The Venice Film Festival is set to commence the fall festival season on Wednesday, marking a significant transition into the awards season. While the Cannes Film Festival has emerged as the primary launchpad for awards season, many studios are strategically revealing their upcoming films during this time. Notable talents such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Idris Elba, Jacob Elordi, Cate Blanchett, Emily Blunt, and others will unveil their latest works on the iconic Lido.
This year’s festival is anticipated to be particularly politically charged, with protests scheduled in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Documentaries and films addressing this topic, along with the Russia-Ukraine situation and biopics on figures like Vladimir Putin and Mother Teresa, will also be showcased. As the festival kicks off, we spotlight five burning questions that are generating buzz among film enthusiasts and critics alike.
After a relatively subdued presence at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, Netflix is making a grand return with an exciting lineup that includes George Clooney's "Jay Kelly," Kathryn Bigelow's "A House of Dynamite," and Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." These films are expected to make significant waves as they promise to bring star power and compelling narratives to the forefront.
Among these, "Frankenstein" is being touted as a visually stunning spectacle, potentially elevating Jacob Elordi's career to new heights. Clooney’s portrayal of a famous movie star grappling with life choices could resonate well with audiences, especially given Hollywood's penchant for self-reflective narratives. Additionally, Bigelow’s ensemble piece, which centers on an impending missile strike on America, is expected to deliver her signature robust direction.
A24 is taking bold steps this festival season with their high-budget films "The Smashing Machine" and the December release "Marty Supreme." Both projects represent significant financial investments for the indie studio, each exceeding $70 million. Known for its unique storytelling, A24 is venturing into the realm of big-budget prestige dramas that traditional studios have largely abandoned.
Early buzz suggests that Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson deliver exceptional performances in "The Smashing Machine," with festival chief Alberto Barbera describing them as “fantastic.” Additionally, there are strong indicators that Jesse Plemons in "Bugonia" and Julia Roberts in "After the Hunt" are also garnering attention for their performances. As A24 continues to evolve, the success of these films could redefine its position in the industry.
The filmmaking duo of Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet returns to the Venice Film Festival with their latest project, "The Testament of Ann Lee," following the acclaim of their previous film "The Brutalist." This new drama stars Amanda Seyfried as the founder of the Shaker Movement, a character revered by her followers. With Fastvold directing and Corbet co-writing, there is substantial anticipation surrounding this collaboration.
Positive reactions have already emerged regarding the film’s drama and its score, composed by Daniel Blumberg, who previously won an Oscar for his work on "The Brutalist." If "The Testament of Ann Lee" resonates with audiences and critics alike, it could further cement Fastvold and Corbet as prominent figures in contemporary cinema.
One of the most emotionally charged films at the festival is "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which depicts the tragic events surrounding the death of 6-year-old Hind Rajab and her family during the Gaza conflict. This film has garnered support from A-list figures such as Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Alfonso Cuarón, which could help amplify its visibility.
Despite the challenges faced by Palestinian-themed films in the U.S. market, the Academy has shown a willingness to recognize politically charged narratives, as evidenced by the success of "No Other Land" at this year’s Oscars. As such, there is hope that "The Voice of Hind Rajab" might find a U.S. distributor willing to take a chance on its powerful story.
Pop icon Charli XCX has recently become a hot topic in casting discussions, with several film projects set to debut soon. Her role in "100 Nights of Hero," which premieres on the Lido, marks a significant step in her transition from music to acting. Other upcoming films featuring the star include "Sacrifice," "The Gallerist," and "I Want Your Sex."
While her role in "100 Nights of Hero" is reportedly small, her growing list of acting credits could position her alongside other successful pop-to-screen transitions, such as Lady Gaga’s acclaimed performance in "A Star Is Born." As her film career unfolds, audiences will be eager to see if she can make a lasting impact in the world of cinema.
