The Best New Movies of August 2024

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that August 2024 was a breath of fresh air for independent and international cinema. Among the gems that graced our screens this month, three stand out as must-sees: Nathan Silver’s delightfully offbeat romantic comedy “Between the Temples”, India Donaldson’s debut feature “Good One”, and Víctor Erice’s long-awaited return with “Close Your Eyes”.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit August is often a quiet month for blockbusters, but this year didn’t disappoint those who delved deeper into the realm of independent and international cinematic offerings. There are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered! Here are my top three movie recommendations that you should definitely catch in theaters now, with streaming services soon following suit.

Between the Temples

For approximately 15 years, filmmaker Nathan Silver has created an assortment of unusual yet intriguing small films that, although they might lack finesse, carry a unique personal touch. In his slightly eccentric romantic comedy titled “Between the Temples“, Jason Schwartzman portrays Ben Gottlieb, a disheartened cantor who can no longer sing. He unexpectedly reencounters Carla Kessler, his former grade-school music teacher, played by Carol Kane, who has determined that it’s finally time, despite her senior citizen status, to have the bat mitzvah she never experienced. She persuades Ben to tutor her, but it’s him who rediscovers his faith and regains his voice. Kane, cherished by many for her roles in films like “Hester Street“, “The Princess Bride“, “Scrooged“, or an episode of “Taxi“, is one of those rare performers we don’t get to witness frequently. With her high-pitched chuckle and radiant smile, she’s both captivating and disarming—she can make you feel giddy with delight, similar to gazing at a sparkler for too long. She and Schwartzman share a remarkable chemistry; their interactions resonate as one unified heartbeat. We owe Silver for bringing them together.

Good One

Writer-director India Donaldson’s first film, “Good One,” presents a refreshing novelty: it’s a tender portrayal that lingers in your mind after the cinema lights dim. Emerging talent Lily Collias delivers an outstanding performance as 17-year-old Sam, embarking on a camping trip with her father Chris (James Le Gros) and his longtime friend Matt (Danny McCarthy). Chris is divorced from Sam’s mother and has a newborn with his second wife; Matt is an actor struggling to recover from a recent divorce. Sam shows no concern for their midlife struggles. However, she listens compassionately as they share their tales of woe around the campfire. Suddenly, in a moment that can’t be undone, everything alters drastically.

Close Your Eyes

The acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Víctor Erice has produced just four full-length films, with his most renowned possibly being 1973’s The Spirit of the Beehive. Therefore, when a new piece arrives, make it your priority to move swiftly. His latest offering, titled Close Your Eyes, is a delicate and immersive film that delves into the complexities of memory and recollections – while they might intersect at times, they are not identical entities. In this movie, a well-known actor, Julio Arenas (José Coronado), vanishes under mysterious circumstances during the production of a film in the early 1990s. Despite extensive efforts, he is never found and presumed deceased. Two decades later, the director of that very film, Miguel Garay (Manolo Solo), resides in a quaint seaside cottage. He continues to write, but the realm of cinema has become an entirely separate universe, one from which he feels estranged. News arises suggesting that Julio – who was also his dearest friend – might be alive. The narrative then unfolds as a contemplative examination of friendship, revealing that our perceptions of individuals can never fully encapsulate their true stories. However, the film predominantly serves as a poetic exploration of how cinema permeates and shapes our very understanding of memories. Movies infiltrate every aspect of our consciousness; there’s no escaping their influence.

2024-08-31 16:06