“Hereditary” (June 8)
Sometimes a horror film comes along that you just feel will change the game. Ari Aster‘s “Hereditary” is just that movie – a spooky, hypnotic film that feels like the culmination of the last 50 years of horror. Aster gives us a melange of “The Shining,” “The Exorcist,” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” three of the greatest of the genre, and creates his own masterpiece in the process as a family tries to cope with the sudden death of a relative and the bad luck that comes with it in the process. “Hereditary” refuses to employ cheap thrills, creating its cinematic scares with atmosphere, and continuously reinventing itself at every turn. Best of all, it’s anchored by an incredible performance from Toni Collette, who is so good that believe it or not, people were already chattering Oscar towards her direction. She’s that good. (You can read our full review).– JR
“Oceans 8” (June 8)
In a way, the mediocre sequels that followed Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven” were probably what helped make the case for Gary Ross’ “Oceans 8.” We don’t really know much about the plot for this spinoff of Soderbergh’s classic. However, what we do know is that “Oceans 8,” will not be a remake or reboot of the original. The cast is also great: Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter are some of the best actresses of their generations, oh, and we also have Rihanna added in for good measure. The film is surely a risky bet for Warner Bros and Ross, the underrated filmmaker of “Pleasantville,” “Seabiscuit” and “The Hunger Games,” must surely know what happened to Paul Feig and his failed attempt at an all-female version of “Ghostbusters” just a few years ago. – JR
“The Incredibles 2” (June 15)
If you loved 2004’s Pixar classic “The Incredibles,” still considered one of the very best movies of the superhero genre, and for good reason, then you will be pleased to know that Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible, Edna, and Frozone will all be back for this highly anticipated sequel, almost 14 years in the making. Brad Bird, The brains behind the original film, not to mention “The Iron Giant,” “Ratatouille,” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” is back for the sequel which has Mr. Incredible having to take care of Jack-Jack while Elastigirl is busy saving the world. – JR
“Under the Silver Lake” (June 22)
Back in 2014, director David Robert Mitchell burst onto the screen with neon vibrancy with his modernistic horror tale, “It Follows.” Treating its big bad like an STD, it was a captivating and aggressively entertaining debut with a stylish approach, making the wait for his latest feature feel all the longer. That returns, “Under the Silver Lake,” drops in June and stars Andrew Garfield and Riley Keough in a mind-bending take on the neo-noir genre. With a trailer that promises mystery, romance and similar electrifying visuals to its predecessor, this is poised to be an absolute highlight of the summer months. – Ally Johnson
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (June 22)
Life has…found a way. With its blockbuster success, “Jurassic World” brought the prehistoric theme park back for fans of the original and newcomers to the franchise. You would think after the first theme park, from the original trilogy, went to the dinosaurs people would learn. Well, nostalgia is a beast that just keeps biting. With the first installment of this latest trilogy, we returned to the theme park where there were bigger and badder dinos waiting. As happens, one escapes, and chaos ensues. Now we return to the apocalyptic looking park to save the dinosaurs. Really? Yes, that’s right. Owen and his team of Jurassic enthusiasts are setting off to rescue Blue, an extremely intelligent velociraptor, and the other dinosaurs before an extinction-level event. J. A. Bayona sits in the director’s chair this turn. If there is anything we can gage from the full-length trailer, it’s that this installment will be reminiscent of “The Lost World” as the rescued dinosaurs are brought to the mainland. With the added, fan-pleasing return of Jeff Goldblum, “Fallen Kingdom” looks like loads of stupid, summer fun. In the fashion of pure escapist cinema that is something to look forward to. – AJ
“Damsel” (June 22)
If someone had told us that Robert Pattison’s post “Twilight” career would include zero blockbusters and all independent films, we would not have believed you. Yet, here we are 10 years later with “Damsel,” the latest indie starring Pattison. Joining him on screen this time is the reigning indie queen Mia Wasikowska as the two play pioneers traversing the American frontier. It’s a new take on the Western genre that promises slapstick comedy matched with twists and turns abound. And, if that doesn’t sell you, the film also features a miniature horse named Butterscotch who is apparently the real star of the movie. Brothers David and Nathan Zellner (the team behind the delightful “Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter”) are not only the directors, but also the screenwriters, producers, and co-stars. The film’s Sundance premiere brought attention to the standout cast, but also called out the long runtime. Go see “Damsel” for a change of pace from the usual group of summer crowd-pleasers, but stay for a mini horse stealing the show. – EB
“Custody” (June 29)
French actor, writer/director Xavier Legrand is off to a great start and that’s an understatement. His short “Just Before Losing Everything” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film and his first feature-length dramatic feature “Custody” was met with rave reviews when it screened in the main competition section at the 74th Venice International Film Festival where it won the coveted Silver Lion prize. A domestic violence drama, the film centers on a broken marriage leads to a bitter custody battle with an embattled son at the center. You’ll recognize Denis Ménochet in the film, he featured in the opening of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” holding his own against Christoph Waltz. Our review called the movie “gripping and moving.” It isn’t just a “fine film that makes vivid and visceral the all-pervasive terror of domestic abuse,” Jessica Kiang wrote in her review. “It’s also an extremely auspicious debut with the rare, almost classicist ability to make an utterly riveting drama out of painfully real life.” Not necessarily “summer” watching, but if you’re looking for a strong, indie, arthouse alternative this season, this is a good bet. – RP