“Titane” (Julia Ducournau)
Julia Ducournau’s debut feature “Raw” made huge waves in indie horror circles. Chided by some/lauded by others for its cannibalistic concept, her sophomore film, “Titane,” seems to be aiming for a similar audience, injecting a little bio-punk into the proceedings. With only a vague, very science-heavy synopsis being released alongside a freaky as f*ck atmospheric tease, all we really know about “Titane” is that it revolves around the sudden return of a child thought to have disappeared a decade back—the end of one nightmare ushering in the beginning of another when the boy’s father brings him home. But a string of gruesome murders involving a car showroom model soon complicates things. Many cinephiles have their eye on Ducournau, so it’s easy to see why NEON snagged this one up. – AB
“The Worst Person In The World” (Joachim Trier)
The third film in Joachim Trier’s ‘Oslo Trilogy’—following the Roberto Bolaño-esque lit-bro satire “Reprise” and the devastating addiction drama “Oslo, August 31st”—“The Worst Person In The World” finds the Danish-born director returning to his slice of life roots. Panicking about turning 30 and envious that her older boyfriend, Askel (Anders Danielsen Lie), has become a successful graphic novel artist, Julie (Renate Reinsve) crashes a party one night, charmed by the younger Eivind (Herbert Nordrum). Wanting a change in her life, she breaks up with Askel but continues questioning her ongoing choices. After venturing into genre waters of the strange and supernatural with “Thelma,” it should be fascinating to see how Trier’s approach has evolved since his early days. – AB
Un Certain Regard
“After Yang” (Kogonada)
Based on the poignant short story “Saying Goodbye to Yang,” from author Alexander Weinstein’s prophetic sci-fi anthology, “Children Of The New World” (which Lulu Wang is also allegedly probing an adaptation from) “After Yang” Kogonada’s anticipated follow-up to his debut tone poem “Columbus” focuses on a family that “adopts” a Chinese robot boy to act as a big brother/babysitter to their infant daughter. When Yang starts malfunctioning, the father (Colin Farrell) struggles to find an affordable means to repair him in a world fueled by anti-Asian hate. Caught between the value of one robot life and the value he provides for his ‘real’ family, “After Yang,” is a palpably moving story exploring the complications of culture and community being directly impacted by technological ‘progress,’ reuniting Kogonada with “Columbus” breakout star, Haley Lu Richardson. – AB
“Blue Bayou” (Justin Chon)
“Blue Bayou,” longtime actor Justin Chon’s third film as a director, sounds like a natural successor to his exceptional sophomore feature, “Ms. Purple.” Chon stars as Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean American adoptee raised in Louisiana whose life is turned upside down after learning the government may have grounds to deport him. Other than the fact that he’s lived within America’s borders for most of his life, Antonio is also married to Kathy (Alicia Vikander), adding more questions as to why exactly he shouldn’t qualify for citizenship. While his last film circled around a first-generation, Korean American family unit, his newest aims to explore different intersectional conflicts, focusing on experiences of an individual cut-off from his cultural heritage as opposed to feeling trapped by it. – AB
Out of Competition
“The Velvet Underground” (Todd Haynes)
Already having made a cult classic paying homage to Lou Reed, glam rock, and the mythological sound of the ’70s with “Velvet Goldmine,” Todd Haynes has seemingly gone full-Martin Scorsese, directing a documentary titled/about the legendary group, “The Velvet Underground,” shot by his regular DP collaborator Edward Lachman. Made with approval from the surviving band members, John Cale and Maureen “Moe” Tucker, Haynes’ aesthetic aim was to tap into ’60s rock docs such as those made by Andy Warhol, which sounds not so different from the detailed production design approach he takes to his Sirk-inspired period dramas. Acquired by Apple TV+ for release this summer, “The Velvet Underground” is sure to be a must-watch for music/movie lovers of all generations. – AB
