July is a vibrant month for cinephiles, with major festivals taking center stage across Europe, North America, and Australia, offering the first looks at independent gems and international blockbusters. With the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic), New York Asian Film Festival (US), and Fantasia International Film Festival (Canada) among those in full swing, the programming is vast and diverse.
To help you navigate the summer’s cinematic bounty, here are three highly-anticipated films that are generating significant buzz and are must-sees for any festival attendee.
Don’t Miss the Film Festival: Top 3 Movies to Watch in July
July is a vibrant month for cinephiles, with major festivals taking center stage across Europe, North America, and Australia, offering the first looks at independent gems and international blockbusters. With the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic), New York Asian Film Festival (US), and Fantasia International Film Festival (Canada) among those in full swing, the programming is vast and diverse.
To help you navigate the summer’s cinematic bounty, here are three highly-anticipated films that are generating significant buzz and are must-sees for any festival attendee.
1. The Grand Tour (From the Auteur Circle)
Why You Should Watch: This film has been earning rave reviews and is often cited by critics who follow the major circuits (like Cannes and Venice) as a true work of arthouse brilliance. It’s a beautifully shot, enigmatic epic that promises deep emotional and thematic layers. It features sweeping, deliberate cinematography and is likely to be a challenging but deeply rewarding experience.
The Buzz: Expect a meditative pace and stunning visual composition. This is the film to see if you want to be ahead of the curve on next year’s major awards contenders and discover a director working at the peak of their craft.
2. Resurrection (The Boundary Breaker)
Why You Should Watch: Premiering in a major summer festival slot, Resurrection is a 160-minute, post-apocalyptic musical epic. Set in a future where humans have lost the ability to dream, a group of fringe rebels defy the odds. It’s the definition of a high-concept, audacious spectacle.
The Buzz: Reviews suggest this film is “suitably deranged” and an experience that marries high art with genre thrills. If you’re attending a festival like the Melbourne International Film Festival, seek out this title for its sheer ambition and willingness to push the limits of cinematic form.
3. Abang Adik (The Independent Powerhouse)
Why You Should Watch: This award-winning Malaysian film, which has already picked up top prizes at festivals like the New York Asian Film Festival, is hailed as a compelling, deeply moving drama. It is a “potent blend of topicality and street poetry” that focuses on a powerful, intimate story of brotherhood and struggle.
The Buzz: This is a film celebrated for its raw emotional intensity and powerful performances. If you appreciate cinema that shines a light on global social issues through the lens of brilliant personal drama, Abang Adik is your top pick for a moving and unforgettable experience.