40 Movies to Watch This Summer

      The summer season is here, and as always, we’ve looked beyond typical studio releases to offer a detailed overview of what to keep an eye on. From past festival winners to selections straight from Cannes, genre gems, and a few blockbuster hits, there’s plenty to look forward to.

      Take a look at our selections below, and be sure to check back for monthly updates as additional titles are likely to join the lineup. The listed release dates refer to theatrical launches unless stated otherwise.

      **Our Land (Nuestria Tierra)** (Lucrecia Martel; May 1)

      Lucrecia Martel’s contemporary legal documentary *Nuestra Tierra* shares a conscious narrative thread with her previous historical film *Zama*. It highlights the ongoing disregard for the lives of indigenous communities in Argentina, underscoring a notable class and racial divide within the country. Martel captures the court scenes and land disputes as historical battlegrounds. The murder of Javie Chocobar, a leader of the Chuchagasta indigenous community, at the hands of corrupt entrepreneurs and officials resonates with Argentina's turbulent history, shedding light on a territory still mired in conflict. Unlike her usual metaphor-laden style that intertwines fantasy with realism through impressionistic visuals, this film strips down to the essential elements of cinema, clearly revealing the stakes at play. – Soham G.

      **Two Pianos** (Arnaud Desplechin; May 1)

      In *Two Pianos*, Arnaud Desplechin takes a closer look at how beautiful people complicate the chaotic strands of life. Set in the classical music scene of Lyon, this narrative, revolving around a distressed pianist’s reunion with his equally troubled first love, retains the literary and melodramatic flair typically associated with Desplechin. Although he hasn’t had a theatrical release since 2017's *Ismael’s Ghosts*, this recent film showcases his deep exploration of how we navigate our lives in relation to our deepest regrets. – C.J. P. (full review)

      **The Last One for the Road** (Francesco Sossai; May 1)

      In *The Last One for the Road*, Francesco Sossai transports audiences to the familiar backroads of Veneto, Italy, evoking the charm of a life spent in the region. The film follows two characters in their 50s—Doriano (Pierpaolo Capovilla) and Carlobianchi (Sergio Romano)—as they navigate the realities of their current existence. When they encounter a group of Gen Z students, it becomes evident that these protagonists are very much in the present day. Their ability to seize the last round of drinks reflects a timeless aspect to their characters, almost making them feel out of sync with the modern world. – Rory O. (full review)

      **Silent Friend** (Ildikó Enyedi; May 8)

      Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi, recognized for her Golden Bear-winning film *On Body and Soul* (2017), presents her latest project, *Silent Friend*. This tender Berlinale award-winner shares thematic ties to her earlier work, despite the release of *The Story of My Wife* (2021) in the interim. Notably, *Silent Friend* stars the remarkable Tony Leung, alongside Léa Seydoux in a smaller role. The true protagonist, however, is a ginkgo tree, shifting the focus from fauna in *On Body and Soul* to flora in this new project. – Savina P. (full review)

      **Blue Film** (Elliot Tuttle; May 8)

      Making its premiere at the 2025 Edinburgh International Film Festival and later showcased at Newfest, Elliot Tuttle’s *Blue Film* has sparked discussions due to its controversial themes, perhaps too contentious for many distributors. Thankfully, Obscured Releasing will provide a platform for this chamber drama that artfully navigates complex themes of loneliness, attraction, and trauma, featuring strong performances from Reed Birney and Kieron Moore. – Jordan R.

      **The Wizard of the Kremlin** (Olivier Assayas; May 15)

      Building upon his smaller project *Suspended Time*, Olivier Assayas’ new film *The Wizard of the Kremlin* is a grand political drama adapted from Giuliano da Empoli. Featuring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin along with a cast that includes Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, and Jeffrey Wright, Savina Petkova describes in her Venice review that unlike Ali Abbasi's *The Apprentice*, which faced audience resistance, Assayas' film presents its main character without any ambiguity. The film appears to embrace a cynical reading, positioning ongoing events as a neatly packaged narrative. – Savina P.

      **I Love Boosters** (Boots Riley; May 22)

      *I Love Boosters*, the second feature from rapper, activist, and filmmaker Boots Riley, fiercely critiques dialectical material