Our 20 Most-Expected Films Debuting at Venice, TIFF, and NYFF

      After showcasing the 50 essential films confirmed for this fall, we now shift our focus to the festival-bound projects that lack distribution or a confirmed 2026 release date. From the line-ups at Venice, Toronto, and the New York Film Festival, we’ve compiled 20 titles we’re eagerly anticipating in the coming weeks.

      Below are our 20 most-awaited festival debuts, and be sure to check back for our reviews and updates on when these might hit theaters by subscribing to our daily newsletter.

      **Alpha Gang** (David Zellner, Nathan Zellner; TIFF)

      The Zellner brothers, who recently gained critical attention with the quirky, charming *Sasquatch Sunset*, are back on the festival circuit with *Alpha Gang*, debuting at TIFF. This sci-fi comedy follows a group of aliens who cannot conquer Earth until they first experience human emotions, combining the Zellners’ absurdist humor with an extraterrestrial twist. The film features a strong cast of character actors, including Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Lily-Rose Depp, and Cate Blanchett. – Mike F.

      **Babies** (Lauren Miller Rogen; TIFF)

      Featuring a powerhouse cast that includes Anna Kendrick, Sharon Stone, Seth Rogen, David Strathairn, Issa Rae, Zach Cherry, Dan Stevens, Ed Helms, and Kate Berlant, writer-director Lauren Miller Rogen’s second feature shows significant comedic potential compared to other fall festival entries. Rogen and Kendrick star as a couple who invite a recently divorced friend (Berlant) and her toddler to live with them, leading to humorous chaos. Echoes of *Neighbors* and *C’mon C’mon* are evident. The film boasts an impressive crew, including Moonlight editor Joi McMillon, *A Single Man* director of photography Eduard Grau, and production designer Julie Berghoff from *Saw* and *Neighbors*. – Luke H.

      **Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo** (Takashi Miike; TIFF)

      The producers behind the *Bad Lieutenant* films are known for their careful curation. Following Abel Ferrara's portrayal of Harvey Keitel as a corrupt cop in New York and Werner Herzog's wild take with Nicolas Cage in New Orleans, the series takes an international turn with Japanese director Takashi Miike and leading actor Shun Oguri, alongside Lily James for additional co-production support. Given the series' history with unconventional filmmakers, we hope Miike's unique style is fully displayed here. – C.J. P.

      **Bucking Fastard** (Werner Herzog; Venice, TIFF, NYFF)

      Werner Herzog is back with *Bucking Fastard*, his first narrative feature since 2019, which promises to be quite an experience. A passion project for Herzog that's been decades in the making, it stars Kate and Rooney Mara as sisters who communicate in sync; true to Herzog's style, the film draws inspiration from real life. Initially invited to Cannes, Herzog declined due to a lack of competition for the Palme d'Or, but now it's lined up for competition at Venice, and based on the preview, we expect a film full of the eccentricities we associate with Herzog. – C.J. P.

      **Burgundy** (Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw; Venice)

      Having set high standards in visually stunning documentaries with *The Truffle Hunters* and *Gaucho Gaucho*, directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw return with *Burgundy*, which delves into the wine culture of a region in France and is set to premiere at Venice. We anticipate another breathtaking and insightful exploration of the customs within this insular community. – Jordan R.

      **The Echo Chamber** (Andrea Pallaoro; Venice)

      On the eighth anniversary of Bernardo Bertolucci’s passing, rising Italian director Andrea Pallaoro will present the legend’s final screenplay at Venice. His fourth and most ambitious film to date stars Alicia Vikander, Luca Marinelli, and Susan Sarandon as the central trio. While specifics about the plot remain vague—hinting at themes of love and life intertwining “until they dissolve”—we know Vikander and Marinelli play a couple, with the former as a physical therapist and the latter a drug-addicted music producer, while Sarandon portrays an iconic singer produced by Marinelli. – Luke H.

      **Edward Said: Between Worlds** (Maiken Baird; TIFF and NYFF)

      As the devastation inflicted on Palestinians continues unabated, a comprehensive history of the community's culture, history, and struggles can help those observing from the outside. Through the lens of Palestinian-American scholar and activist Edward Said, Maiken Baird’s archival documentary presents a personal and insightful portrait of one of the great thinkers who dedicated his life to advocating for dignity and respect. – Jordan R.

      **The Face of Horror** (Anna Biller; TIFF)

      Anna Biller is truly one-of