Honorable Mentions

First off, we have Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, arguably the most anticipated film of the year. Although it’s playing out of competition, its inclusion at Cannes speaks volumes about its potential impact.

Another exciting entry is OK Canada from director Paul Schrader. Despite some recent missteps, Schrader’s earlier work, such as First Reformed, remains highly regarded. This film stars Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi, appealing to different generations.

Also noteworthy is The Substance, a feminist take on body horror from French director Coralie Fargeat. Drawing early comparisons to the Palme d’Or-winning Titane, this film boasts a star-studded cast including Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Top 5 Must-See Films

5. Bird

Director Andrea Arnold returns with Bird, starring Barry Keoghan and newcomer Naya Adams. Arnold, known for her past successes at Cannes with Red Road, Fish Tank, and American Honey, hasn’t released a narrative feature since 2016. Bird follows Keoghan’s character, an absentee father, and his son, portrayed by Adams, navigating a difficult coming-of-age journey. The film’s plot remains under wraps, but Arnold’s track record promises a compelling watch.

4. Anora

Sean Baker’s Anora is another highlight. Baker, who made waves with his 2015 film Tangerine, shot on iPhones for a mere $100,000, has proven his ability to create impactful films on a shoestring budget. His latest work, marketed as a comedy, follows a group of sex workers, echoing themes from Tangerine. With previous successes like The Florida Project and Red Rocket, Baker’s talent as a director is undeniable, making Anora a must-watch.

3. The Shrouds

David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds is set to be a deeply personal film for the legendary director. His most recent film, Crimes of the Future, was well-received, and The Shrouds promises to delve even deeper into Cronenberg’s unique vision. The story follows a widower who constructs a machine to connect with the dead, blending Cronenberg’s signature weirdness with a strong emotional core. Originally intended as a Netflix series, its transition to a feature film could allow for a more focused narrative.

2. Megalopolis

Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is one of the most ambitious projects at Cannes this year. Coppola, famous for classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has been working on this film since 1983. Megalopolis stars Adam Driver in a post-apocalyptic New York City, where his character attempts to rebuild the city according to utopian ideals. Coppola has self-financed much of the film, investing approximately $120 million of his own money. The film’s success or failure could significantly impact his storied career.

1. Kinds of Kindness

Finally, my most anticipated film is Yorgos Lanthimos’s Kinds of Kindness. Lanthimos, known for Dogtooth and The Lobster, returns with a film that promises to capture his unique style. The teaser trailer hints at classic Lanthimos elements, and the cast is stellar, featuring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Jesse Plemons, and Hong Chau. While it may not surpass his recent triumph Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness is poised to be another standout in Lanthimos’s impressive oeuvre.

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