“Hypnotic”
Robert Rodriguez wrote the script for this film in 2002 and has called it one of his favorite stories. Now, 21 years later, audiences are finally going to get to see the detective story. Ben Affleck stars as a detective who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. “Hypnotic” also stars Alice Braga, JD Pardo, and Dayo Okeniyi.
Release Date: May 12 via Ketchup Entertainment.
“The Starling Girl”
Eliza Scanlen delivers yet another powerful performance in “The Starling Girl.” Scanlan plays Jem Starling, a teenage girl whose faith is put into question due to the pressures of living in a Christian fundamentalist community and the arrival of a returning youth pastor. Lewis Pullman, Austin Abrams, Wrenn Schmidt, Jimmi Simpson, and Claire Elizabeth Green star. Written and directed by Laurel Parmet with a score from indie musician Lord Huron, our critic saw the film at Sundance, and praised Scanlen, writing “Scanlen, at 24, must be getting a little tired of playing wounded teens, but she plays them so well – as in “Babyteeth” and “Little Women,” she seems utterly incapable of a false note.”
Release Date: May 12 in theaters via Bleecker Street.
“Fast X”
Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family are once again faced with the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Louis Leterrier directs with a script from Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin. Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, and Charlize Theron all return for the 10th installment in the series, with Jason Momoa and Brie Larson joining the cast.
Release Date: May 19 in theaters via Universal Pictures.
“Sanctuary”
Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley star in this dark comedy thriller from director Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine.”) Written by Micah Bloomberg, the film follows Abbott’s Hal as he tries to end his relationship with the dominatrix (Qualley) who has primed him for success. Our writer saw it at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, writing “…along with his sublimely spiky actors, Wigon illustrates how frightening, overwhelming, and nourishing it can be to stop the withholding — to allow yourself the pleasure of giving and receiving, and to see the liberation in submission.”
Release Date: May 19 in theaters via NEON.
