“First Man”
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Shea Whigham, Christopher Abbott, Corey Stoll
Synopsis: A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
What You Need To Know: Claire Foy is having a year, ladies and gentlemen. Hot off her incredible two-season run as Queen Elizabeth on “The Crown,” she starred in Steven Soderbergh’s “Unsane” and will be seen in two of the year’s most anticipated films: “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and “First Man.” As if that wasn’t enough, “First Man” has her teaming up with Ryan Gosling and director Damien Chazelle as they tackle the story of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Gosling and Chazelle’s collaboration proved to be a match made in swoon heaven with “La La Land” and it’ll be interesting to see how “First Man” follows in its footsteps. It can already check off a few similarities, such as the stacked cast and crew, a great premise, awards season buzz, and that Venice Film Festival opening slot.
Release Date: October 12 – EB
“Vox Lux”
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Jennifer Ehle
Synopsis: An unusual set of circumstances brings unexpected success to a pop star.
What You Need to Know: Brady Corbet never quite gets the credit he’s owed. Whether you know him as Brian from Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin” or relate his face to the sneering, golf club-wielding psychopath in “Funny Games,” Corbet’s underrated career, both as an actor and now actor-turned-director, is undoubtedly worthy of recognition, though this year may serve as a perfect opportunity to break onto the scene, as the director’s slated to premiere his sophomore feature, “Vox Lux” at Venice this year. Interestingly, the filmmaker’s debut feature “The Childhood of a Leader” premiered at the 72nd Venice Film Festival, where the film won the “Luigi de Laurentiis” award, an honor bestowed to the best debut film, and Corbet was presented with the Best Director Horizons award. Considering Corbet’s reputable resume and the notion that Portman may possibly return to a “Black Swan” type role for her portrayal of a troubled pop icon, the ambiguous “Vox Lux” grows more enticing by the day.
Release Date: Not announced – Jonathan Christian
“The Nightingale”
Cast: Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Baykali Ganambarr, Damon Herriman, Ewen Leslie
Synopsis: Set in Tasmania, an Irish woman (Franciosi) hunts down the British military officer (Claflin) responsible for assaulting her family.
What You Need to Know: After her horror masterwork “The Babadook,” it’s high time we get another film from director Jennifer Kent. An exciting voice of bone-chilling horror and grounded empathy, Kent’s sticking with jagged material with social undertones with her sophomore feature. We all know how well she blended the dread of Mr. Babadook with the earnest plight of Essie Davis’ mother and seeing her join forces with Franciosi, best known for her “Game of Thrones” work, and Claflin, whose charm feels primed for a coat of crooked fool’s gold, to weave what’s sure to be a hyper-relevant work, considering the past year’s #MeToo movement. We can’t get enough films showcasing strong-willed, fearless women sticking it to the awful men in power who have it coming. And, after the sorely-underseen morality western “Sweet Country” won the Special Jury Prize at Venice in 2017, could another film set close to the Land Down Under compete for the honor this year? Also, yes, that is Dewey Crowe in the cast.
Release Date: Not announced – Cory Woodroof
“22 July”
Cast: Anders Danielson Lie, Jon Øigarden
Synopsis: Director Paul Greengrass dramatizes what happened after Anders Behring Breivik committed the horrifying 2011 mass shooting in Norway.
What You Need to Know: Greengrass detailed the bravery of the slain passengers of the United 93 in that self-titled film in 2006 and the drastic measures taken in the highjacking of the Maersk Alabama in “Captain Phillips.” Now, he returns to the world of tragedy with a look at life after the Norway slayings that claimed 77. No film will be harder to watch this fall than this, and few films will carry the potential to start a conversation on a dire issue like this one will. Greengrass has the deft hand to let the horror of the material speak for itself, ensuring this one will get the respect the subject matter deserves. It makes us think; could “22 July” enter our national debate on gun control? Films like this can carry our darkest truths; stomach-churning to confront, but dire to share and edify through.
Release Date: October 19 via Netflix – CW
“Suspiria”
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloe Grace Moretz
Synopsis: A darkness swirls at the center of a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the artistic director, an ambitious young dancer, and a grieving psychotherapist. Some will Succumb to the nightmare. Others will finally wake up. Give your soul to the dance.
What You Need To Know: Originally directed by Dario Argento in 1977, this is Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino’s take on the fantasy, horror film. Whereas the 1977 film took on bright colors and bold set design, Guadagnino takes “Suspiria” to a darker, far more sinister, place. Actress Chloe Grace Moretz has said the film comes very close to modern Stanley Kubrick and a first look at CinemaCon in April shocked audiences with horror. The Guadagnino’s take is a full hour longer than its predecessor, so snacks and a drink may not be the best choice for this haunting tale.
Release Date: November 2 – Julia Teti