Dealing with an elderly mother in the hospital can be an overwhelming experience, compounded by the need to arrange her affairs as siblings prepare for the inevitable. Imagine the chaos when a corpse hidden in the basement of the family home complicates matters further. This bizarre scenario unfolds in a new dark comedy directed by Alex Winter, featuring Kaya Scodelario and Josh Gad as siblings attempting to navigate this unimaginable situation while keeping it from spiraling out of control.
In another gripping narrative, Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan stars as an elementary school teacher facing a unique challenge: a bully in her classroom. The plot thickens when the bully mysteriously disappears, and Ronan’s character discovers that the other students seem disturbingly unfazed by his absence. This unsettling premise is brought to life by Swedish director Jonatan Etzler, who previously impressed audiences with his innovative storytelling in 2023’s One More Time.
Acclaimed documentarian Billy Corben shifts his focus to the dramatic rise and fall of Paula Deen, a former food-TV star whose empire crumbled amid controversy. Through this lens, Corben examines the complexities of Deen's downfall in the context of today’s culture wars. As he has done in previous works, including Cocaine Cowboys, viewers are left to ponder whether Deen is portrayed sympathetically or not.
Renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh adds another feather to his cap with an intriguing art heist film featuring a legendary painter, played by Ian McKellen. The plot revolves around his new assistant, portrayed by Michaela Coel, who is enlisted by the artist's heirs to steal unfinished works, complete them posthumously, and share the profits. This film promises to blend elements of intrigue and complexity.
In a fascinating sports biopic, Sydney Sweeney steps into the role of Christy Martin, a trailblazer in women’s boxing who dominated the “Toughwoman” contests in the late 1980s and won the World Boxing Council’s welterweight championship in 2009. Directed by David Michôd, this film showcases Sweeney’s dedication to the role, with Ben Foster appearing as her manager and husband, Jim Martin.
Angelina Jolie stars in a captivating drama set in the high-stakes world of haute couture, where three women navigate their careers and personal crises. Directed by Alice Winocour, the film promises to explore the intricacies of the fashion industry, showcasing Jolie as a film director, Ella Rumpf as a make-up artist, and Anyier Anei as a budding model.
In a riveting documentary, Laura Poitras and co-director Mark Obenhaus dive into the life of journalist Seymour Hersh, known for his fearless reporting on significant historical events like My Lai and Watergate. This film offers an in-depth look at Hersh’s career, shedding light on his dedication to uncovering the truth.
Director Gus Van Sant brings to life the gripping story of Tony Kiritsis, who took a broker hostage in a shocking incident that garnered national attention in 1977. With a cast including Bill Skarsgard and Dacre Montgomery, this true-crime thriller captures the tension and drama surrounding this infamous case.
Pietro Marcello delivers a stunning biopic on Eleanora Duse, a celebrated 19th-century actor. Starring France's Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as Duse and featuring Noémie Merlant as her daughter, this film promises to delight fans of historical dramas.
In a whimsical fantasy directed by Bryan Fuller, Mads Mikkelsen plays a monster hunter who helps a young girl facing a giant monster lurking under her bed. This film blends adventure and humor, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Directors Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet return with a musical exploring the Shaker movement, featuring Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee. This ambitious project delves into the religious movement that embraced dance and song, promising a captivating cinematic experience.
This year’s festival lineup showcases a diverse array of films, from dark comedies and biopics to thrilling documentaries and innovative dramas. Audiences can look forward to engaging narratives that challenge perceptions and explore complex themes, making it a must-attend event for film lovers.
