13 Movies To See In August: 'Bullet Train,' 'Prey,' 'Funny Pages' & More

As the blockbuster season winds down, August is always an odd time for new releases. While there are still a few tentpole-style films on the radar, starting off with this week’s David Leitch-directed, star-studded “Bullet Train,” there’s plenty more to explore on the smaller scale. From prequels being quietly released on streamers to multiple festival hits making way to theatrical releases and George Miller’s return, the schedule feels particularly eclectic. 

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The lineup is light on notable streaming releases, however, despite a few exceptions here and there. While people are still talking about some of the more buzzworthy films of early summer, there’s plenty ahead that are strong driving forces to the theaters, from animated rock operas to an SXSW comedy slasher with Pete Davidson. It will be interesting to see if there will be yet another surprise indie hit to close out the summer months. 

Bullet Train
With a cast led by Brad Pitt that includes everyone from Sandra Bullock, Brian Tyree Henry, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Bad Bunny, “Bullet Train” is one of the more anticipated blockbusters of the season in large part due to the fantastic, eclectic cast. Adapted from the novel by Kōtarō Isaka, the film, directed by “Atomic Blonde” filmmaker David Leitch, follows five assassins who find themselves on a fast-moving bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka with only a few stops in between. The stakes rise as they realize that their missions are not unrelated to each other. Karen FukuharaLogan LermanHiroyuki SanadaZazie Beetz, and Andrew Koji also star. 
Release Date: August 5 in theaters via Sony Pictures.

Bodies Bodies Bodies
There are several festival films making their theatrical premiere this month, but none so as buzzed about as “Bodies Bodies Bodies” by director Halina Reijn (“Instinct”). The black comedy slasher written by Sarah DeLappe centers on a group of young and wealthy friends whose getaway to a remote family mansion descends into chaos following a murder during a party game. Our critic called it “economically shot and brilliantly cast, the film is a scathing critique of feigned friendships and the vapid excess of bored rich kids.” Rachel SennottAmandla StenbergMaria Bakalova, and Pete Davidson star. 
Release Date: August 5 in theaters via A24.

Prey
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (“10 Cloverfield Lane,”) “Prey” brings fans back into the universe of “Predator,” this time with a prequel that pre-dates events of the original franchise. Premiering as an original Hulu release, the premise follows a skilled Comanche warrior who must protect her tribe from a highly evolved alien predator that hunts humans for sport. With a screenplay by Patrick Aison, the film stars Amber MidthunderDakota BeaversMichelle Thrush, and Dane DiLiegro as the Predator. 
Release Date: August 5 to stream on Hulu.

Inu-Oh
From visionary animation director, Masaaki Yuasa comes his latest, “Inu-Oh,” which manages to blend rock operatics with folklore narratives. The film follows the titular Inu-Oh, who was born with unique physical characteristics which have led him to be ostracized by his community and forced to wear a mask. One day after meeting a boy named Tomona, a blind biwa player, he learns he has an incredible ability to dance, and the two join forces to create powerful, traditional challenging music. Based on Hideo Furukawa’s novel “Tales of the Heike: INO-OH,” the cast is led by Abu-chan and Mirai Moriyama as the main characters.
Release Date: August 12 in theaters via GKIDS.

Emily the Criminal
Aubrey Plaza continues to push herself outside of the roles wider audiences would be familiar with in “Emily the Criminal,” directed by John Patton Ford. Plaza plays the titular Emily, a woman saddled with student debt and struggling to find a job who decides to get involved in a credit card scam that pulls her into the Los Angeles criminal underworld. Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke, and Gina Gershon also star. 
Release Date: August 12 in theaters via Roadside Attractions.