To get a sense of the quality of films on the docket for June, look to the opening weekend. Between “Past Lives” and “Across the Spider-Verse,” there are two genuinely terrific films that couldn’t be more different. It’s a mix of boundary-pushing blockbuster fun and intimate stories destined to make you weep.
Later in the month, there’s a quirky biopic that looks to break the mold, plenty of additions to well-established franchises from “Transformers” to “Indiana Jones,” indie festival favorites, and a long-awaited animated film based on a queer graphic novel favorite.
“Past Lives”
Celine Song’s debut feature starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, “Past Lives,” has made waves since premiering at this year’s Sundance. A story of missed opportunities and the trials of maintaining relationships that spans decades and continents. Our critic calls the film “bittersweet” and “stunning,” writing, “…’ Past Lives’ shows that living in what-ifs is not good. Instead, it’s important to be grateful for our time with people, even if it’s not forever.”
Release Date: In theaters now via A24.
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
As big and bold as its predecessor, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” the first of a two-part story, is a joyous, vibrant, summer blockbuster. Shameik Moore returns as Miles Morales alongside Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Oscar Isaac, and more. Our critic praised the film, writing, “…the filmmakers should take pride in what they’ve achieved, how they’ve earned it, the story they’ve told, and the impeccable, thrilling animation craft that’s collaged, fragmented, and leaps off the screen into your eyeballs.” The film just opened to $120 million+ this weekend domestically, besting even “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3,” for its opening weekend bow.
Release Date: In theaters now via Sony Pictures Releasing.
“Lynch/Oz”
“78/52” director Alexandre O. Philippe digs deep into David Lynch’s career in his latest documentary, “Lynch/Oz.” The film documents Lynch’s obsession with “The Wizard of Oz” and how the classic film has influenced many of his works. Our review from the film premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival praises the film’s insights, writing, “There’s a howling enigma at the heart of both subjects, an alien and disquieting core that the film’s unseen talking heads comprehend all too well, but can’t hope to access themselves.”
Release Date: In theaters June 2 via Exhibit A Pictures.
“Blue Jean”
Directed by debut feature filmmaker Georgia Oakley, “Blue Jean” impressed critics when first shown in 2022 at the Venice Film Festival. Our critic praised the film, writing, “The granular quality imbued in the setting of ‘Blue Jean’ is among the feature’s most generous assets: one would presume that it was made with a budget of peanuts, pocket lint, and string, but god, this is as transportive as it gets, each and every scene emanating ‘80s realism.” The film stars Rosy McEwen as the film’s protagonist, a closeted PE teacher living in 1988 Britain.
Release Date: In theaters June 9 via Altitude Film.