Hollywood’s elite are poised to light up the Venice Film Festival this week, with stars such as George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, and Brad Pitt making appearances. This marks a notable return to the festival’s high-profile glamour following last year’s subdued event amid industry strikes. However, the true spotlight will be on their films. Alongside Cannes, Venice, which runs from August 28 through September 7, stands as one of the most prestigious launchpads for awards season. Films that receive acclaim on the Lido often dominate conversations leading up to the Oscars in March.
This year’s lineup presents a mix of major Hollywood productions like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2,” as well as “Wolfs.” Additionally, there is an exciting array of films from international auteurs. Festival-goers are encouraged to keep an open mind and see as much as possible, as unexpected hits often emerge. Here are ten films generating buzz at Venice:
“Joker: Folie à Deux” will screen on September 4. Despite mixed reactions to the original “Joker,” the sequel’s inclusion in the competition is promising. Directed by Todd Phillips, this film is described as a dystopian musical and is being lauded as “daring, brave, and creative.” It will hit theaters on October 4.
“Maria,” showing on August 29, is a collaboration between Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín and screenwriter Steven Knight. Featuring Angelina Jolie, the film delves into the life of opera singer Maria Callas, known for her affair with Aristotle Onassis. The film is in competition and looking for distribution.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” will screen on September 3. An adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel, it stars Daniel Craig in what’s being called a “career-defining” role. The story follows an American expatriate in Mexico City, who develops an obsession with a young man. This film is also seeking distribution.
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut “The Room Next Door,” featuring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, will screen on September 2. Almodóvar has hinted that the film explores themes of estrangement between a mother and daughter, along with war, death, and friendship. It will be released later this year.
“Babygirl,” which screens on August 30, is an erotic thriller directed by Halina Reijn. It stars Nicole Kidman as a CEO who engages in an affair with a younger intern. The film also features Antonio Banderas and will be released theatrically by A24 in December.
Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” will screen on September 1. This 3.5-hour-long drama follows architect László Toth and his wife as they navigate post-World War II America. Featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, the film chronicles their encounters with industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren. It is set for distribution by Focus Features and Universal, though no release date has been announced.
“Youth (Homecoming),” showing on September 6, is directed by Wang Bing. This nonfiction film concludes his documentary trilogy that captures the lives of migrant workers in China over five years. As the only nonfiction film in the main competition, it is seeking distribution.
“April,” screening on September 5, is the latest film from Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili. The story centers on an OB-GYN who performs abortions in rural Georgia. When a newborn dies under her care, an investigation ensues. This film is also set to appear at TIFF and the New York Film Festival.
Jude Law stars and produces “The Order,” screening on August 31. Set in the 1980s, this crime thriller involves an FBI agent investigating a white supremacist group. The film will be released in theaters in December.
“Harvest,” screening on September 3, is directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari and based on the Jim Crace novel. Set in a medieval English village, the film examines how locals blame three newcomers for their economic troubles. Distribution rights have been picked up in Europe, but U.S. release plans are not yet announced.
Additionally, “Disclaimer,” a series by Alfonso Cuarón, will premiere on AppleTV+ on October 11. Starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, the psychological thriller follows a journalist who discovers she is a character in a novel revealing her dark secret.
