New Films Arriving in Ukrainian Cinemas
On July 2, 2026, three highly anticipated films will debut in Ukraine: the crime actioner "Normal" (USA, Canada), the Danish-Norwegian drama "Dangerous Resort," and the American-Canadian horror flick "Ouija Board." Directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad, "Normal" had its world premiere in September 2025. "Dangerous Resort" won the top prize at the Gothenburg Film Festival, while "Ouija Board" marks Chuck Russell's first horror film in nearly three decades. These releases highlight a diverse slate of genres for Ukrainian audiences, from intense action to psychological thrills.
Film Breakdown
The crime action film "Normal" was produced in the United States and Canada. Ben Wheatley directed it, with a script by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the "John Wick" franchise. The cast features:
- Bob Odenkirk
- Lena Headey
- Henry Winkler
- Billy MacLellan
- Ryan Allen
- Brendan Fletcher
- Jess McLeod
- Summer H. Howell
The plot follows Ulysses, a temporary sheriff who arrives in the town of Normal, Minnesota, which is entangled in a yakuza criminal scheme. Kolstad wrote the script for "Normal" before working on the film "Nobody," and the final version was presented at the European Film Market during the 2024 Berlinale. Filming kicked off in October 2024 in Winnipeg, Canada. Composer Harry Gregson-Williams, known for scores in "Gladiator," "The Martian," and "Shrek," handled the music, while Armando Salas served as cinematographer. The world premiere took place in the Midnight Madness program at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.
The drama "Dangerous Resort" is a Danish-Norwegian co-production directed by Maria Sødahl, who also helmed the film "Hope." Its cast includes:
- Danica Curcic
- Esben Smed
- Aziz Capkurt
- Claes Ljungmark
The story centers on a Danish family vacationing in the Canary Islands, where their car accidentally hits an Afghan refugee named Ahmad. Produced by Nordisk Film Production A/S with Norwegian co-producer Eye Eye Pictures, the film features cinematography by Jon Erling Holmenes Fredriksen and a score by composer Martin Juel Dirkov. "Dangerous Resort" earned the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the Gothenburg Film Festival, a prize worth 400,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $19,000).
The mystical horror film "Ouija Board" was shot in the United States. Director Chuck Russell, known for "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3," "The Blob," "The Mask," and "Eraser," leads this project. The main cast includes:
- Madison Iseman
- Jamie Campbell Bower
- Aaron Dominguez
- Antonia Desplat
- Charlie Tahan
- Melania Jarnson
- David La Haye
- Dakota Jamal Wellman
The plot follows Emily, who discovers a 17th-century witch's pendulum board in New Orleans. Filming took place from April to June 2023 in Montreal and New Orleans, with a budget of $15 million. This movie is a modern reimagining of the original 1986 "Ouija Board." Russell has remarked that "Jamie's time has come."
In summary, Ukrainian viewers will have the chance to explore a range of genres and compelling narratives as these films hit big screens in summer 2026. Amid growing global competition in the film industry, these releases could become key events for Ukraine's cinema market and help foster local cinematic culture.
As the summer unfolds, Ukrainian cinemas are not only welcoming these three exciting premieres but also reflecting a broader trend in recent film releases. For instance, just a month prior, audiences enjoyed a diverse selection of five new films on June 4, showcasing the growing variety available in local theaters. To explore more about these earlier releases, check out how they enriched the cinematic landscape in Ukraine with their unique storytelling and genres.