This summer we received a surprisingly good collection of sequels, a not-so-great collection of original comedies ("Crazy Rich Asians" as the only exception), a nice showing of indie fare, a surprising number of well-received documentaries and the sad decline (and seemingly inevitable demise) of Moviepass which lead to this season ending with the box-office reaching an impressive 4.4 billion dollars in receipts. This was an improvement over last summer where there were a lot more poorly-received flops and ticket sales dropped to it's lowest level in ten years.
As we move in to fall, there will be plenty of upcoming movies that will not only be trying to lure audiences in to theaters but also vying for award consideration. I've seen a few trailers for several interesting films coming soon but I have selected ten to share that have particularly captured my attention.
All release dates are subject to change:
"LIZZIE"
Release date: September 14, 2018
We are all familiar with the story of Lizzie Borden and what was said she did with an ax but with "Lizzie", we are given a more complex look in to her life and another possible motivation for the crime she was accused of committing. Chloë Sevigny stars (and serves as a producer) as Borden, an unmarried woman living with her controlling father (Jamey Sheridan) and stepmother (Fiona Shaw). When a new maid (Kristen Stewart) is hired, Lizzie finds friendship and close intimacy with her which eventually leads to them devising a deadly plan.
"COLETTE"
Release date: September 21, 2018
Keira Knightley returns to her comfort zone in a period drama with "Colette". This bio-drama by Wash Westmoreland ("Still Alice") tells the story of Gabrielle Sidonie Colette, a young French woman who marries an older man, Henry Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West) known to the public as the writer, "Willy". Colette becomes interested in writing and her husband encourages her to do so but under his name. When the books become a success, this eventually creates some serious tension between the couple.
"THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER"
Release date: October 12, 2018
Based on the acclaimed 2014 Israeli film, this English-language remake of "The Kindergarten Teacher" is set in New York and stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a teacher who notices a child (Parker Sevak) in her class who she believes is extremely gifted. While his father is not particularly interested in having him apply for any advanced placement, the teacher begins to obsess over the boy which leads to misguided and disturbing situations. Sara Colangelo won the Best Director prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival for this film and also features Gael García Bernal.
"CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?"
Release date: October 19, 2018
We know that Melissa McCarthy is more than capable of making us laugh but is she also able to give us some serious drama? We shall soon see with "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", where she plays Lee Israel, a once successful writer but by 1992, she could no longer get published and was soon broke. Desperate, she begins to forge letters by deceased writers and actors and sell them for top dollar. But it doesn't take long for people to become suspicious and getting the FBI involved. Based on Israel's memoir, this is the long-awaited follow-up by Marielle Heller, the director of one of my favorite films of 2015, "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" and with a script by Nicole Holofcener who was once attached to direct.
"SERENITY"
Release date: October 19, 2018
"Serenity", from writer/director, Steven Knight, is a neo-noir thriller about a fishing-boat captain (Matthew McConaughey) whose sultry ex-wife (Anne Hathaway) suddenly reenters his life asking for a small favor. And that would involve helping to murder her wealthy but abusive husband (Jason Clarke). Djimon Hounsou and Diane Lane also star.
"WILDLIFE"
Release date: October 19, 2018
Actor Paul Dano ("Little Miss Sunshine", "There Will Be Blood", "Swiss Army Man") has made his directorial debut with "WildLife". He co-wrote the screenplay with his girlfriend and actress, Zoe Kazan (which is based on the novel by Richard Ford) and tells the 1960's set story of a teenage boy (Ed Oxenbould) who watches as his parents' (Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal) troubled marriage crumbles further apart after his mother begins an affair.
"A PRIVATE WAR"
Release date: November 2, 2018
"A Private War" examines the fascinating life of celebrated war correspondent, Marie Colvin who was willing to risk her life by moving through the middle of dangerous conflicts in order to get the story. Rosamund Pike plays the journalist who was recognized for wearing an eye patch after losing sight in her left eye from a grenade in Sri Lanka in 2001. With photographer, Paul Conroy (Jamie Dornan) by her side, Colvin bravely went in to witness what was actually happening in the front so she could accurately write about the true cost of war. Matthew Heineman, a documentary filmmaker whose work includes the Oscar-nominated, "Cartel Land", directs his first narrative feature.
"THE FAVOURITE"
Release date: November 23, 2018
The latest from Yorgos Lanthimos, the director behind the delightfully quirky films, "Dogtooth" and "The Lobster", is certainly not expected. "The Favourite" is a period-piece romp set in early 18th century England but it still appears to offer some offbeat moments. With the British at war with France, an ill and testy Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is comforted by her dear friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) with words of guidance and reassurance. Sarah's charming cousin, Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives at the palace and sets her sights on becoming close to the Queen, putting in to motion a bitter rivalry for her royal affections.
"IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK"
Release date: November 30, 2018
Barry Jenkins has finally returned with the follow-up to his 2016 Best Picture Oscar-winner, "Moonlight" and it's an adaption of James Baldwin's novel, "If Beale Street Could Talk". Set in 1970's Harlem, Tish (Kiki Layne, making her film debut) and Fonny (Stephan James) are young and in love. But their happiness is tragically disrupted when Fonny is falsely accused of committing a crime and Tish discovers she is pregnant. With the help of her family and the community, she struggles to find evidence to help free her man. Brian Tyree Henry, Dave Franco, Diego Luna and Regina King also star.
"MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS"
Release date: December 7, 2018
The story of the royal rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth of England has been covered numerous times in literature, the stage and film. The latest is "Mary, Queen of Scots", a historical drama based on John Guy's book and a script by Beau Willimon ("House of Cards"). This version features two of last year's Best Actress nominees; Saoirse Ronan plays Mary Stuart and Margot Robbie is Elizabeth. Josie Rourke, who has had a long history directing for the British stage, makes her feature film debut.
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