2023 has already cemented itself as an incredible year in film. It also marks a period of change for Hollywood, with the writers’ and actors’ strikes looming large throughout the summer, postponing certain films such as “Dune: Part Two” and “Challengers” to 2024. Despite the delays, there are a plethora of features slated for release that I’m eagerly anticipating. From blockbuster sequels to festival standouts, here are 10 films to look forward to later this year.
10. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
The world-renowned young adult saga returns to theaters this fall, adapting Suzanne Collins’s prequel to the original “The Hunger Games” trilogy. The story precedes Katniss Everdeen’s terrifying, dystopian adventures and takes us into the early years of the notorious President Coriolanus Snow. Despite the franchise’s hit-or-miss track record with the uninspired “Mockingjay” two-parter, a slew of exciting casting decisions, including Hunter Schafer of “Euphoria” fame and the up-and-coming phenom Rachel Zegler, are enough to spark my interest.
9. “The Marvels”
It’s no secret Marvel Studios has been off its game lately. The endless content cycle has become oversaturated and overwhelming, churning out subpar sequels and crumbling Disney Plus shows — “Secret Invasion” looked so bland I didn’t bother tuning in. The occasional bright spot in entries like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” still doesn’t shine as bright as before. While I don’t expect the studio to reignite my passion for the franchise in its current condition, Nia DaCosta’s “The Marvels” is still on my radar. Iman Vellani’s silver screen debut is far and away my selling point; her introduction as the titular “Ms. Marvel” in 2022 was just endearing enough to win me over.
8. “Wonka”
While a movie about Willy Wonka’s origin story is incredibly goofy and ultimately reflective of the unoriginal state of blockbuster cinema, I’m still intrigued by its potential. After all, “Wonka” does have two major selling points: Timothée Chalamet and Paul King. I’m excited to see Chalamet in a more unconventional role; his delivery in the trailer is ambitious and appropriately bizarre. King, director of the acclaimed “Paddington” films, is a proven talent. If executed admirably, “Wonka” will surely be a holiday crowd-pleaser.
7. “Saltburn”
Emerald Fennell’s return to the big screen after capturing an original screenplay Oscar for “Promising Young Woman” looks like my cup of tea. “Saltburn” follows the consistently eye-popping Barry Keoghan as he joins the eccentric family of Jacob Elordi at their sprawling estate. The captivating trailer hints at a summer of lavish parties, outlandish personalities and sexual liberation. Linus Sandgren’s cinematography looks absolutely breathtaking, which is entirely expected given his jaw-dropping work on “La La Land” and “Babylon.”
6. Hit Man
“Hit Man” is the latest film by Richard Linklater — one of my favorite filmmakers. The plot revolves around an undercover cop posing as an in-demand hitman. Although I fell in love with his dialogue-driven dissections of time in the “Before Trilogy” and “Dazed and Confused,” I’m interested in his take on the crime thriller genre. It’s a notable departure from his most acclaimed works but undoubtedly just as intriguing.
5. The Killer
“The Killer” continues the trend of established directors making movies about assassins. David Fincher’s latest, however, fits snugly into his filmography. His cold visual atmosphere, eerie storytelling and attention to the unsettling as seen in “Se7en” and “Fight Club” have made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices. Teaming up with Michael Fassbender for the first time, Fincher has the recipe for success. The intense, kinetic trailer only solidifies my excitement.
4. Anatomy of a Fall
Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” is a French thriller about a troubled family and a tragic loss. Skyrocketed to Oscar contention by winning the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the film continues to gather critical merit. Sandra Hüller’s leading performance is sure to impress amongst a dark, twisted and seemingly dense screenplay.
3. The Zone of Interest
Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” is making similar critical rounds, flooring festival goers worldwide. The film currently holds a score of 95 on Metacritic — a review website known for its relatively strict grading system. Its harrowing story concerns the commandant of Auschwitz and his family’s dream to build a house and garden next to the camp. I expect a challenging, thought-provoking and perhaps terrifying account of the most disturbing aspects of the human condition.
2. Killers of the Flower Moon
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a three-and-a-half-hour historical epic from legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese — a release I have been anticipating for quite some time. The story follows the discovery of oil on Osage Nation land, unraveling the mystery behind the subsequent murders of the Osage people. Lily Gladstone’s performance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio is already credited as an Oscar favorite. My expectations are through the roof.
1. Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Things” has recently ascended to the top of my list. He tells the story of Bella Baxter — a woman who is brought back to life through a miraculous procedure and sets off on a journey across the continents. The film nabbed the top prize in early September at the Venice Film Festival. Although I’m a massive fan of his work, Lanthimos’s bizarre dialogue and incredibly disturbing characters are usually divisive. The universal acclaim and a unique, visually striking trailer, along with an apparent master class from Emma Stone have my anticipation through the roof. I am dying to see this seemingly unorthodox and adventurous whirlwind of a film.
