With the upcoming Cannes Film Festival right around the corner, we’re starting to get a better idea of what can be expected. Recently, the film festival has been making news due to the rules about press screenings and films from streaming services like Netflix. But today, we’re not reporting about any controversy. According to a new report, we actually now know which film will be opening the prestigious festival.
Variety is reporting that “Everybody Knows,” the Spanish-language psychological thriller from writer-director Asghar Farhadi will have the coveted opening night slot. The film is only the second Spanish-language film to open the film festival, with “Bad Education” from filmmaker Pedro Almodovar being the first. “Everybody Knows” stars Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, and Ricardo Darin.
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“Everybody Knows” tells the story of Laura (Cruz) and her family, as they travel from Buenos Aires to Spain for a celebration. However, upon arriving in Spain, their reunion is disrupted by unexpected events that bring family secrets to light.
As Variety reports, the choice, while surprising, fits the recent trend by Cannes, which tends to favor critically-acclaimed filmmakers with an “attractive, glamorous cast.” By that criteria, it’s clear why “Everybody Knows” was chosen by Cannes boss Thierry Fremaux.
This isn’t Asghar Farhadi’s first foray at Cannes. The Oscar-winning Iranian filmmaker has previously shown two films at the festival. “The Salesman” and “The Past” were both entered into the competition. He also appeared at last year’s festival, where he went onstage during the opening ceremony and praised Cannes. Perhaps that went a long way in helping land “Everybody Knows” in that opening slot?
Bardem and Cruz are no strangers to Cannes, either. Both actors, who are also married in real life, have had numerous films shown at the film festival, with both also winning acting accolades at Cannes.
The opening of the Cannes Film Festival will happen on May 8.