West Side Story
NYT Critic’s Pick | PG-13 | Crime, Drama, Musical, Romance | Directed by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg rediscovers the breathing, troubling essence of a classic, building a bold and current screen musical with no pretense to perfection.

Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”
By A.O. SCOTT

— Of Possible Interest —

Being the Ricardos
R | Biography, Drama | Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem star as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in Aaron Sorkin’s drama about one very bad week.

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem in “Being the Ricardos.”
By MANOHLA DARGIS

Last and First Men
Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi | Directed by Jóhann Jóhannsson
Tilda Swinton narrates the bleak future of humanity in the only feature | Directed by the Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson.

A scene from “Last and First Men.”
By BEN KENIGSBERG

Encounter
R | Sci-Fi, Thriller | Directed by Michael Pearce
A volatile veteran attempts to rescue his sons from a perceived alien threat in this confused cross between sci-fi thriller and family drama.

From left, Lucian-River Chauhan, Riz Ahmed and Aditya Geddada in “Encounter.”
By JEANNETTE CATSOULIS

Back to the Outback
PG | Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family | Directed by Harry Cripps, Clare Knight
A group of reptile house critters escape from an Australian zoo in this endearing animated adventure.

From left, Doug (voiced by Keith Urban), Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin) and Doreen (Gia Carides) in “Back to the Outback.”
By NATALIA WINKELMAN