This year’s Cannes Film Festival promises an exhilarating lineup, featuring films from acclaimed directors like Lynne Ramsay, Ari Aster, and Spike Lee. Among the stars are Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Stewart, and Paul Mescal, each taking on intriguing roles in films that explore diverse narratives. As we gear up for this prestigious event, here are the 14 films we are most eager to watch.
Directed by Julia Ducournau, known for her boundary-pushing cinema, Alpha is set to captivate audiences once again. Ducournau, who previously won awards for her films Raw and Titane, brings us a story set in 1980s New York during the AIDS epidemic. The film stars Golshifteh Farahani, Emma Mackey, and Tahar Rahim, focusing on a troubled 13-year-old girl whose life spirals when she returns home from school with a tattoo. Described as Ducournau's “most personal and profound work,” Alpha is expected to be both challenging and deeply original.
Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. This film has been a passion project for Stewart since 2018, with Imogen Poots portraying Yuknavitch. The narrative traverses Yuknavitch's turbulent life, exploring themes of childhood, toxic relationships, and artistic triumphs. Audiences are curious to see how Stewart translates this emotionally charged memoir into a cinematic experience.
Renowned filmmaker Lynne Ramsay returns to Cannes with Die My Love, based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as a woman driven to madness by her tumultuous marriage and motherhood, the film promises a blend of thriller elements with dark humor. Ramsay's previous works have been recognized for their haunting imagery and profound narratives, and this adaptation is likely to follow suit.
Ari Aster continues to push creative boundaries with Eddington, a film that strays from his horror roots into the realm of an American contemporary Western. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, the story unfolds during May 2020, centering on a standoff between a sheriff and mayor amid pandemic-related tensions. This unique premise has sparked significant interest among festival-goers.
In his latest project, Spike Lee reinterprets Akira Kurosawa's classic High and Low into a contemporary narrative set in the music industry of New York. Starring Denzel Washington and introducing A$AP Rocky in a pivotal role, this film explores themes of success and familial ties amidst a backdrop of crime and ambition.
Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, The History of Sound is an adaptation of Ben Shattuck’s award-winning short story. Set post-World War I, this romantic tale follows two men as they record American voices and music while navigating their own love story. Directed by Oliver Hermanus, the film promises to be a poignant exploration of love and artistry.
The second installment in Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” Honey Don’t features Margaret Qualley as a private detective entangled with mystery woman Aubrey Plaza. This film continues the duo’s exploration of quirky narratives, as Qualley’s character investigates a series of strange deaths linked to a mysterious church.
Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi returns with It Was Just An Accident, a film created under challenging circumstances due to his ban from filmmaking. Known for his introspective storytelling, this secretive project promises to deliver moving narratives that reflect his unique artistic vision, even if he cannot attend its premiere.
Renowned animator Sylvain Chomet presents A Magnificent Life, focusing on the life of filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. Known for his visually striking works, Chomet’s latest film is expected to weave nostalgia and creativity, showcasing Pagnol's journey as he reflects on his youth while working for a magazine.
In The Mastermind, Kelly Reichardt explores the heist genre through her unique lens, set in 1970 Massachusetts. This film, starring Josh O’Connor and Alana Haim, delves into the art world during a time of social change, blending crime with rich character development.
Brought to life by Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme stars a star-studded cast, including Mia Threapleton and Benicio Del Toro. The film follows a wealthy businessman and his daughter, a nun, as they navigate family dynamics amidst threats from various adversaries. Anderson's signature style promises a visual treat.
Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho returns with The Secret Agent, set in Recife during the end of Brazil's military dictatorship. The film follows Marcelo, played by Wagner Moura, as he attempts to reunite with his son during Carnival. This film is anticipated to blend gripping storytelling with political commentary.
In Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier collaborates with Renate Reinsve once again. This narrative explores the complex dynamics between a filmmaker and his estranged daughters. With its mix of emotional depth and artistic ambition, the film promises to resonate with audiences.
Finally, Mascha Schilinski presents Sound of Falling, a film that intertwines the lives of four young women over a century. This unique narrative explores shared experiences across generations, offering a poignant reflection on growing up and the timelessness of certain life events.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, this year’s Cannes Film Festival is set to be a milestone for filmmakers and audiences alike. Stay tuned for updates as these films debut and create buzz within the cinematic community.
