film adaptations coming out this year spanning multiple genres.
Here are the ones we’re looking forward to seeing both on paper and on the big screen.
A Wrinkle In Time, Madeleine L’Engle
If you were to explain quantum physics and positive non-conformity to a child, this is the book you hand them. The movie adaptation features a diverse cast and picturesque effects—something once unimaginable in 1962 when the book was written.
Annihilation, Jeff VanderMeer
Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac star in this upcoming sci-fi thriller. It’s about an anomaly region where mutation has taken over all forms of life.The book follows a group of women on the 12th expedition into Area X. None who explore the strange place come back the same, if at all.
Every Day, David Levithan
A teen spirit named A wakes up in a different body every day. And much like every other young adult novel, one day they meet someone special. The novel reads as a romantic analysis on human nature, love, and identity. So expect it to be on the slightly cheesy side.
Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan
If you haven’t read this satire on the lifestyles of the rich and famous, you better start. And trust us, you won’t be able to stop. It’s the first fully Asian cast in a mainstream Hollywood movie since Joy Luck Club. And we’re all waiting to see which character Kris Aquino plays.
Where’d You Go Bernadette, Maria Semple
This isn’t your typical whodunnit. The epistolary novel—a fancy way of saying comprised of found documents—is also a comedy. Given the form makes way for plot progression, it’ll be interesting to see how this all translates on film. Also, Cate Blanchette is part of the cast.
The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s singular novel is a love-it-or-hate-it read. Depression and femininity are its core themes, so it’s got some truths that are hard to swallow. Kirsten Dunst has signed on to direct the film adaptation. It’s hard to tell whether the adaptation will be as haunting as its source material.
Read more:
Kevin Kwan on the Crazy Rich Kids of Instagram
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Writer: BELLE O. MAPA