It’s a new month, and that means new movies are hitting theaters. I’m going to run through four films that are either worth checking out based on my own viewing or have significant buzz and anticipation surrounding them. Full video “Films to Watch in May 2024” below.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

First on the list is Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, one of the most anticipated films of the entire year. This is the latest entry in the Mad Max franchise from director George Miller, following the critical and box office success of Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015. Miller has developed extensive backstories for many characters in this universe, including Furiosa, and he’s now bringing more of his vision to the screen.

The pressure to match or exceed the expectations set by Fury Road is immense. Furiosa will premiere out of competition at Cannes before hitting theaters on May 24th. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular character, the film promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise. Reports indicate that certain sequences took weeks to film, showcasing the level of detail and effort invested in this production.

In a Violent Nature

Next up is In a Violent Nature, a smaller release from Canadian director Chris Nash. I had the chance to chat with Nash at the Calgary Underground Film Festival, and it was fascinating. This film subverts the classic slasher genre by following the killer instead of the victims. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio as a nod to older slasher films viewed on VHS, it also features no score, relying on directorial skill to maintain tension and engagement.

During production, the film faced significant challenges, including reshooting 70% of it after the lead actor left. Despite a tight budget and switching to more basic cameras, the end result works well for this unique film. In a Violent Nature is coming to theaters on May 31st in a limited release and will also be available on Shudder later this year.

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow is the follow-up to Jane Schoenbrun’s first feature, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. This film has a larger budget but maintains Schoenbrun’s distinct voice. It’s an allegory for gender identity and dysphoria, following protagonist Owen as they see themselves in a TV show character, blurring the lines between show and reality.

The film, which had a buzzy premiere at Sundance, is an A24 production known for its unique and often surreal style. While the general public reception might not be as overwhelmingly positive as the critical acclaim, it’s a thought-provoking piece that could deeply resonate with many viewers. I Saw the TV Glow releases in limited theaters on May 3rd and wider on May 17th.

The Last Stop in Yuma County

Lastly, we have The Last Stop in Yuma County, a debut feature from director Francis Galluppi. Despite being a first-time feature, the film doesn’t feel like it. I had the chance to chat with Galluppi about his meticulous process, where he mapped out every shot and adhered to strict rules to convey the trapped nature of the characters.

The film is a single-location thriller, but it’s never boring. The pacing is slow at times, but it picks up at the right moments. Strong performances, particularly from Jim Cummings, and beautiful cinematography make this a standout indie film. The Last Stop in Yuma County hits theaters on May 10th in a limited release.

These four films each offer something unique, from big-budget action to introspective indie narratives. Whether you’re looking for blockbuster thrills or thought-provoking cinema, there’s something here worth checking out.

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