Summer is almost over, so get to the beach while you can in these dwindling dog days of August. Though the season is winding down, the fall film festival circuit is just around the corner. As usual, blockbusters will move aside, for the bounty of riches of more adult fare for the aficionado of cinema and humanist dramas. But don’t worry, there’s a “Star Wars” movie and a DC Films picture on the way if you’re so inclined too. But either way, it’s time to get excited. We’ve got new pictures coming Darren Aronofsky, Dee Rees, Yorgos Lanthimos, Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Lucrecia Martel, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Abdellatif Kechiche and many, many more of our favorite filmmakers, many featuring some of our favorite actors too.
It’s almost impossible to keep track of it all which is why we’ve got you covered with our handy fall movie preview, featuring 50 films we can’t wait to see. Bookmark it, keep it handy and hell, print it out as you go from theater to theater in the months ahead in search of cinematic transcendence. Here’s what’s on the way….
“It”
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard
Synopsis: With the children of Derry, Maine vanishing, neighboring kids (the loser’s club) ban together with mutual experiences of terror via the evil shape-shifting clown Pennywise, who has been haunting and murdering the town’s youth for centuries. Expect an even greater widespread of Coulrophobia once this film is released.
What You Need to Know: Tim Curry will forever be synonymous with his bloodcurdling image as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, but 25-year-old Bill Skarsgård appears to be an appropriate successor 27 years later. His appearance is more devious and inhumane than anyone could have imagined and by what we have seen from the trailers thus far, Skarsgård’s Pennywise is a flat-out sociopath.
Release Date: September 8
“The Unknown Girl”
Cast: Adèle Haenel, Olivier Bonnaud, Jérémie Renier
Synopsis: The story of a medical doctor who sets out to find the identity of an unknown young woman who died after she was refused surgery.
What You Need To Know: There’s been talk that the Belgian, two- time previous Palme d’Or winners the Dardenne brothers’ latest is a minor work, but we agree to disagree. Adèle Haenel‘s empathetic performance is a revelation and the movie is part thriller, part traditionally humanist/unsentimental Dardenne tale and a story of moral obsession. Here’s our review from Cannes.
Release Date: September 8
“mother!”
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson
Synopsis: Little information exists in regards to the film’s plot but from what has been given, we know that a couple’s ( Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem) peaceful confines are terrorized upon the arrival of some unwelcomed guests. Expect another outing of psychological disturbance from the man behind “Black Swan” and “Requiem for a Dream.”
What You Need to Know: Known for constructing dreadful atmospheres, director Darren Aronofsky has established himself as one of the most talented filmmakers working right now, so a return to the big screen has us excited. Aronofsky casts a pool swimming with talent headlined by J-Law and Bardem, and if that does not merit enough reason to see this film, the mystery encompassing “Mother!” should. With the intent of preventing details from getting leaked at the Venice Film Festival later this month, the release date of “Mother!” was moved up from October 13th to September 15th. Although the information or lack thereof surrounding “Mother!” has caused many to scramble over what they are about to receive, a couple of obscure trailers alongside two foreboding posters suggests that audiences will witness a signature Aronofsky film brimming with anxiety and dismay.
Release Date: September 15
“Stronger”
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Clancy Brown
Synopsis: Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become a symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
What You Need To Know: There’s no doubt that a film about such a traumatic and fresh wound as the Boston Marathon bombing is walking a tightrope; there is justice to be done to the victims, to the first responders, to the city, to the nation, all while ideally not alienating a marginalized and disenfranchised population. But David Gordon Green’s “Stronger” admittedly is aiming for an easier mark than the sort of broad-scoped picture of last year’s “Patriot’s Day.” And while Green has had a terribly inconsistent studio career, he’s got a hell of a story on his hands, and with Gyllenhaal taking the lead, things are looking promising. Above all else, though, here’s to hoping they do Bauman’s story justice.
Release Date: September 22
“Woodshock”
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Joe Cole, Pilou Asbæk
Synopsis: A woman falls deeper into paranoia after taking a deadly drug.
What You Need to Know: Not much is known about this mysterious project beyond the fact of who’s starring, who’s directing and that the always reliable A24 is releasing the picture. Beyond narrative concepts, what we do have is the hazy, dreamy teaser trailer released a little while back that promised a picture that will continue to showcase that A24 is willing to take risks on interesting projects. Directed by Laura and Kate Mulleavy (both first time feature film directors) the film will be a great example of what mesmerizing and intriguing projects can be born when we bolster female voices in film.
Release Date: September 22