THERE WILL BE BLOOD

The setting is the turn-of-the-century California oil boom. Daniel Plainview, played in an Oscar-nominated performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, is a wildcatter from Wisconsin who learns of a huge California prospect with oil literally bubbling up from the ground. It must be his, and neither ethics nor the power of Standard Oil can stand in his way.

THE WALKER

A contemporary drama set in Washington, DC, The Walker centers around Carter Page (Woody Harrelson), a well-heeled and popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion, and card partner to some of the capital's leading ladies. These pampered women are married to the most powerful men in America, and when their husbands are too busy running the country to attend to their wives, the wives turn to their "gay best friend," Carter, for warmth, wit, and wisdom. Carter's loyalty is tested when his dearest friend (Kristin Scott Thomas) finds herself on the brink of a scandal that could destroy her reputation and her husband's career.

ATONEMENT

In 1935, beautiful young Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and her 13-year-old sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) live a life of wealth and privilege. Robbie (James McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Cecilia and hopes it will only take one spark for their relationship to combust. When it does, Briony—who has a crush on Robbie—is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. With Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever.

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD

A slick suspense thriller from the assured hand of master thriller director Sidney Lumet (Serpico, Prince of the City, Dog Day Afternoon). “This is a movie, I promise you, that grabs you and won't let you think of anything else,” says Roger Ebert.