“Annette”
Having announced its strange presence loud and clear upon the premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, “Annette” is anything but forgettable, no matter whether the viewer has a good or bad experience with it. Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard star in this Avante Garde comedy musical from “Holy Motors” director Leos Carax, along with a story from Ron and Russell Mael of the band Sparks. Our critic wrote of the film, “It’s an odd film and a fascinating one—narratively simplistic, artistically complex—at times ravishing and then puzzling, much like the enigmatic films of Carax and the idiosyncratic music of Sparks.”
Release Date: August 20 on Amazon.
“Reminiscence“
Hugh Jackman plays a scientist who discovers a way to relieve your past and uses this technology to his long-lost love. Meanwhile, a private investigator uncovers a conspiracy while helping his clients recover lost memories. Perhaps the most significant pull to this film—yet another debuting in August as original content rather than being a part of a franchise or adaptation of existing property —is director Lisa Joy who is best known for being the co-creator for HBO’s “Westworld.” This sci-fi thriller will be her feature film directorial debut. The science fiction film also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Thandie Newton, and Daniel Wu.
Release Date: August 20 in theaters and HBO Max via Warner Bros.
“Demonic“
Director Neill Blomkamp returns with his latest feature film “Demonic.” While the director has yet to recapture the quality he displayed in his “District 9” breakout, it’s always worth tuning in to whatever project of his is out due to his commitment to high concept storytelling. “Demonic” follows a young woman who unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades-old rift reveal mysterious issues between a mother and daughter. The film stars NathalieBoltt and Carly Pope.
Release Date: August 20 in theaters and Video on Demand August 27 via IFC Films.
“Candyman“
Following her debut feature film “Little Woods,” starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James, Nia DaCosta became an instant director to watch. Before she steps up to the Marvel stage with the 2022 release of “The Marvels,” she’s going the horror route with “Candyman,” co-written with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld. A direct sequel to the 1992 film of the same name, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as the new protagonist who must contend with the complex and terrifying story behind Candyman as his sanity unravels. The impressive cast includes Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo, LaKeith Stanfield, and Tony Todd.
Release Date: August 27 via Universal.