The 15 movies we’re most excited about this fall

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I must say that the upcoming lineup of films is nothing short of exhilarating!

Despite the lingering impact of strikes, our selection of top films for the season remains brimming with excitement. A variety of big-budget musicals, follow-ups to dark supervillain series, musical adaptations that are actually dark supervillain sequels, intriguing international productions, and striking independent films fill up the schedule.

‘My Old Ass’ (Sept. 13)

On a summer evening as she prepares to embark on college life, an 18-year-old girl consumes mushrooms and encounters her 39-year-old self. This intriguing plot doesn’t immediately conjure up thoughts of a tearful, heartfelt movie. However, director Megan Park’s first feature film proves to be just that – a delightful, sentimental tale about growing up that may inspire you to view your teenage years through rose-tinted glasses. Aubrey Plaza portrays the older version of the main character, but it’s newcomer Maisy Stella, known from the viral sibling singing duo Lennon & Maisy, whose acting leaves a lasting impression. The film, produced by Margot Robbie, was a success at Sundance last year and was promptly acquired for a reported $15 million following a bidding war. If we were to make a prediction right now, we’d say that this could be another box office hit for Barbie. – Amy Kaufman

‘A Different Man’ (Sept. 20)

In a genre blend of David Cronenberg’s gory body horror and Charlie Kaufman’s mind-bending surrealism, the darkly satirical psychological thriller by writer-director Aaron Schimberg presents a unique challenge to both describe and forget. Sebastian Stan portrays an aspiring actor born with facial abnormalities who opted for an experimental transformation, ironically losing the role he was destined for – himself – to another man with the same imperfections (portrayed by Adam Pearson from “Under the Skin”, who has neurofibromatosis). The film distributed by A24, which generated strong interest at this year’s Sundance and co-stars Renate Reinsve (“The Worst Person in the World”), daringly tackles intricate themes of identity and societal perceptions about beauty and disability. Above all, it stands out as remarkably distinct. — Josh Rottenberg

‘The Substance’ (Sept. 20)

In a reinterpretation,

‘Megalopolis’ (Sept. 27)

Did Francis Ford Coppola indeed premiere his long-awaited creative endeavor (and first film in 13 years) at this year’s Cannes Film Festival? He did, I assure you! And I can hardly contain my excitement to watch it again, with all its unconventional insanity. “Megalopolis” may not be accurately represented by descriptions that label it a “city poem” or link its grand aspirations to the power struggles of ancient Rome or bureaucratic politics. While those elements are present, let’s refrain from comparing this movie to another crime saga like “The Godfather.” Instead, it stands as a unique entity, with a central narrative revolving around a talented architect (Adam Driver) and the various individuals who either support or obstruct his vision. The ensemble cast is impressive, featuring the likes of Giancarlo Esposito, Kathryn Hunter, Laurence Fishburne, Dustin Hoffman, and Aubrey Plaza, with the latter portraying an intriguing media creation named Wow Platinum. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ (Oct. 4)

Ashley Lee has been rather impartial regarding the initial “Joker” film released in 2019, even when it turned into a massive box-office hit and garnered two Oscars. However, the news that the Warner Bros. sequel is going to be a romantic, musical movie, featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, comes as quite a surprise. It’s a decision she finds hard to accept, but one she’s eager to witness to confirm its existence. Director Todd Phillips, Ashley Lee will definitely be in attendance for this musical adaptation of the comic book, mainly because she’s been anticipating Joaquin Phoenix’s on-screen singing performance ever since his remarkable portrayal of Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.” She’s looking forward to experiencing Phoenix’s eccentric vocal skills on haunting renditions of popular songs, which she suspects will forever alter her perception of these tunes. — Ashley Lee

‘The Apprentice’ (Oct. 11)

Beware of the misleading title; this movie isn’t a reboot of the popular NBC reality show linked to Donald Trump’s real estate business. Instead, it could be described as “The film Trump doesn’t want you to watch.” Despite Trump not viewing the film yet, he is making efforts to prevent its release in cinemas. The movie, titled “The Apprentice,” has received mixed reviews from Cannes and presents an unflattering image of Trump, featuring a scene where he allegedly assaults his first wife, Ivanka. Featuring Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: The First Avenger”) as Trump and Jeremy Strong (“Succession”), this film is bound to intensify the heated election season further. — Greg Braxton

‘We Live in Time’ (Oct. 11)

As a passionate cinephile, allow me to express that if you require additional persuasion beyond knowing that “Little Women” actress Florence Pugh and “The Amazing Spider-Man” star Andrew Garfield are headlining an A24 film, then perhaps this description will suffice. The trailer reveals their characters as parents of a delightful daughter, who experienced a humorous yet fateful encounter when Alma (Pugh) accidentally ran over Tobias (Garfield) with her car. As the story unfolds, they grapple with a heart-wrenching illness, as evidenced by a scene where Alma is seen in a doctor’s office with a shaved head. If the trailer alone stirs emotions within you, brace yourself for the film directed by John Crowley, who demonstrated his knack for creating emotionally resonant stories with the Oscar-nominated “Brooklyn.” In one poignant moment, Tobias admits, “I’m guilty of looking ahead instead of right in front of me,” but it’s not just a figure of speech; he’s genuinely struggling to keep his emotions in check. So, are you prepared for this emotional rollercoaster? (I certainly am not.) – Glenn Whipp

‘Anora’ (Oct. 18)

When I learned that Sean Baker won the Palme d’Or for “Anora,” it felt like a significant milestone for an entire generation of American independent filmmakers, including myself. His ability to maintain the raw, inventive spirit he’s known for while maturing into a visionary storyteller is truly inspiring. In “Anora,” he crafted something akin to a crystal-clear fantasy: a realistic fairy tale. Mikey Madison delivers an unforgettable portrayal of a stripper in Brighton Beach, New York, who finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance with the son of a powerful Russian oligarch. In a moment of spontaneity, they tie the knot in Las Vegas. Initially, it appears to be a dream come true, but trouble brews when his parents catch wind of their union and try everything in their power to annul it. Throughout his career, Baker’s filmmaking has always had an anthropological quality, as seen in movies like “Starlet,” “Tangerine,” and “The Florida Project.” With “Anora,” this feeling persists, but the movie transcends these boundaries to become a profound mix of emotions and tones, careening wildly from uproarious comedy to striking empathy, ultimately leading to understanding. — A film enthusiast

‘Salem’s Lot’ (Max; October TBA)

Following some uncertainty about whether Stephen King’s 1975 vampire novel adaptation, Salem’s Lot, would ever make it to screens (either daylight or the cozy ambiance of a living room), it has now been confirmed that it will be released on Max this Halloween season. This project appears promising with Gary Dauberman, the director-screenwriter who successfully adapted “It,” handling the material, and a talented cast featuring Lewis Pullman, Alfre Woodard, and Bill Camp. However, King’s endorsement of the film, stating that it is “quite good” and showcases traditional horror filmmaking techniques, has significantly boosted its prospects. Despite Warner Bros. seemingly holding back on its release, King himself seems unconcerned, implying that there might be some unknown factors at play.

‘Blitz’ (Nov. 1)

Steve McQueen could easily be described as one of our top contemporary historical filmmakers. This award-winning artist first made his mark in 2008 with “Hunger,” a powerful portrayal of hunger-striking Irish Republican prisoners, and while he’s created notable modern stories since then, his most impactful work has been applying his sharp, contemporary style to historical conflicts. For instance, take the intense “12 Years a Slave,” set against the harsh environment of pre-Civil War Louisiana plantations; the stunning “Small Axe,” a collection of five films about the Windrush generation of African Caribbean immigrants in the U.K.; and most recently, “Occupied City,” a meticulously crafted depiction of life in Amsterdam during Nazi occupation. In essence, if there’s a director capable of breathing fresh significance into the frequently retold story of the German bombing of London during World War II, it’s undeniably McQueen. — Matt Brennan

‘Conclave’ (Nov. 1)

Request for forgiveness, Father, as I confess my recent transgression: Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself repeatedly watching the trailer for “Conclave,” which might be considered excessive enjoyment, or gluttony. As of now, the movie doesn’t debut until November 1st, but I can’t resist the allure of a Vatican-set drama. Whether it’s “Angels & Demons,” “The Two Popes,” or “The Young Pope,” these productions always captivate me. This time around, “Conclave” boasts an impressive cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini as a feisty sister. Directed by Oscar winner Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), “Conclave” is an adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel of the same name. The storyline is straightforward: In Vatican City, the pope has passed away, and Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is in charge of electing a new one. However, before the smoke turns from black to white (signifying a new pope), there will be intrigue, scandals, and shocking secrets unveiled. Despite lacking elements like priest-assassins or anti-matter explosions, as Stanley Tucci might have said in “The Devil Wears Prada,” give me a full cassock skirt and a sea of zucchettos, and I’m hooked. — Mary McNamara

‘Emilia Pérez’ (Nov. 1; on Netflix Nov. 13)

According to critic Mark Olsen, “Emilia Pérez,” directed by renowned French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, might initially appear as a Mad Libs-style script rather than a movie. This is because it’s an unconventional Mexican-set melodrama about a ruthless crime boss who transforms into a woman, and it also happens to be a musical with electrifying song and dance sequences. Despite its seemingly improbable premise, the film somehow coheres in unexpected ways, making perfect sense even as it pushes the boundaries of audacity.

‘All We Imagine as Light’ (Nov. 15)

Payal Kapadia’s drama, titled “The Girlfriend Experience,” made a striking entry at Cannes towards the festival’s closing and significantly altered prize predictions, eventually winning the Grand Prix. Notable past winners of this award include “The Zone of Interest,” “BlacKkKlansman,” and “Inside Llewyn Davis.” It’s important to note that the film’s delightful aspects shouldn’t be exaggerated. The narrative initially unfolds in a somber urban setting, beautifully captured by cinematographer Ranabir Das, reminiscent of a Wong Kar-wai production. Here, two Mumbai nurses deal with romantic dissatisfaction. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn as they venture out of the city to a lush beachside community, where possibilities seem endless. While Hollywood has told this tale before, Kapadia skillfully weaves themes of sisterhood, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment into the storyline, making it resonate with anyone seeking inspiration for bigger dreams. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Gladiator II’ (Nov. 22)

Originally released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” now seems almost like a relic of the past, but it was once a massive box office success, grossing over $460 million globally and winning five Oscars, including best picture. It catapulted Russell Crowe to stardom. Now, after years of delays, director Ridley Scott, now 86, is back in the ring, with Paul Mescal taking on the role of Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of the cruel Commodus, initially portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. After his home is raided by a Roman army led by Pedro Pascal’s general Marcus Acacius, Lucius is compelled to fight as a gladiator under the guidance of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who resents the rule of the young twin emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn). Get ready for another round in the Colosseum. — Josh Rottenberg

‘Wicked’ (Nov. 22)

Before Dorothy’s entry in “The Wizard of Oz,” this lively movie-musical primarily focuses on the transformation of the relationship between Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, two women initially friends who are driven apart by societal influence. The adaptation of this hit stage musical has been in progress since its Broadway debut in 2003, and I’m excited that the Universal project is now moving forward under director Jon M. Chu (“In the Heights” and “Crazy Rich Asians”). I can’t wait to appreciate Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s renditions of Stephen Schwartz’s songs, which encompass humorous numbers, powerful anthems, poignant ballads, and melancholic duets. Despite having to wait a year for the second part of a two-part release, I find that acceptable. – Ashley Lee

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2024-09-07 14:03