It’s that time of year again. As we tick into the fall schedule, with festivals on the horizon in every direction, studios begin to line-up their big hitters for possible big theatrical, and potential Oscar runs. However, this year many of the big guns are abstaining and that includes Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Soggy Bottom,” Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” and Adam McKay’s “Don’t Look Up.”
Here are those poised to be some of the most intriguing players over the coming months at the four major film festivals (Venice, Telluride, Toronto and New York).
1) “The Power of Dog” dir. Jane Campion (Venice, Telluride, Toronto, NYFF)
Written and directed by Jane Campion (“The Piano”), the film chronicles events in 20th century Montana, following a ranch owner’s vicious campaign against a young widow after she marries his brother and comes to live on their ranch. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as ranch owner Phil Burbank, alongside Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, Thomasin McKenzie (“Jojo Rabbit”), and Frances Conroy. This is the only film tod fall screening at all four major film festivals.
2) “Madres Paralelas” dir. Pedro Almodóvar (Venice, NYFF)
Pedro Almodóvar returns with this Spanish language drama about two mothers who give birth on the same day. Aitana Sánchez-Gijón stars alongside Penélope Cruz, who, if the film bows well, could be primed for a run at a second Oscar. 2021 is a year filled with what looks a great slate of international releases, can Almodóvar’s film be amongst the best?
3) “The Tragedy of Macbeth” dir. Joel Coen (NYFF)
For the first time ever, a single Coen brother is behind the camera. Joel, minus his brother Ethan, has assembled an all-star cast for his take on Shakespeare. Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington lead the way for the Apple TV+ picture that will have its world premiere in New York in September. Apple’s biggest splash to date. Three Oscars in five years for McDormand?
4) “Last Night in Soho” dir. Edgar Wright (Venice, Toronto)
One of the films that’s had quite a few pandemic related moves. Now set for late October, the plot to Edgar Wright’s eagerly anticipated follow up to “Baby Driver” has been kept very much at surface level. All we know is Thomasin McKenzie’s aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960’s, where she encounters a wannabe singer (Anya Taylor-joy), but all is not as it appears. Edgar Wright diving into full horror/thriller mode, sign us up.
5) “C’mon C’mon” dir. Mike Mills (Telluride)
Not currently confirmed for any festival bows, but one that is surely likely following its delay from 2020 (we’re hearing Telluride snatched up the world premiere). The “20th Century Women” filmmaker (absolutely find it somewhere if you haven’t seen it) brings us what appears to be (without a trailer as of yet) a road trip drama following a down on his luck artist, played by Joaquin Phoenix who embarks on a cross-country journey with his nephew. As a big fan of Mills’ previous efforts, here’s to hoping this film is an under the radar hit toward the back end of the year.
6) “Dune” dir. Denis Villeneuve (Venice, Toronto)
Now nothing could be further from under the radar than “Dune”. What Warner Bros hope is only the first part of the sci-fi blockbuster franchise, is packed full of talent both in-front and behind the camera. I won’t try to explain the plot (the trailer does that better than I ever could), but Timothée Chalamet leads a cast of superstars including Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Javier Bardem, Jason Mamoa, Dave Bautista, Zendaya and more. Denis Villeneuve’s unique style will surely be on show, alongside a score by none other than Hans Zimmer.
7) “Spencer” dir. Pablo Larraín (Venice, Telluride, Toronto)
Any fans of Larraín’s “Jackie” are sure to be treated with this almost spiritual sequel to the Oscar nominated film of 2016. Set in 1991, “Spencer” chronicles the time in the life of Princess Diana when she decided to end her marriage to Charles, following years of turmoil. Kristen Stewart stars as Diana, with early reactions calling it easily a career best. Larraín directs from a script by “Peaky Blinders” creator Stephen Knight. Expect a trailer very soon.
8) “The Hand of God” dir. Paulo Sorrentino (Venice, Telluride)
Another Netflix original. Not much will be known about the latest from the “The Great Beauty” director before it premieres in Venice. Set in Naples, the drama stars Toni Servillo. Clocking in at 130 minutes, word is that Telluride loved the film so damn much that it was one of the very first films selected for this year’s edition. Another possible international hit?
9) “The Card Counter” dir. Paul Schrader (Venice, Telluride)
Another September release premiering at Venice. Oscar Isaac stars as an ex-military interrogator turned gambler, haunted by demons of his past. Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe form a solid supporting line-up. After the critical triumph of “First Reformed,” Paul Schrader’s next film was bound to come with a ton of hype and that is clearly what’s happening with “The Card Counter.” Oscar for the Oscars?
10) “The Lost Daughter” dir. Maggie Gyllenhaal (Venice, Telluride)
Maggie Gyllenhaal is the latest actor to step behind the camera for a feature debut. Based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante, the cast for another one of Netflix’s big festival hitters includes Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris, Peter Sarsgaard, and Paul Mescal. We’re hearing this one might be added to the TIFF lineup in the next couple of weeks.
11) “Belfast” dir. Kenneth Branagh (Toronto)
Branagh’s semi-autobiographical tale centers on a young boy’s childhood in Belfast in the 1960’s. World premiering in Toronto and with a current November release scheduled, Branagh has the talents of Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Caitriona Balfe, and Jamie Dorman at his disposal. Don’t pay attention to its absence at Telluride and Venice, word is that Branagh and Focus Features wanted a Toronto premiere all along and early word is very strong on this one.
12) “Benediction” dir. Terrence Davies (Toronto)
A new film by heralded director Terrence Davies will always be a cause for celebration. Starring Jack Lowden and Peter Capaldi, this autobiographical film is said to have been curiously rejected by Venice. Why? We’re not sure, the early buzz we’re hearing has been overwhelmingly positive. One’s loss is another’s gain as Toronto snatched up the world premiere for September.
Of course, we all know the rule: take these reactions with a grain of salt rather than treating them as gospel. Still, I will say that the film tested like gangbusters earlier this year, and Lionsgate clearly has confidence.