40. “The Front Room”
Filmmaking apparently runs in the family, “The Front Room” is the directorial debut of Max and Sam Eggers, the younger siblings of Robert Eggers’ (“The Northman”). From A24, the psychological horror centers on a young, newly pregnant couple forced to take in a stepmother who has been long-estranged from their family. Brandy Norwood (“Brandy”) stars along with Kathryn Hunter, Andrew Burnap, and Neal Huff.
Release Date: TBD, but it sounds like a festival debut.
39. “A Different Man”
After undergoing facial reconstructive surgery, a man becomes fixated on an actor in a stage production based on his former life. Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Owen Kline star alongside Adam Pearson from “Under the Skin.” Aaron Schimberg, known for “Chained for Life” (2018) and “Go Down Death” (2013), writes and directs.
Release Date: TBD, but shot in 2022, so should be ready for Sundance, SXSW, or any indie festival.
38. “Drive Away Dolls”
So the Coen brothers have “broken up,” but the upshot is two more chances at genius every three/four years. A road trip crime caper directed by Ethan Coen and co-written by his editor, producer, and spouse, Tricia Cooke, the terrific cast stars Margaret Qualley, Beanie Feldstein, and Geraldine Viswanathan, plus starry supporting players like Colman Domingo, Matt Damon. Pedro Pascal and Bill Camp.
Release Date: Originally fall 2023, now it’s set for February 23, 2024, via Focus Features.
37. “The End”
Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The Act of Killing” is a modern masterpiece, and his long-awaited latest, an apocalyptic musical starring Tilda Swinton, about the last human family left on earth sounds incredible. What’s more, it finally shot. The film co-stars George MacKay, Moses Ingram, Michael Shannon, Bronagh Gallagher, Tim McInnerny, and Lennie James.
Release Date: TBD, via NEON, but maybe Cannes?
36. “Emmanuelle”
Remember the 1970s soft-core erotic film “Emmanuelle” and the franchise of sequels it begat? Probably not, but a modern erotic drama remake is the English-language debut of celebrated filmmaker Audrey Diwan, who made a big splash with 2021’s Golden Lion winner “Happening.” Noémie Merlant stars (replacing Lea Seydoux), Neon scored U.S. rights, and filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski (“Grand Central”) is one of the co-writers.
Release Date: TBD, but considering all the French creators involved, Cannes feels like a good bet.
35. “Babes”
With FX’s comedy series “Better Things” all wrapped up—five seasons of which she directed almost entirely by herself—writer/director/actor/comedian Pamela Adlon makes her feature-length directing debut starring Ilana Glazer and Hasan Minhaj. The comedy centers on a woman who becomes pregnant from a one-night stand and leans on her married best friend and mother of two, (Michelle Buteau), to help guide her through it all. Oliver Platt, Sandra Bernhard, John Caroll Lynch, and more co-star.
Release Date: TBD, but Neon bought the finished picture earlier this year.
34. “Alien: Romulus”
Ridley Scott finally lets up some control of the “Alien” franchise following the underwhelming performance of “Alien: Covenant.” Horror filmmaker Fede Álvarez (“Don’t Breathe”) takes over for what is called an unconnected stand-alone installment and a new cast that includes Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
Release Date: August 16, 2024, via 20th Century Studios.
33. “The Shrouds”
It seemed as though David Cronenberg might retire there for a minute, but after the comeback of “Crimes of the Future,” his first feature in eight years, the Canadian body horror filmmaker has recaught the bug to make films again (thank god). Described as his most personal film (which may have to do with the plot’s tentative connection to his recently deceased wife), the film centers on an innovative businessman and grieving widower who build a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud. Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, Vincent Cassel, and Sandrine Holt star.
Release Date: TBD, but filming wrapped May 2023, so it could be a Cannes or fall premiere.
32. “Challengers”
A mini-series (‘We Are Who We Are“), several shorts, and two films released in 2022 (a doc and “Bones and All”), Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino has been working at a fast clip lately. His latest is a twist, a romantic sports comedy set in the world of tennis where old friends reignite old rivalries on and off the court. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist, and Heidi Garza star.
Release Date: April 26, 2024, via United Artists Releasing.
31. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”
Filmmaker Adam Wingard returns to Legendary’s Monsterverse with many of the “Godzilla vs. Kong” cast, including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. Joining the cast are Dan Stevens, Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House. Not much is known other than it’s Godzilla and Kong vs. a new threat to mankind. Screenwriters include ‘Pirates’ franchise writer Terry Rossio and Wingard’s creative partner Simon Barrett.
Release Date: April 12, 2024