The 5 most talked-about releases heading to Cannes 2024 range from a Selena Gomez musical to Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump.

The lineup at the previous Cannes Film Festival was exceptional, with eight films going on to receive Oscar nominations, including notable contenders such as Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, and Killers of the Flower Moon. This solidified the festival’s reputation as a key launchpad for the awards season. The upcoming 77th edition, scheduled from 14 to 25 May, promises an even more impressive selection. With Greta Gerwig as jury president, George Lucas set to receive the honorary Palme d’Or, and a diverse range of films spanning different genres, there is much to look forward to. Keep an eye out for these 5 films.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

A decade has passed since the release of George Miller’s exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping blockbuster, Mad Max: Fury Road. Now, the visionary filmmaker is back with an equally ambitious prequel that introduces Anya Taylor-Joy as the eponymous road warrior, a role previously brought to life by the indomitable Charlize Theron. Kidnapped from the mythical “green place” as a child, she embarks on a perilous journey across the barren wasteland to the citadel ruled by Immortan Joe. However, as she reaches adulthood, she makes a solemn vow to escape from her captors using any means necessary. With the inclusion of Chris Hemsworth as a captivating and cunning warlord, Tom Burke as a love interest adorned with warpaint, breathtaking stunts, mind-blowing explosions, and a suitably booming soundtrack, this cinematic extravaganza promises an unparalleled spectacle.

Kinds of Kindness

The new film by Yorgos Lanthimos, a frenzied continuation of Poor Things, transports viewers from a twisted Victorian London to a bizarre version of the present day. Here, Emma Stone, a double Oscar winner, captivates with her carefree dancing amidst chaotic car chases and eerie scenes in hallways. With a star-studded ensemble including Hunter Schafer, Joe Alwyn, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, and Mamoudou Athie, this three-part sci-fi anthology appears to be a surreal escapade from a filmmaker who is unquestionably at the peak of his artistic abilities.

The Apprentice

Returning to Cannes after his success with Border and Holy Spider, Ali Abbasi presents a new film centered on Donald Trump’s ascent in ’70s and ’80s New York. Sebastian Stan, known for Pam & Tommy, undergoes a transformation to portray a young Trump, while Jeremy Strong embodies Roy Cohn, Trump’s mentor. Maria Bakalova steps into the role of Ivana, Trump’s first wife, and Martin Donovan plays Fred Trump. As the US election draws near, this examination of corruption and deceit feels particularly relevant.

Megalopolis

After more than twenty years in the making, Francis Ford Coppola’s latest film is finally ready for its big-screen release. This highly anticipated project, which serves as a cautionary tale about America’s future, features an impressive ensemble cast including Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Giancarlo Esposito, Chloe Fineman, and Nathalie Emmanuel. Early viewers have had diverse reactions, ranging from shock to euphoria, but they all agree that this audacious 135-minute epic is a work of art. Interestingly, the film has yet to secure a distribution deal, adding to the intrigue surrounding its fate. The Cannes Film Festival will play a crucial role in determining its success. It has the potential to captivate audiences and potentially win the prestigious Palme d’Or, much like Coppola’s previous project, Apocalypse Now, did in 1979. However, there is also the possibility that it may not resonate with viewers. Regardless, the entire industry will be eagerly watching to see how it is received.

Emilia Perez

Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Édgar Ramírez, and trans actor Karla Sofía Gascón take the lead in this thrilling musical heist film directed by Jacques Audiard, a regular at the Cannes Film Festival and recipient of the prestigious Palme d’Or award. The story revolves around a lawyer who is presented with an unexpected proposition: to assist a powerful Mexican cartel leader in retiring from the criminal world and undergoing gender confirmation surgery. This daring plan aims to both elude the authorities and embrace her true identity. The film features original songs written by renowned French singer Camille, while Anthony Vaccarello, the creative mind behind Saint Laurent, contributes his talent as a co-producer and costume designer. Brace yourself for an exhilarating and visually stunning cinematic experience.