The festival season has began – the golden time for filmmakers as they can finally get a platform where their films are showcased to the world. There are many film festivals in the world, but most of them are hoax. However, the Venice Film Festival that generally takes place during this time of the year is for real. There is genuinely an audience belonging to the film fraternity, scouting new talent. While the festival gives a chance to new to filmmakers, it is also a medium for veteran artists to showcase their new works to the world and earn some prestigious awards. The 80th edition of the prestigious event is taking place currently. So, which are some of the most standout films from Venice this year? Here are my top picks.
5) Ferrari
Ferrari is Michael Mann’s first venture since 2015’s disappointing Blackhat. Adam Driver is one of the finest actors of our times, stars in the leading role of Enzo. The film also has Hugh Jackman and Penelope Cruz in supporting roles. The Michael Mann directorial premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received a 6 minute long standing ovation which left Adam Driver tear eyed. Currently, Ferrari has 74% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.8/10 score on IMDb.
4) The Killer
David Fincher’s next directorial, The Killer is based on the French graphic novel of the same name. Michael Fassbender will star in the titular role and Sophie Charlotte, Tilda Swinton, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell and Monique Ganderton. The much awaited film premiered at the festival and received extremely strong reviews from reputed critics. Many have called it Fincher’s best since Gone Girl. I believe Fincher is the best director working in Hollywood, so, whatever he throws at us, I’ll fetch. The Killer has a ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 84% and a 7.5/10 IMDb score.
3) Maestro
Bradley Cooper returns to the big screen with his next directorial called Maestro. The film is based on the life of American conductor Leonard Bernstein falls in love with Costa Rican actress Felicia Montealegre. The film boasts an impressive cast apart from Cooper including, Maya Hawke, Carey Mulligan, Matt Boner and Jeremy Strong. Maestro has a ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 92% and an IMDb score of 6.8/10. The trailer for the film looks amazing and I can’t wait for it especially after the great critical reception.
2) Priscilla
Sofia Coppola, one of the most inspiring filmmakers of our generation, is coming out with another Presley biopic after Baz Luhrmann. However, it is not about Elvis Presley rather his wife – Priscilla Presley. The film stars Cailee Spaeny in the titular role and Jacob Elordi as Elvis. Priscilla is based on a 1985 memoir by Priscilla Presley. The Sofia Coppola directorial premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has received glowing review from critics. Priscilla has debuted with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.7/10 IMDb score.
1) Poor Things
Poor Things is Yorgos Lanthimos first film since The Favourite (2018). The film stars Emma Stone in the lead and the supporting actors include Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. Ever since I’ve seen Lobster (2015), I’ve been a fan of Lanthimos and I couldn’t wait for his next directorial. The critical reception of the film is amazing, perhaps, the best at the film festival as Poor Things has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb score of 8.5/10.
The 80th Venice Film Festival is taking place between August 30th 2023 and September 9th 2023.
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