This year has already delivered some fantastic films, including Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” While these films transported me back to my happy place, there are many more to come that have me eagerly awaiting my next cinema trip. In this article, I delve into my top ten most anticipated films set to release later in 2023, featuring two from a director who continues to prove his mastery of the art form even in his later years. Without further ado, let’s dive into my list!
10. Perfect Days
The first film on this list comes from the hyperactive director who’s featered twice in this list – Wim Wenders. Whether he makes fiction films like “Der Himmel Über Berlin” or documentaries such as “Buena Vista Social Club”, he always seems to know how to get me excited for more. He is obviously a director with great sensitivity and his movies usually connect with me. Therefore, I am curious to see what this picture will do to me. Set in Japan, the story follows a janitor who loves to listen to Rock music during his trips to work. The plot sounds simplistic, but that’s what makes it work most of the time. The film made an impact at the Festival of Cannes and earned actor Kôji Yakusho the Best Actor Award.
9. All of Us Strangers
Last year, I was introduced to the exceptional talents of Paul Mescal through his electrifying portrayal of a troubled father in the captivating film “Aftersun”. His performance was so enthralling that I couldn’t wait to uncover more of his work. Upon discovering the fantasy drama “All of Us Strangers”, directed by Andrew Haigh, my excitement only intensified. The plot follows a screenwriter’s return to his childhood home, where he discovers his deceased parents are alive and living as they did 30 years ago. The premise alone is enough to pique anyone’s curiosity, and with glowing reviews from critics, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the movie and discover what all the buzz is about.
8. The Zone of Interest
Director Jonathan Glazer may not have an extensive filmography under his belt, but the few feature films he’s helmed are nothing short of fantastic. “Sexy Beast” and “Under the Skin” have secured their place in cinema history, and it’s safe to say that his upcoming film will follow suit given the critical acclaim it has received. The film, a war drama centered around the life of Rudolf Höss, the former commandant of Auschwitz who sought to build a dream life for his family in a home adjacent to the concentration camp, is a significant departure from Glazer’s previous works. However, given the breadth of his oeuvre, this doesn’t come as a surprise. The film doesn’t have a trailer yet, so for more information you can watch the video below.
7. The Holdovers
It’s been an eternity since I last indulged in a movie crafted by this masterful director, and I’m delighted to see his work back on the big screen. Alexander Payne created an impeccable blend of tragedy and comedy with his critically acclaimed movie, “Sideways,” in 2004. This year, he reunites with the incomparable Paul Giamatti for another witty, thought-provoking comedy. Giamatti takes on the role of a disliked teacher named Paul Hunham, who decides to spend his Christmas holiday at the school with the students who couldn’t make it home. Only one student remains, 15-year-old Angus, and together with an African-American caterer, this unlikely trio forms an unbreakable bond and gets into all sorts of hijinks. With a talented auteur like Payne at the helm, this film is sure to be a cinematic treat.
6. Anselm – Das Rauschen der Zeit
The second entry on this list, helmed by Wim Wenders, serves as a documentary that centers on the renowned and contemporary artist, Anselm Kiefer. Premiering at Cannes, this film is not only the first ever 3D documentary to my knowledge but also ensures a visual experience like no other while delving into the accomplished painter’s past and present. Having watched numerous of Wenders’ documentaries, I am certain that this piece will bring a distinctive, engaging perspective to the table.
5. Memory
On New Year’s Day in 2022, my girlfriend and I embarked on a hungover adventure to the capital. After exploring the city for hours, we stumbled upon a quaint arthouse theater showcasing Michel Franco’s “New Order.” The film left us both shocked and exhilarated, sparking our curiosity to delve deeper into the director’s repertoire. Eager to immerse ourselves further, we headed to the library and rented “Sundown,” another captivating creation by Franco. Once again, we found ourselves captivated by this filmmaker’s talent. Now, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to watch Franco’s latest offering, “Memory,” alongside my girlfriend. This intriguing narrative follows a social worker who becomes entangled with an old classmate after a high school reunion, promising to shake the foundations of both their lives. With Franco at the helm, I anticipate another controversial and thought-provoking work that will leave a lasting impression. This entry also doesn’t have a trailer yet, so check out the video below for more information.
4. The Boy and The Heron
The arrival of a new project from Hayao Miyazaki always brings joyous anticipation. However, this particular endeavor holds a special place in our hearts as it is rumored to be his final film. While it may evoke a tinge of melancholy, we can’t help but express gratitude for the enchanting legacy he has gifted us. In this deeply personal film, the protagonist embodies a young Miyazaki himself, embarking on a captivating journey into a world brimming with magic. Accompanied by a graceful grey heron, he sets out to discover an abandoned tower nestled within his newfound town. Witnessing Miyazaki take a step back from his craft marks the end of a chapter, but we shall forever cherish and appreciate his profound contributions to the world of cinema.
3. The Killer
Thanks to a deal he made with Netflix, David Fincher is back faster than ever to helm another passion project. Following his heartfelt dedication of “Mank” to his father, Fincher unveils a long-cherished concept that has lingered within his creative mind. “The Killer” takes inspiration from a graphic novel of the same name, featuring the formidable Michael Fassbender in the lead role. While the teaser may not have ignited an immediate fervor within me, and critics’ opinions may be divided, the mere mention of a Fincher film is enough to capture my attention. For that reason alone, I am compelled to experience it firsthand, making my way to the theaters with eager anticipation.
2. Poor Things
Few contemporary directors possess a filmography as exhilarating as that of Yorgos Lanthimos. With remarkable cinematic masterpieces like “Dogtooth” and “The Lobster” under his belt, Lanthimos has captured the hearts of both audiences and critics alike. Initially, when I learned about the subject matter of his latest film, I harbored reservations about my potential enjoyment. However, the director’s triumph at the Venice Film Festival and rave reviews hailing it as his finest work to date swiftly dispelled my doubts. Leading the cast is the talented Emma Stone, assuming the role of Bella Baxter, a young woman resurrected by the enigmatic Dr. Godwin Baxter, brought to life by the incomparable Willem Dafoe. The inclusion of Dafoe in a Lanthimos film guarantees a captivating blend of madness and brilliance. I eagerly anticipate inviting my friends to join me in experiencing this extraordinary cinematic journey on the big screen.
1. Killers of the Flower Moon
The dynamic duo of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, hailed as cinema’s greatest contemporary pairing, reunites once again for the sixth time in this highly anticipated adaptation of David Grann’s eponymous book. Renowned film critic David Ehrlich of Indiewire goes so far as to proclaim DiCaprio’s performance in this film as the pinnacle of his already illustrious career—an accolade that carries significant weight. Departing from the book’s original whodunit approach, Scorsese takes a mature artistic choice by emphasizing the love story within the narrative. With high hopes, we eagerly anticipate that this decision will prove to be as successful as we all envision. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, the film delves into the enigmatic murders that plagued the Osage tribe during the 1920s, prompting an FBI investigation involving the iconic J. Edgar Hoover. In the words of The Pointer Sisters, “I’m so excited!”
Photograph by Vecteezy.com
