14 Films to Keep an Eye on at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival is back, and it's packed with films that are sure to make waves. Among the highlights are some big names and fresh faces, all bringing unique stories to the screen. The festival will showcase a mix of genres, from thrillers to dramas, and even some comedies. One of the most anticipated films is "Alpha" by Julia Ducournau. Known for her shocking and thought-provoking films, Ducournau's latest is set in 1980s New York during the AIDS epidemic. It stars Golshifteh Farahani, Emma Mackey, and Tahar Rahim, and promises to be a deeply personal and profound work. Kristen Stewart, who has been working on her directorial debut for years, will finally see it premiere at Cannes. "The Chronology of Water" is based on Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir and follows her life from childhood to adulthood. Stewart has described the memoir as a radical exploration of the body and its experiences, and it will be interesting to see how she translates that to the screen. Lynne Ramsay, another Cannes favorite, returns with "Die My Love. " This film stars Jennifer Lawrence as a woman driven to insanity by her marriage and childbirth. It's described as a thriller, but Lawrence has also said it will be funny. The film is based on Ariana Harwicz's novel of the same name and has been influenced by classic films like "Repulsion" and "Rosemary's Baby. " Ari Aster, known for his horror films "Hereditary" and "Midsommar, " is straying from his usual genre with "Eddington. " This film is set during the COVID-19 pandemic and centers on a standoff between a sheriff and a mayor. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest" is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low. " Set in the music industry, it stars Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. The film explores themes of success and its consequences, as well as the complexities of the music industry. "Honey Don't" is the second installment in Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke's lesbian B-movie trilogy. It stars Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza and follows a private detective who becomes involved in a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church. Jafar Panahi, who has been banned from making films by the Islamic Revolutionary Court, will premiere his sixth feature at Cannes. "It Was Just An Accident" is shot in secret and explores themes of defiance and freedom. Panahi's work is known for its introspection and daring, and this film is sure to be no different. "Sound of Falling" is a unique film that braids together the experiences of four young women over the course of a century. Directed by Mascha Schilinski, it explores universal coming-of-age experiences and the ways in which they remain constant over time. The Cannes Film Festival is shaping up to be an exciting event, with a diverse range of films that are sure to captivate audiences. From established directors to fresh faces, there's something for everyone at this year's festival.