Staff Recs: Our Most Anticipated Films of Fall 2018
Many of this fall’s film releases are highly anticipated, but these are the ones we’re looking forward to the most.
September 7, 2018
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” bombed, “The Incredibles” soared and “Hereditary” made everyone sh-t their pants. The summer continues to deliver the feel-good romantic comedies, blockbuster franchises and occasional indie hits we all want, but the real cinematic gold lies in the late-fall, early-winter releases that we didn’t know we needed. Fresh out of festival season in Toronto, Telluride, Venice and New York, the following films really grabbed our attention this summer with their spectacular trailers, early reviews and their stacked casts and crews. Start your search engines and get ready to be impressed. These are our picks for the most anticipated films of the fall.
“Suspiria”
Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor
Tremble, tremble, the witches are back. Give your soul to the dance and let Luca Guadagnino’s reimagined “Suspiria” shake you, break you and even make you seek therapy, like lead actress Dakota Johnson did after filming wrapped last March. “Suspiria” follows a young American dancer (Johnson) as she arrives at a prestigious dance academy in Berlin. Susie soon learns that the academy is home to more than just aspiring dancers, and what follows has been described by critics as “gross,” “indigestible” and “ugly.” It is a remake of the 1977 film of the same name from legendary Italian auteur Dario Argento. While the remake has received “Mother!”-caliber divisive reviews since its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival last week –– it currently holds a score of 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes –– who doesn’t want to see Tilda Swinton lead a cult of witches who use artistry and movement to dismember and destroy any dancer who stands in their way? Critics have chastised both its plot and departure from the original story, but with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on sound, Guadagnino — of “Call Me By Your Name” fame — directing and Sayombhu Mukdeeprom in charge of cinematography, “Suspiria” will surely be a luscious feast for the eyes and ears. Plus, Swinton never disappoints and will surely garner her long overdue second Academy Award nomination. “Suspiria” hits theaters on Nov. 3.
“If Beale Street Could Talk”
Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor
Barry Jenkins, James Baldwin, Regina King and Annapurna Pictures: the only thing that is missing is an Oscar statuette or two, or three. Premiering in just a few days at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, “Moonlight” director Jenkins has adapted the famed Baldwin novel “If Beale Street Could Talk” for the big screen, featuring Emmy-winning actress Regina King (“American Crime,” “Legally Blonde 2”), Stephan James (“Selma”), Teyonah Parris (“Dear White People”) and newcomer Kiki Layne, who is currently my frontrunner for the 2019 Academy Award for best actress in a leading role. Jenkins proved himself a visionary to be reckoned with after his quiet, independent film “Moonlight” garnered worldwide acclaim in 2017, winning best picture and best adapted screenplay accolades at multiple festivals and awards ceremonies. From the brief teaser alone, audiences are in store for a magnum opus with powerful source material, a loaded cast of acclaimed actors and returning “Moonlight” collaborators, like composer Nicholas Britell and editors Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders. “If Beale Street Could Talk” hits theaters on Nov. 30.
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor
At long last, a biopic that we actually asked for. Taking a painstakingly long eight years to complete, coupled with two directors and constant reworkings of the script, “Bohemian Rhapsody” will chronicle the life of the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. Boasting a star-studded lineup consisting of Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”) and Mike Myers (“Shrek” and “Austin Powers”), the film will cover Mercury’s life story from the band’s inception to the infamous Live Aid performance in 1985. In what appears to be a film that is equally emotive and comedic, all the pressure is on Malek to do cinematic justice to one of rock music’s greatest performers. Charismatic, witty and downright fun, “Bohemian Rhapsody” could be the tribute to Freddie Mercury that we’ve all been waiting for. It hits theaters on Nov. 2.
“Mid90s”
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor
For years now, Jonah Hill has proven that his range stretches far beyond irreverent humor and he continues to show us his seriousness about filmmaking with his directorial debut “Mid90s.” The film follows a 13-year-old boy as he comes of age in 1990s Los Angeles and is introduced to new friends through skateboarding. Coming from indie haven A24, Hill’s first foray behind the camera appears to capture the essence of ‘90s-era LA by incorporating VHS footage and a supremely fitting soundtrack composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. “Mid90s” is bound to achieve a cult following and join the company of films like “Dazed and Confused” and “Clerks” with its honest depiction of skate culture. “Mid90s” hits theaters on Oct. 19.
“The Old Man & the Gun”
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor
The Sundance Kid 2.0: Robert Redford goes full circle and returns to his roots in the David Lowery-helmed “The Old Man & the Gun,” which tells the true story of Forrest Tucker, a career criminal who most famously escaped from San Quentin State Prison at age 59 and dazed the public with his string of bank heists in his late 70s. Boasting a cast composed of Redford, Casey Affleck, Sissy Spacek, Danny Glover and even musician Tom Waits, the sheer amount of talent on screen will enthrall all audiences, from baby boomers to millenials. “The Old Man & the Gun” promises to combine dark comedy and Wild West-style thrills in what will be a proper bookend to Redford’s illustrious career. “The Old Man & the Gun” hits theaters on Sept. 28.
“Beautiful Boy”
Ali Zimmerman, Deputy Arts Editor
If you’re like me and couldn’t get enough of Timotheée Chalamet in last year’s Oscar nominated “Call Me by Your Name,” then you’re in luck. This fall, Chalamet is returning to the big screen, starring as methamphetamine addict Nic Sheff in “Beautiful Boy.” Based on bestselling memoirs “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction” by David Sheff and “Tweak” by Nic Sheff, the film tells the story of David Sheff (played by Steve Carell) helping his son cope with drug addiction. The film is directed by Felix Van Groeningen and features some fresh faces like 15-year-old Jack Dylan Grazer (“It”) as a young Nic Sheff. From the trailer, “Beautiful Boy” seems to capture the nature of unconditional love in the face of tragedy and is bound to require a tissue or two to watch.“Beautiful Boy” hits theatres on Oct. 12.
“Widows”
Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor
Filmmaker Steve McQueen’s direct follow up to his Best Picture winning “12 Years a Slave” is heist drama “Widows,” featuring an ensemble that puts the Avengers to shame. The film stars Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo as four widows turned armed robbers who decide to finish a heist after their husbands are killed. Colin Farrell, Daniel Kaluuya and Jacki Weaver are also a part of the talented cast. Though billed as a genre piece, McQueen’s direction often transcends his material. Be it a period piece or a drama like “Shame,” McQueen’s films are always character-driven and stay with you long after the credits roll. Co-written by “Gone Girl” author Gillian Flynn, “Widows” is surely to be filled with stunning twists, intense action and breathtaking performances that add up to a potential masterpiece as powerful as McQueen’s previous films. “Widows” hits theaters on Nov. 16.
“Bad Times at the El Royale”
Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor
Drew Goddard’s directorial debut was 2012’s subversive horror comedy “The Cabin in the Woods.” Since then fans have been itching to see him get behind the camera again, especially following his best adapted screenplay Academy Award nomination for “The Martian.” Goddard returns to deliver ensemble thriller “Bad Times at the El Royale” with a cast consisting of Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson and Chris Hemsworth. Much of the story has been shrouded in secrecy but the basic premise is that seven strangers, each with a secret, meet at a motel and mayhem ensues over the course of one night. The trailers set up an interesting game of deception and chaos, and if Goddard’s previous work is any indication, audiences will be surprised at every turn. “Bad Times at the El Royale” hits theaters on Oct. 12.
“A Star is Born”
Matthew Holman, Book & Theatre Editor
Fourth time’s the charm, right? Indeed, this fourth remake of the 1937 classic features Bradley Cooper, in his directorial debut. He stars alongside Lady Gaga — in her first major film role — in lieu of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand this time around. With the Haus of Gaga already swarming the social media sphere with astronomical hype, the Oscar buzz out of the Venice Film Festival for all parties involved is also beginning to break the sound barrier. “A Star is Born” hits theaters on Oct. 5.
“The Favourite”
Matthew Holman, Book & Theatre Editor
Let’s face it: it’s hard to get the kids jazzed up about a period piece nowadays. But if any soul is going to scintillate the millennial milieu, it is a man by the name of Yorgos Lanthimos. The Greek director behind “The Lobster” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is back once more, this time with Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz in his arsenal to combat a story of royal conundrums set in early 18th century England. With widespread laudations out of Venice and a New York Film Festival premiere bowing later this month, the buzz around this film will have even the dullest of history buffs lining up around the corner and rolling out of their seats in hysterical laughter over Queen Anne — literally. “The Favourite” hits theaters on Nov. 23.
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