As we approach the fall awards season, the buzz around potential Oscar nominees and film festival debuts is heating up. Exciting titles are still on the horizon—like our tickets for the upcoming Gladiator and Wicked double feature. However, it’s essential to celebrate the impressive films that have already graced the screen this year, including a captivating tennis ball POV in Challengers, the exquisite anti-catharsis of I Saw the TV Glow, and remarkable debuts from first-time directors Sean Wang and Annie Baker, who both capture the awkwardness of adolescence with uncanny precision. Here’s a look at some standout films so far.
Close Your Eyes
In his fourth feature, acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Victor Erice delivers a deeply personal narrative about memory, identity, and friendship. The story centers on a retired director (Manolo Solo) searching for his actor and best friend (Jose Coronado), who mysteriously vanished from a film set decades earlier. Erice intricately weaves his own experiences into the characters’ journeys, reflecting on cinema’s role in shaping memory and identity. The film culminates in a poignant exploration of what defines a fulfilling life—whether it’s the sum of our experiences or simply the joy of being present. Erice beautifully suggests that self-awareness often stems from how others perceive us, a truth that resonates deeply with filmmakers. —Bilge Ebiri
The Killer
John Woo’s long-awaited American remake of The Killer offers a fresh take rather than a simple retread. Starring Nathalie Emmanuel as a skilled assassin and Omar Sy as the relentless cop on her trail, this version is set in France and brings a lighter, more playful tone. While it retains the core plot of the original, Woo opts for a breezy style filled with humor and outrageous violence, departing from the heavy romanticism of its predecessor. The result is an entertaining and absurd thrill ride. —B.E.
Strange Darling
JT Mollner’s thriller unfolds in a non-linear fashion, reminiscent of the 90s’ Pulp Fiction-inspired films. The story features Willa Fitzgerald as a woman fleeing from Kyle Gallner’s character, with each new chapter shifting our understanding of their relationship. The strong performances anchor the film, but its clever structure keeps viewers on their toes, creating a satisfying sense of tension that lasts until the end. —Alison Willmore
Between the Temples
In Nathan Silver’s latest work, Jason Schwartzman portrays Benjamin Gottlieb, an upstate cantor grappling with grief and a lost voice. After a personal crisis, he finds solace in the presence of his former music teacher, Carla O’Connor (Carol Kane), who seeks to finally celebrate her bat mitzvah. As their bond deepens, it complicates the lives of those around them. This film skillfully navigates the emotional terrain of their connection, with Schwartzman and Kane’s chemistry adding unexpected depth and humor. —B.E.
Daughters
The Netflix documentary Daughters, directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, chronicles a poignant father-daughter dance at a Washington, D.C. prison. Rather than focusing on logistical challenges, the filmmakers highlight the emotional stakes as fathers and daughters prepare for their special day. The film takes a powerful turn in its final act, revealing it as a longitudinal piece that explores the passage of time and the value of connection. The final moments serve as a heart-wrenching reminder of the preciousness of time in our lives. —B.E.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap marks a playful return to form for the director. The film follows Josh Hartnett’s character, an overzealous father, who finds himself caught in a bizarre concert scheme to capture him. With its absurd premise and quirky stylistic choices, Trap balances humor with deeper themes of familial anxiety. The inclusion of Shyamalan’s daughter as the pop star adds a personal touch, making the film both entertaining and meaningful. —B.E.
Dìdi
Sean Wang’s debut film offers a candid look at the struggles of adolescence through the eyes of Chris Wang (Izaac Wang), a 13-year-old navigating summer before high school. Set in the East Bay in 2008, it captures the awkwardness of youth while portraying life in a predominantly Asian suburban community. Joan Chen delivers a stunning performance as Chris’s mother, adding depth to the story about familial bonds and the challenges of growing up. —Alison Willmore
Oddity
Damian McCarthy’s Oddity merges horror with dark humor, featuring a disturbingly captivating life-size doll. The film weaves together elements of murder, revenge, and the supernatural in an intricately crafted Irish country house setting. McCarthy skillfully balances chilling moments with absurdity, resulting in a film that is both visually striking and thematically rich. Prepare for both laughter and fright as this unique tale unfolds.