Written by Noa Shenker
With an impending reopening of Victoria on the horizon, for many people, it means a joyous and long-awaited reunion with their favourite places; cafes, restaurants, bars, golf courses – and cinemas. The dying industry will need our support more than ever to stay on its feet this summer. With almost nine months of watching movies on only TVs and laptop screens, it will undoubtedly be a sweet return to the movies; dark theatres, popcorn, choc- top and all. Here are five films Victorians won’t want to miss when cinemas (hopefully) reopen this summer.
Nomadland
Nomadland, Chloe Zao’s follow up to her 2017 film The Rider, follows Frances McDormand as a van-dwelling, modern-day nomad, making her way across the American West after facing unimaginable loss. The film, described as a unique hybrid of film and almost-documentary, is a loosely fictionalised version of Jessica Bruder’s novel of the same name. Said to be overflowing with warmth, humanity and tenderness, and resting on a bedrock of necessary social commentary as well as another Oscar deserving performance from McDormand, the film recently won the Gold Lion at the Venice Film Festival. It’s set for a December release in Australia.
The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson is known for his trademark style, characterized by idiosyncratic characters, vibrant colours, and wacky stories. His newest film, set in a fictional outpost of an American newspaper in France, promises to sustain that incredible style. Boasting an incredible cast – Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Waltz, Timothee Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan, just to name a few – the film looks set to make itself home among Anderson’s filmography as a crazy, eccentric, wide-scale story of wonder. Described as a love letter to writers, it’s one to look out for – even for the cast alone.
Minari
Minari follows a Korean family settling down in their new home state of Arkansas in the 1980s. The film is a gentle snapshot of the realities of chasing the American Dream, unearthing the intricacies of a family of outsiders trying to dig their way in. The film is both an insight into the immigrant experience in America, and a coming of age story of finding a way to fit into a new home. Simultaneously intimate and imposing, and starring The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun, the film looks to be one that breaks your heart in two and then puts it back together again.
Soul
Soul is the highly anticipated Pixar film dubbed to be next year’s lock for best animated feature at the Oscars. Centring on a musician (Jamie Foxx) who has lost his passion for music, the film follows his journey as his soul is transported from his body, forcing him to find a way back to himself. In true Pixar style, the film will explore themes of life, passion and existentialism, reminiscent of Inside Out. If it’s anything like that or any other Pixar films of the past decade, it’s sure to pack a big punch; tugging on the heartstrings and chipping away at the tear ducts, for kids and adults alike.
Dune
Dune is the highly anticipated new film from Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 visionary and director Denis Villeneuve. Based on Frank Herbert’s iconic novel, the film will follow Timothee Chalamet as Paul, a noble son entrusted with the most valuable asset in his galaxy. Undoubtedly the biggest-scale production Chalamet has ever led, he lines up alongside the likes of Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem and Jason Momoa. With the trailer already showcasing fantastic writing, epic action scenes and a haunting score, Dune promises to be a visual and cinematic phenomenon. It’s set to be released in Australia in mid-December.