“Damsel”
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska
Synopsis: It’s the Wild West, circa 1870. Samuel Alabaster, an affluent pioneer, ventures across the American frontier to marry the love of his life, Penelope. As his group traverses the west, the once-simple journey grows treacherous, blurring the lines between hero, villain and damsel.
What You Need to Know: The Zellner Brothers created something whimsical and heartbreaking in 2014 with the debut of their film “Kumiko the Treasure Hunter”, displaying a specificity of tone that immediately had critics latching on. With “Damsel” they return – star power in tow – with a madcap “comedy,” once again establishing a tone and seeing it through. Our critic complimented the technical aspects more than the story, saying “ cinematographer Adam Stone, a longtime Jeff Nichols collaborator, beautifully captures the wide-open vistas of Oregon and Utah.”
Release Date: 6/22
“Leave No Trace”
Cast: Ben Foster, Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie
Synopsis: Will and his teenage daughter, Tom, have lived off the grid for years in the forests of Portland, Oregon. When their idyllic life is shattered, both are put into social services. After clashing with their new surroundings, Will and Tom set off on a harrowing journey back to their wild homeland.
What You Need to Know: Her first narrative feature film since the Jennifer Lawrence led “Winter’s Bone,” Debra Granik returns with a blistering and unforgettable drama centered on the lives and relationship of a father and daughter on the fringes of society. A chameleon of an actor, Ben Foster is one of the most versatile performers working today and by all accounts, he continues to impress in this film. Our critic called it “A refreshing look at humanity in general, ‘Leave No Trace‘ is a universal, unforgettable experience.”
Release Date: 6/29
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Matthew Modine,
Synopsis: In the drug war, there are no rules, and as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border, federal agent Matt Graver calls on the mysterious Alejandro, whose family was murdered by a cartel kingpin, to escalate the war in nefarious ways. Alejandro kidnaps the kingpin’s daughter to inflame the conflict–but when the girl is seen as collateral damage, her fate will come between the two men as they question everything they are fighting for.
What You Need to Know: It’s hard not to feel a great deal of frustration of whoever thought a sequel to “Sicario” was necessary, especially considering the success the first had with its seemingly self-contained story. That being said, from the trailers we’ve seen so far, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” looks to be a smart, exciting action film. Sure, it probably won’t have the same critical-acclaim of the first film, but who knows? Directed by Stefano Sollima who prior only had one feature film under his belt, it will at least be a showcase for a rising filmmaker and yet another avenue for Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin to show off their talents.
Release Date: 6/29