Fall festival season is upon us, meaning that awards season is about to officially begin. The Venice Film Festival is up first, with its 82nd edition running August 27th through September 6th. Cody Dericks and Josh Parham will be attending the festival, which as always boasts a line-up full of established auteurs and exciting new filmmaking voices. While there are many films we’re looking forward to seeing, along with inevitable surprise hits, Cody and Josh each spotlighted ten films premiering at this ear’s Venice Film Festival that they’re most excited for.
“After the Hunt”
PLOT: A college professor finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
DIRECTOR: Luca Guadagnino
WRITER: Nora Garrett
CAST: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg & Chloë Sevigny
SECTION: Out of Competition – Fiction
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Without a doubt, this is one of the buzziest titles at Venice and one of the most anticipated films of the year. Luca Guadagnino has been on a hot streak for the past decade-plus and here he’s assembled a cast of the hottest contemporary stars, including Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield. Not to mention, any time Julia Roberts is on the big screen, it’s an event. She’s very selective of the films she makes at this point in her career, and her choosing to work on this project serves as its own intriguing stamp of approval. This is sure to be an awards contender.
– Cody
“Bugonia”
PLOT: Two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnap the CEO of a major company when they become convinced that she’s an alien who wants to destroy Earth.
DIRECTOR: Yorgos Lanthimos
WRITER: Jang Joon-hwan
CAST: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias & Alicia Silverstone
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Sounds like a totally normal movie, right? If there’s any director-actor pairing that can be trusted to make odd material work, it’s Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone. Ever since their first collaboration with the triumphant “The Favourite,” they’ve clearly found an artistically harmonious relationship in each other, peaking with “Poor Things” which won Stone a second Best Actress Oscar. Also along for the ride is her “Kinds of Kindness” co-star Jesse Plemons (not to mention a reunion between Lanthimos and Alicia Silverstone, who had a small part in his film “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”).
– Cody
“Dead Man’s Wire”
PLOT: On February 8, 1977, Tony Kiritsis, entered the office of Richard Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-off shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s own neck.
DIRECTOR: Gus Van Sant
WRITER: Austin Kolodney
CAST: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la & Al Pacino
SECTION: Out of Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Gus Van Sant hasn’t exactly been making zeitgeist-grabbing films lately, with his greatest recent successes coming from his television work (“When We Rise,” “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”). But based on the logline alone, this looks to be his most promising film in years. It looks even more exciting when you take into account that stellar cast full of major current day stars. And the presence of Al Pacino looks like a canny piece of casting; after all, this sounds like the type of film he would’ve starred in in the 70s.
– Cody
“En El Camino”
PLOT: A drifter who sleeps with truckers meets a reserved driver and joins him hauling freight across northern Mexico. As they grow closer on the road, the drifter’s past threatens them both.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: David Pablos
CAST: Osvaldo Sanchez & Viktor Prieto Simental
SECTION: Horizons
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: The beauty of a film festival is that it can offer a spotlight to some works that don’t have the highest of profiles heading in but make for the great opportunity for discovery. Often, the anticipation of these titles come from the cast and crew that’s involved. In the case of “En El Camino,” that element is director David Pablos. His last feature film was “Dance of the 41,” a period piece set in Mexico that examines a secret society of gay men who existed within the upperclass. That was a particularly strong effort, making any follow-up to be one that’s quite anticipated. This film may not have the notoriety of some of the bigger titles, lacking the traditional star power in this festival, but it’s no less worthy of seeking out.
– Josh
“Father Mother Sister Brother”
PLOT: Estranged siblings reunite after years apart, forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their emotionally distant parents
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Jim Jarmusch
CAST: Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Indya Moore & Luka Sabbat
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Rumor had it that the new Jim Jarmusch film had initially been planned to screen at the Cannes earlier this year, and its absence from that lineup was noted. Now that it’s officially in the lineup for Venice, the level of anticipation hasn’t receded at all. Jarmusch was one of the most intriguing voices that burst onto the indie film scene back in the 1980s, and this supposed anthology yarn presents yet another fascinating analysis into multiple characters to explore. With a stellar cast that includes the likes of Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Vicky Kriepes, Charlotte Rampling, and Tom Waits (because of course Tom Waits would be here), there’s a fascinating mix to watch unfold from a respected auteur.
– Josh
“Frankenstein”
PLOT: A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Guillermo del Toro
CAST: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth & Christoph Waltz
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: There’s no doubt that Guillermo del Toro is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today, so whenever he has a new project announced, we wait with eager anticipation. Considering the many that he’s attached to that have been long in development, it feels like a small miracle whenever one does finally make it onto screens. He’s already shown once before how he can bring new life into an old classic with “Pinocchio” and there’s no doubt his unique take on the Mary Shelley story will be just as creative and inventive. With top notch crafts on display and a stellar cast featuring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz only makes one intrigued even more to see what this master of the macabre has in store.
– Josh
“Ghost Elephants”
PLOT: Follows a mysterious herd of ghost elephants in the jungles of Angola.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Werner Herzog
SECTION: Out of Competition – Non-Fiction
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: No no, this isn’t a supernatural documentary. Famed filmmaker Werner Herzog’s new film looks into a community of elephants so isolated and rarely seen by humans that they’ve earned their spectral nickname. Herzog’s famous narration is sure to be a highlight (and admittedly, elephants are my favorite animal, which may be a major contributing factor to my excitement). Herzog will also be receiving a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, so this year’s festival truly looks to be a celebration of one of the masters of the form.
– Cody
“La Grazia”
PLOT: Follows the final days of a fictional Italian Presidency.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Paolo Sorrentino
CAST: Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti & Orlando Cinque
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Paolo Sorrentino is another filmmaker whose previous work found Oscar success, with him winning the Best Foreign Language Film prize for “The Great Beauty” and putting a major spotlight on his work. The celebrations continued with “The Hand of God,” another appreciation of the gorgeous aesthetics mixed with character examinations yearning for an expressive, vibrant life. It’s a quality that was a misfire when it came to “Parthenope,” but maybe this time luck will be on his side, which could be tackling a prescient political environment that makes it stand out in our modern era. Italy has had quite a few strong submissions for the International Feature category as of late, and this might be another one that gets them back into the final five.
– Josh
“A House of Dynamite”
PLOT: Centered on White House staffers grappling with an impending missile strike on America, this gripping drama unfolds in real-time as tensions escalate.
DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow
WRITER: Noah Oppenheim
CAST: Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee & Jason Clarke
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: It’s hard to believe that Kathryn Bigelow has not had a new film released in almost a decade. It’s been eight long years since “Detroit,” but we finally have the return of this legendary Oscar winner. All eyes will be on how she operates a tone that’s sure to skirt the line of politics while also still being a captivating venture of tension and intrigue. Rumblings are that Rebecca Ferguson delivers the standout performance in an already impressively packed ensemble, which makes us even more invested in what this outcome might be. There’s a lot of different directions this could go, but all avenues are wholly fascinating.
– Josh
“Jay Kelly”
PLOT: Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey. Both are forced to confront choices they’ve made, their relationships with loved ones and the legacies they’ll leave behind.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Noah Baumbach
WRITER: Emily Mortimer
CAST: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer, Nicôle Lecky, Thaddea Graham & Isla Fisher
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: There’s no question that this is one of the upcoming award season’s heavy hitters. Noah Baumbah has enjoyed Oscar attention in the past, with “Marriage Story” nabbing him Best Picture and Original Screenplay nominations. May this finally be his ticket to glory? It’s hard not to speculate as such with an insidery premise that will get the attention of the industry. Baumbach isn’t the only one with the narrative either. George Clooney may have his own hardware, but his leading man status has been stalled lately, and this looks to be a role to bring him back in those good graces. Also, will we be saying “Academy Award Nominee Adam Sandler” in a few months time? A lot of possibilities for one of the most anticipated titles to crash into the awards race.
– Josh
“Megadoc”
PLOT: A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.”
DIRECTOR: Mike Figgis
SECTION: Classics
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: When Francis Ford Coppola debuted “Megalopolis” last year, the world was left confused and bewildered. And that came from both its champions and detractors. It’s a confounding movie, which is why any peek behind the curtain of what it took to bring this creation to the screen is incredibly fascinating. Mike Figgis offers a glimpse into Coppola’s process, and perhaps we will get a better understanding of the monumental undertaking that was necessary to create this film. It’s doubtful that any of this will change one’s opinions of that film overall, but it might provide a greater context to at least appreciate what went into manifesting this crazed vision. It’s exciting to see what secrets may be revealed.
– Josh
“Motor City”
PLOT: In 1970s Detroit, Miller falls in love with a local gangster’s girl. In retaliation, the gangster enacts a frame job to send the innocent man to prison. His life ruined, Miller plots a revenge campaign against the man who took his girl away.
DIRECTOR: Potsy Ponciroli
WRITER: Chad St. John
CAST: Shailene Woodley, Alan Ritchson, Ben Foster, Amar Chadha-Patel, Ben McKenzie & Lionel Boyce
SECTION: Spotlight
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Director Potsy Ponciroli’s Western “Old Henry” was one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 Venice Film Festival. His return to the Biennale explores a different kind of lawless world – 1970s organized crime. It sounds like exactly the kind of intense film that the always-good Ben Foster excels in, especially when surrounded by a talented cast like this one.
– Cody
“No Other Choice”
PLOT: After being unemployed for several years, a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Park Chan-wook
WRITERS: Don McKellar, Lee Kyoung-mi & Lee Ja-hye
CAST: Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran & Cha Seung-won
SECTION: Competion
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Park Chan-wook doesn’t just make great films; he consistently directs masterpieces. His most recent film – the excellent “Decision to Leave” – was egregiously snubbed by the Academy, and his previous output of fantastic films (“The Handmaiden,” “Thirst,” “Oldboy”) indicates that this should be just as good as his work always is (it’s my number one most anticipated film of the festival). However, Park’s recent expulsion from the WGA may prove to be a speed bump in the way of the film’s awards chances.
– Cody
“Orphan”
PLOT: A young boy after the Hungarian uprising of 1956, raised by his mother with the tale of an idealized dead father, is confronted with a brutish man who claims to be his real father.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: László Nemes
WRITER: Carla Royer
CAST: Bojtorján Barabas, Grégory Gadebois & Andrea Waskovics
SECTION: Competition
Why We’re Excited: When László Nemes debuted “Son of Saul” a decade ago, it was heralded as a significant work that ended up taking home the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Since then, his career has yet to have achieved any kind of highlight as he did before. But “Orphan” presents another opportunity for him to perhaps reclaim that former glory. There’s no guarantee that fortune will strike again, especially given his recent output, but there’s a chance this could be one of the International Feature contenders to watch out for. Having already won the category before, he’s on the radar to perhaps do it again.
– Josh
“Rose of Nevada”
PLOT: A mysterious boat returns to a village 30 years after vanishing. Two men join its crew hoping for better fortune. After one voyage, they find themselves transported back in time, mistaken for the original crew.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Mark Jenkin
CAST: George McKay & Callum Turner
SECTION: Horizons
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Sometimes, a film can sell you just by the premise. This tale of two men who embark on a voyage aboard a missing ship only to be transported through time is already an engrossing concept. When you add George McKay and Callum Turner also starring as the leads, interest can only climb from there. It’s unclear what one might be present here, since director Mark Jenkins’s last film was the heavily experimental “Enys Men,” but with word that the film is shot on 16mm, the visual aesthetics are already promising to be a unique presentation.
– Josh
“Scarlet”
PLOT: A murdered princess awakens in a realm between life and death. Racing against time in a world of chaos, she must defeat her father’s killer and reach a mythical sanctuary before her soul vanishes forever.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Mamoru Hosoda
SECTION: Out of Competition – Fiction
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Animation director Mamoru Hosoda is perhaps best known for his films “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” “The Boy and the Beast,” and the Oscar-nominated “Mirai.” Based on the plot description, his newest film “Scarlet” sounds, frankly, rad as hell. Hosoda’s trademark gorgeous hand-drawn animation will surely yield some stunning screen images.
– Cody
“The Smashing Machine”
PLOT: The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Benny Safdie
CAST: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten & Oleksandr Usyk
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Since the Safdie Brothers infamously split and set off on their own, it’s been announced that both siblings would each be releasing their own films this year. Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, will open later this year, while Benny’s “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, will be premiering at Venice. It’ll be fascinating to see how the artistic results of this schism are received by critics and audiences. With “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson returns (in a way) to his wrestling roots with this biopic, which just may see him as a serious awards contender for the first time in his highly profitable career.
– Cody
“The Stranger”
PLOT: In 1930s Algeria, apathetic Frenchman Meursault shows total indifference to life. His emotional detachment leads to a murder, followed by a trial that scrutinizes both the crime and his character.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: François Ozon
CAST: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Swann Arlaud & Denis Lavant
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: There are three things in life that are true: death, taxes, and a new François Ozon film coming out. Few directors seem to work as consistently as him, as he finds the time to constantly produce a new movie on a yearly basis. This one is a period piece that concerns a murder plot and courtroom drama, a premise that immediately causes one to lean in with intrigue. Among the cast are Swann Arlaud (“Anatony of a Fall”), the incredible Denis Levant, and Benjamin Voisin, who recently collaborated with Ozon on the beguiling “Summer of 85.” Whenever a director commits to making one movie a year, the output will not always be regularly strong. But such dedication is admirable, considering the time-consuming lengths that are required to mount every production, so the stamina alone is commendable. The final results will still be an interesting showcase.
– Josh
“The Testament of Ann Lee”
PLOT: Ann Lee was the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers. The film depicts her establishment of a utopian society and the Shakers’ worship through song and dance, based on real events.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Mona Fastvold
WRITER: Brady Corbet
CAST: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Jamie Bogyo, Viola Prettejohn & David Cale
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: If that writer-director pair sounds familiar, that’s because the filmmaking-and-romantic duo recently collaborated on “The Brutalist.” With “The Testament of Ann Lee,” Fastvold is the one stepping into the directing role. The film sounds like a fascinating historic retelling starring Amanda Seyfried. Oh, and it’s a musical! It’ll be interesting to see Seyfried potentially face off against another musical performance from Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked: For Good”) in this year’s Best Actress race.
– Cody
“The Wizard of the Kremlin”
PLOT: A young Russian filmmaker becomes an unlikely advisor to Vladimir Putin as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia, navigating the new era’s complexities and chaos.
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Olivier Assayas
WRITER: Emmanuel Carrère
CAST: Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge & Jeffrey Wright
SECTION: Competition
WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Olivier Assayas has always been a bold director, as shown in his films like “Clouds of Sils Maria” and his masterpiece “Personal Shopper.” With his latest, he looks to tackle a very thorny subject – the rise of Russia’s dictatorial leader Vladimir Putin. Playing the madman-in-chief himself is Jude Law, bedecked in prosthetic makeup.
– Cody
What are you most looking forward to watching from the 2025 Venice Film Festival? Please let us know in the comments below or on Next Best Picture’s X account, and be sure to follow Cody Dericks and Josh Parham as they cover the festival for you in just a few days.
