From The Rhythm Section to Black Monday, See This Week's New Trailers and Posters

What a week in entertainment marketing! I’m blown away by what 2020 has offered so far. There are some really artistic endeavors this week. You’ve got Blake Lively like we’ve never seen her. Then Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots get stuck in millennial hell. There are a couple of intense, yet compassionate portraits of mental illness.

You also have Vin Diesel mixed with a kickass title treatment, black magic women, and two tales of the destructive worlds of excess. Get ready, that Black Monday trailer will leave you with a hangover. Guess what: I haven’t even gotten to the best part. Jon Stewart’s back! I knew he’d come for us.

Pack your bags because you’re in for a trip this week. Here’s some of this week’s notable trailers and posters.

The Rhythm Section 

Paramount Pictures
Trailer Agency: AV Squad
Poster Agency: Empire Design

The trailer for The Rhythm section has an epic score—it starts slow, but the sounds become chaotic, hitting a perfect chord on your nerves. It’s striking and provocative, driving you right to the edge of excitement. Your heart pounds throughout. “Think of your heart as the drum. Your breathing as the bass.” It’s fair advice. I admire the balance of the key art; it’s almost completely harmonious until you catch the killer instinct. See The Rhythm Section on Jan. 31.

Vivarium 

Saban Films
Trailer Agency: Mark Woollen & Associates
Poster Agency: Outer Arc & Concept Arts

The trailer for Vivarium is wildly weird, and yet somehow a charming delight. The trailer captures the oddities of the film through the graphics, editing style and musical choice. Just as the characters are lost and wander this Stepford-like millennial nightmare, audiences wander with the characters—showing rather than telling the story. It’s clever. As is the key art, which further captures the nightmare mentioned above. A statement piece, for sure. See Vivarium on March 27.

Irresistible 

Focus Features
Trailer Agency: Workshop Creative 

The best news all week: Jon Stewart isn’t going to leave us for another election cycle. Instead, he’s speaking on a bigger platform. His latest film, starring his long-ago Daily Show correspondent Steve Carell, takes a look at a group of Washington elitists who visit rural America in a desperate attempt to find a likeable Democratic candidate. Not the worst idea I’ve heard. The trailer is funny, gives just enough story, and even a little hope. We’re glad to have you back, Jon. Irresistible arrives in theaters May 29. 

Horse Girl

Netflix
Trailer Agency: Empire Design
Poster Agency: InSync Plus

The trailer for Horse Girl brilliantly pushes the boundaries of exploring mental health. It takes you along on a psychotic break, only revealing its intentions halfway through. It is intense, but it also demands compassion—something our society notoriously withholds when it comes to mental health. If the trailer feels brave, I can only imagine the impact of the film. The key art is also beautifully revealing. See Horse Girl Feb. 7.

Bloodshot

Sony Pictures
Trailer Agency: MOCEAN
Poster Agency: BOND

The visuals and motion graphics in the Bloodshot trailer are insane! It’s bold, dark, and the perfect blend of a comic book brought to life. Also, I dig the title treatment. Keep the clever usages coming. The key art is epic as well. Again, my praise for the title treatment, but I also love the detail around the smoking guns and bullet holes. Everything about it is striking. See Bloodshot on March 13.

The Undoing

HBO
Trailer Agency: Mark Woollen & Associates

The Undoing, an HBO limited series starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland, is beaming with intensity. Following in the masterful footsteps of Succession, the trailer takes a look at the dark side of success and being a public figure. The musical choice is everything—cultivating the tension and suspense. Explore The Undoing this May.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 3

Netflix
Trailer Agency: MOCEAN
Poster Agency: Cold Open

There’s a new Queen of Darkness, and her name is Sabrina Spellman. This Sabrina is way cooler than the one I grew up with. Cheerleader by day, Queen of Hell by night. The trailer is gripping and edgy, and the music enthralls you. All this madness on a school night! I adore the new key art as well, showing the two sides of our favorite teen witch. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 3 is now streaming.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Showtime
Trailer Agency: Create Advertising
Poster Agency: N/A

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels looks like an enchanting spinoff. The mystery of the original with the excitement of a new city, Los Angeles in 1938. We’re in for an adventure. I love the music choice in the teaser; it loops you into another time and place. Penny Dreadful returns April 26.

Swallow

IFC Films
Trailer Agency: Mark Woollen & Associates
Poster Agency: P+A

The trailer for Swallow will have you captured and cringing—two minutes of nonstop intensity and discomfort. The key art is equally staggering. Another look at Hollywood’s exploration of mental health. This work feels brave. The trailer and key art won’t soon be forgotten. Kudos to the creatives. See Swallow on March 6.

Black Monday

Showtime
Trailer Agency: Giaronomo

I have yet to see Black Monday, but I’ll tell you, I am sold after watching the trailer for Season 2. It is mayhem throughout. Madness, in the best sense of the world. The trailer hits every beat. It’s shocking, funny and outrageously mimics the wild ways of the 1980s. I can’t wait to catch up on this series. Season 2 blows in March 15.