Tilda Swinton confronts themes of life and death, while Saoirse Ronan traverses the chaotic streets of wartime London, and director Pablo Larraín captures the bittersweet final days of a legendary diva. These are just a few highlights from this year’s must-see films.
In a compelling new collaboration, renowned Korean director Hong Sang-soo reunites with French actress Isabelle Huppert for their third film together. Following their previous works, “In Another Country” and “Claire’s Camera,” this untitled project presents another of their clever, elusive vignettes. Huppert takes on the role of a French teacher in Seoul, who confounds her students—and the audience—by grappling with questions of her own identity and purpose.
“Joy” unfolds the inspiring story of Louise Brown, the first test tube baby born in 1978. Bill Nighy portrays pioneering obstetrician Patrick Steptoe, with James Norton as physiologist Robert Edwards and Thomasin McKenzie as embryologist Jean Purdy. Together, this remarkable trio faces skepticism and criticism before ultimately being celebrated for their revolutionary contributions to science.
In “Maria,” Angelina Jolie steps into the shoes of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas during her retirement in 1970s Paris. With a screenplay by Steven Knight and direction from Pablo Larraín, this film concludes a trilogy that explores complex female figures, following Natalie Portman’s performance as Jackie Kennedy and Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Princess Diana.
“All We Imagine As Light” offers an emotional drama from Indian director Payal Kapadia, echoing the spirit of Satyajit Ray’s storytelling. The film follows three nurses hailing from small towns as they confront life’s challenges in Mumbai, navigating generational and sexual tensions while pursuing their dreams of love and happiness.
Acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh presents a raw exploration of depression in “Hard Truths,” reuniting with the exceptional Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Jean-Baptiste delivers a compelling performance as Pansy, whose inner turmoil manifests as anger and dark humor against the backdrop of her sister’s unwavering optimism.
Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili immerses audiences in “April,” a gripping tale centered on obstetrician Nina, who faces harsh scrutiny after a tragic delivery. Known for performing clandestine abortions, Nina must navigate the implications of her decisions while confronting her personal grief and sexual dysfunction in a haunting environment.
At 75, Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar received the Venice Golden Lion for “The Room Next Door,” his first feature in English. The intricate narrative follows a celebrated war correspondent (Tilda Swinton) as she reconnects with an old friend (Julianne Moore) during a crisis, delving into how their shared past may foster a deeper bond.
“On Falling,” directed by Portuguese filmmaker Laura Carreira, highlights the human toll of the online retail revolution. The story revolves around Aurora, a young woman working in a fulfillment center, as she descends into despair while contending with the pressures of rapid consumerism.
Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” the festival’s opening gala, offers a fresh take on the London Blitz narrative. Saoirse Ronan stars as a mother searching for her missing son amid the chaos of the city. This film promises to enrich our understanding of that tumultuous era and the personal stories woven throughout.
In “Vermiglio,” Maura Delpero artfully presents a deeply moving story set in a remote Italian village shortly after World War II. The film centers on a schoolteacher’s eldest daughter who discovers love with a renegade seeking refuge in their community, all while peeling back layers of hidden family secrets.
Visual poet RaMell Ross mesmerizes with “Nickel Boys,” a stunning adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film delves into the lives of two teenagers—Elwood and Turner—as they navigate a notorious reform school in ’60s Florida, a place marked by abuse and fraught with the intertwining of their fates.
Lastly, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” directed by Zambian-Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni, transports viewers to a surreal realm. The narrative follows a woman in an otherworldly sci-fi costume who pulls over to investigate a body on the roadside, leading to a poignant exploration of the rituals families create to cope with their painful pasts.