“Friendship”
In the Midnight Madness section and apparently channeling the cringe comedy of his popular Netflix sketch series “I Think You Should Leave,” Tim Robinson portrays a suburban dad obsessively pursuing camaraderie with his charming neighbor (Paul Rudd). But of course, the obsessive father’s desire for friendship overdoes it, and when things go south, he spirals into a personal crisis. Writer-director Andrew DeYoung (“Our Flag Means Death” and “PEN15”) and Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer co-star. – RP
“We Live in Time”
Following an unfortunate detour with 2019’s The Goldfinch” (remember that one?), John Crowley had returned to romance with his latest A24 endeavor. An original screenplay from playwright Nick Payne, “We Live in Time” follows Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) over an an eventful decade-long romance. Based on the marketing materials, this appears to be a pretty commercial play for A24, which is no doubt hoping that Crowley can generate some of his Oscar-nominated “Brooklyn” magic for the indie distributor. Audiences won’t have to wait long to see it either, as it arrives in theaters on October 11. – GE
“Shell”
Actor/director Max Minghella’s latest directorial effort is “Shell,” a dark comedy and body horror about society’s obsession with youth and good looks. The film centers on an actress (Elisabeth Moss) who challenges a beauty firm CEO (Kate Hudson) over her company’s questionable science. The robust supporting cast includes Kaia Gerber, Arian Moayed, Este Haim, Lionel Boyce, Amy Landecker, Elizabeth Berkley, Peter MacNicol, and Ziwe.
“The Assessment”
Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen go toe-to-toe in the psychological sci-fi thriller “The Assessment.” Set in a future world destroyed by climate change, the film is all about the lengths a couple will go to prove they are worthy of becoming parents in a futuristic world that is hyper-controlling of all resources. Fleur Fortuné (music videos for M83, Drake, Travis Scott, and Lykke Li) directs, and Himesh Patel co-stars. – RP
“Without Blood”
An adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s 2002 novel, “Without Blood,” centers on the survivor of a killing in post-WWII Italy and her encounter with the murderer years later. It is also the fifth narrative directorial effort from Angelina Jolie, who, disappointingly, hasn’t sat in the director’s chair since 2017’s “First They Killed My Father.” The cast is led by Salma Hayek, Demián Bichir, and Juan Minujín, and was shot by two-time Oscar nominee Seamus McGarvey. “Without Blood” also arrives on the acquisition market while another film, Jolie stars in, Pablo Larrain’s “Maria,” looks for distribution. At publication, “Without Blood” has not been selected (or potentially submitted) to any other festivals. – GE
“All of You”
Is Brett Goldstein a movie star? We’re about to find out as the “Ted Lasso” Emmy Award winner takes the lead opposite Imogen Poots in this near-future romance. Simon (Goldstein) has to navigate emotional waters after a match-making test tells Laura (Poots) that her soulmate is someone. Their relationship will deal with the ramifications of this for a lifetime. Goldstein co-wrote the screenplay with William Bridges, who is making his feature directorial debut. Bridges created the TV series “Soulmates” and has written for “Black Mirror” and “Stranger Things.” – GE