“Relay”
Scottish filmmaker David Mackenzie’s been directing films since 2002, but ever since 2013’s crackling “Starred-Up,” which led to the Academy Award-nominated “Hell Of High Water,” he’s been on an incredible tear of modern genre classics. His latest is a thriller starring Lily James, Riz Ahmed, and Sam Worthington and centers on a secretive “fixer” who brokers payoffs on behalf of corrupt corporations and the female client who may need his protection. – RP
“Hard Truths”
Mike Leigh’s first film in six years due to delays caused by the COVID pandemic, “Hard Truths” centers on Pansey (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a blue-collar Brit whose overriding anger over her circumstances has alienated almost everyone around her. The only person who brings her any comfort or joy? Her sister Chantelle (Michele Austin). The film is Leigh and Jean-Baptiste’s first collaboration since 1996’s “Secrets & Lies,” which earned the latter a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination. A Bleeker Street release in the U.S., “Hard Truths” is also screening at the San Sebastian and New York Film Festivals. – Gregory Ellwood
“Nutcrackers”
The official Opening Night film, “Nutcrackers,” is the first non-horror film David Gordon Green has made since 2017’s drama “Stronger.” This particular comedy-drama finds Ben Stiller portraying Mike, a workaholic who heads to Ohio, where his recently orphaned nephews need someone to look after them. Quizically, this is Stiller’s first leading role since Noah Baumbach’s 2017 drama “The Meyerowitz Stories.” Rounding out the cast of this acquisition title are Linda Cardellini, Tim Heidecker, and Toby Huss. “Nutcrackers” is not scheduled to screen at other upcoming festivals. Read into that what you will. – GE
“The Last Showgirl”
Gia Coppola’s third directorial effort following 2013’s “Palo Alto” and 2020’s “Mainstream” is also a rare leading role for none other than Pamela Anderson. Set in Las Vegas, the movie’s logline follows a veteran showgirl, Shelley (Anderson), after her show unexpectedly closes. Shelley has worked in the business for thirty years and now must figure out how to move on with her life when her opportunity to perform comes to an end. Coppola has recruited a noteworthy cast alongside the pop culture icon including Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd. The drama features an original score from Andrew Wyatt and is premiering in Toronto, hoping to land a distributor. – GE
“The Return”
Director Uberto Pasolini’s adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey reunites “The English Patient” stars Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche for a classical-style Greek epic. The film picks up as Odysseus (Fiennes) washes onto the shores of Ithaca, 20 years since he left his kingdom to fight in the Trojan War, just as his faithful wife (Binoche) is pressured by unruly suitors to take one of them as the new king. Meanwhile, their son (Charlie Plummer) has lost faith in his father. – RP