“Official Competition”
“Official Competition” is a film about a renowned filmmaker (Penelope Cruz) hired by a billionaire entrepreneur (Jose Luis Gomez) to create the movie of the century. Antonio Banderas and Oscar Martinez star as actors in the fictional feature who can’t seem to get along, making it difficult for Cruz to guide them (read our review).
Release Date: June 17, 2022, via IFC Films.
“Spiderhead”
Joseph Kosinski has two films coming out in 2022. The first is the aforemention ‘Top Gun’ sequel in May, the second is “Spiderhead,” a genre-bending and darkly funny psychological thriller. The film centers on a near future, where convicts are offered the chance to volunteer as medical subjects to shorten their sentence. But these mind-altering drugs and experiments often upend reality and twist the notions of free will. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the script and Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett star.
Release Date: June 17, via Netflix.
“Lightyear”
This highly anticipated spin-off of the “Toy Story” films is the origin story of the great astronaut Buzz Lightyear. In the film, Buzz does his first test flight for Star Command and ends up time traveling and needing to find his way home. The legendary astronaut is voiced by Chris Evans and the film also stars the voices of Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, and Josh Brolin.
Release Date: June 17, 2022, via Pixar and Disney.
“Good Luck to You Leo Grande”
A widow who has never had an orgasm hires a young sex worker to help change that. The pair, however, end up forming an unlikely bond that leads them each on a journey of self-discovery. The sexually unsatisfied widow, Nancy, is played by Academy Award winner Emma Thompson. The man she hires in the film, Leo, is played by “Peaky Blinders” star Daryl McCormack (read our review).
Release Date: June 17, 2022, via Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.
“Cha Cha Real Smooth”
The Sundance Film Festival 2022 winner of the Audience Award in the US Dramatic category, this “endlessly charming” film examines the twenty-something post-college life and all of the questions that come with it. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” stars writer and director Cooper Raiff, Dakota Johnson, and Evan Assante. This is the second coming-of-age film from Raiff (read our review).
Release Date: June 17, 2022, via Apple TV+.
“Apples”
During a global pandemic, Aris, played by Aris Servetalis, enrolls in a recovery program to help unclaimed patients build new identities. Aris is prescribed daily tasks on cassette tapes so he can create new memories. The film was written and directed by Christos Nikou and also stars Sofia Georgovassili and Anna Kalaitxidou (read our review).
Release Date: June 1, 2022, via Cohen Media Group.
“Elvis”
“Elvis” is a look at the life of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley, starring Austin Butler. Butler is widely known for his roles in “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” and teen drama television, typically playing the heartthrob. The film also stars fan-favorite Dacre Mongomery of “Stranger Things,” as well as Tom Hanks, and Oliva DeJonge. “Elvis” will be available on HBO Max 45 days after its theatrical release.
Release Date: June 24, 2022, via Warner Brothers.
“Flux Gourmet”
“Flux Gourmet” is a comedy-horror about a group of artists from an institute devoted to “culinary performance.” The art-house film is written and directed by Peter Strickland, who has spent time making culinary soundscapes with The Sonic Catering Band. The film stars “Sex Education” star Asa Butterfield alongside Richard Bremmer, Leo Bill, and Gwendoline Christie. The streaming and theatrical releases will be simultaneous (read our review).
Release Date: June 24, 2022, via IFC Films.
“The Black Phone”
Based on a short story of the same name, “The Black Phone” is a horror film about a child who is abducted by a serial killer. The abducted child, Finney (Mason Thames), wakes up in a soundproof basement with a disconnected phone and starts receiving phone calls from the previous victims who want to help him. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Davies, James Ransone, and Madeline McGraw (read our review).
Release Date: June 24, 2022, via Universal Pictures and Blumhouse.
“Marcel the Shell With Shoes On”
A big-screen debut for a tiny star, this feature-length adaption of the 2010 animated short film of the same name follows Marcel, an adorable one-inch-tall shell. He, his grandmother Connie, and their pet lint Alan live a colorful existence, but their lives are about to change forever when a documentary filmmaker discovers them. Jenny Slate reprises her role as the lovable shell, alongside Dean Fleischer-Camp and Isabella Rossellini.
Release Date: June 24, 2022, via A24.
Also in June: Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman‘s “Neptune Frost” (June 3), Jim Archer‘s “Brian and Charles” (June 17), Rebeca Huntt’s “Beba” (June 24), Emelie Mahdavian‘s “Bitterbrush” (June 24), “Interceptor” (“June 3”), Adam Sandler‘s “Hustle” (June 8), the Jennifer Lopez doc, “Halftime” (June 14), Neon‘s volcano doc from Sara Dose, “Fire of Love.“
