From biopics and comedies to slasher films and twisty true crime documentaries, here are the releases that deserve your attention right now.
Elvis
Think Baz Luhrmann’s glorious visuals in the ultimate cinematic musical wonderland. Elvis is an absolute spectacle: elaborate sets, lavish costumes, a star-studded cast and a soundtrack that will have you singing along. Clocking in at three hours, Austin Butler commands the stage as Elvis Presley—one of the most influential musicians in American history. The film documents his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction and his complicated relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Gripping and emotional, it is a dazzling ode to the King of Rock and Roll.
Out now
Broker
When Broker first premiered at Cannes, it was met with a twelve minute standing ovation. It won the prestigious Ecumenical Jury Award and Parasite’s Song Kang-Ho became the first South Korean to win Best Actor. Poignant, smart and sensitive, Broker follows two friends (Song Kang-ho and Gang Dong-won) who sell abandoned babies on the black market. When a young mother (IU) comes back after previously abandoning her baby, they embark on a life-changing road-trip. The film explores ethics, love, regret and what it really means to be a family.
Out now
Girl in the Picture
It’s Oklahoma, 1990. An unknown girl is found dead on the side of the road. As the mystery of the girl’s identity slowly sharpens through interviews, flashbacks, photos and documents, a shocking story unfolds. Equally heart-breaking and horrifying, this true crime documentary will have viewers on the edge of their seats. Only one question remains: who exactly is the girl in the picture?
Out now
Persuasion
Based on Jane Austen’s book of the same name, Persuasion is a romance that explores the power of second chances. Carrie Cracknell’s feature debut and led by Dakota Johnson, this film brings a modern twist to the 19th century. Johnson frequently breaks the fourth wall with monologues straight into the camera as she wrestles with her thoughts and feelings when an ex-lover crashes back into her life. Balls, gowns, the sweeping English countryside and swooning romance, it is a period piece for the masses.
Out now
Alienoid
Alienoid took almost three years to write and will be split into two parts. Transcending time and space, it follows the consequence of a portal opening between the Goryeo Dynasty and the present day. Leading the film is Ryu Jun-yeol, a swordsman who wants to seize a legendary divine sword. Award-winning actress Kim Tae-Ri plays a thunder-controlling woman who is after the same goal. Expect thrilling fight scenes and jaw-dropping CGI for an out of this world fantasy film.
In theatres July 20
Decision to Leave
If Oldboy and The Handmaiden are any indications, Decision to Leave will have viewers guessing until the very last minute. Met with universal acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, Park Chan-wook wound up taking home the illustrious Best Director award. Following a detective who falls in love with his prime suspect, expect plot twists, intertwining relationships and a deep dive into the human psyche. Critics have complimented the gorgeous cinematography, the pacing and the slow-burn romance.
In theatres July 21
Nope
Jordan Peele has established himself as a director who masterfully melds suspense, mystery and horror into thought provoking films. Nope is his newest project and stars Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya and Steven Yuen. What’s particularly fascinating about it is the plot—it is deliciously vague. The most help the internet can give is that it is set on a California horse ranch and a “mysterious force” is affecting the inhabitants. Peele has revealed that the heart of the movie lies in a brother-sister relationship, but specifics are left to our wildest imagination. One thing we do know: it is going to be painfully relevant and will set the internet on fire.
In theatres July 21
Wedding Season
Pressured to find a partner, Asha (Pallavi Sharda) and Ravi (Suraj Sharma) agree to fake date so they can appease their parents until the end of India’s wedding season. What happens when genuine feelings between the two develop? It’s a trope we’ve all seen before, but Wedding Season also explores Indian culture, upbringing, finding your path in life and, of course, weddings.
Out August 4 on Netflix
Bodies Bodies Bodies
A24’s Bodies Bodies Bodies centres around a group of wealthy friends who throw a party during a hurricane. Things take a sinister turn when after a party game, a body is found. As backstabbing, betrayal and bodies pile up, it’s a race against the clock to search for the murderer amongst them. Starring Amanda Stenberg, Maria Bakalova and Pete Davidson, strap in for a slasher film that will have you seriously side-eying your friends.
In theatres August 5
Bullet Train
Directed by David Leitch, Bullet Train is one of the most anticipated action movies this year. An assassin (Brad Pitt) is tasked with retrieving a briefcase on a moving bullet train in Japan. The catch? There are five other deadly assassins onboard, each with a conflicting objective. As they ruthlessly attempt to finish their mission, they soon realise they might all be linked. Based on the Japanese novel of the same name, Bullet Train is fast-paced, exciting and sheer thrill.
In theatres August 5
Editor
Melody CaiCredit
Lead image: CJ ENM