Cocaine Bear
Cocaine Bear is a horror comedy film titled after a true incident involving a black bear that ingested a drug dealer’s cocaine. Unfortunately, the bear died shortly afterward and was taxidermied, ending up in the Kentucky Fun Mall with the name “Pablo Escobear.” Directed by Elizabeth Banks, known for films like Pitch Perfect 2 and Charlie’s Angels, the movie takes inspiration from this story. In the film, the bear goes on a rampage in the forest, attacking both campers and criminals portrayed by actors Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, and the late Ray Liotta. While the viral trailer suggests that Cocaine Bear will be an entertaining experience, it is unlikely to be recognized with prestigious awards like the Oscars.
Asteroid City
Wes Anderson, renowned for his distinctive storytelling style, presents his latest film set in a fictional desert town in 1955. The narrative revolves around a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention attended by both children and parents. While the official description remains vague about the specifics, it hints at a cataclysmic event that disrupts the convention, possibly involving the asteroid mentioned in the title. Anderson’s films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch, are known for their wonderfully imaginative and illogical elements. Building on this reputation, viewers can anticipate a whimsical and eccentric narrative. The cast assembled for the film is truly remarkable, including renowned actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Carell, Margot Robbie, and Willem Dafoe. Their collective talent and presence add to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Saint Omer
Guslagie Malanda delivers a haunting performance as Laurence, the mother on trial, portraying an unsettling calmness that seems almost frozen in resignation. On the other hand, Kayije Kagame, in the role of Rama, skillfully conveys the racing thoughts and pounding heart beneath her seemingly impassive expression. Diop’s dialogue is based on court transcripts, but she goes beyond the mere recitation of dry facts, crafting a mesmerizing film that showcases two deeply complex and vivid women on screen. The movie delves into their profound lives, creating an enthralling and emotionally resonant experience for viewers.
Close
Lucas Dhont’s latest film is a delicate and emotionally shattering coming-of-age drama that feels remarkably naturalistic, almost like a fly-on-the-wall documentary. The story revolves around Léo and Rémi, two 13-year-old boys who share a close friendship in the idyllic Belgian countryside. However, when they start attending a new school, the pressure to fit in pushes their relationship to its breaking point. Dhont’s portrayal highlights the pains of being a teenager, showing how even casual questions from classmates can have a lasting impact, forever changing the boys’ lives. This poignant and sensitive film captures the challenges of adolescence and leaves a lasting impression.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline
This indie thriller is an intense and gripping story inspired by Andreas Malm’s book. It follows a group of eco-activists planning to bomb an oil pipeline in West Texas, driven by their personal experiences with pollution and corporate greed. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, the film combines nervous preparations, compelling backstories, and the constant risk of accidental harm due to handling explosive chemicals. It offers a unique twist on heist movies, focusing on motives other than greed and showcasing fascinating details of amateur bomb-making. The result is an unbearably tense and thought-provoking thriller.