As the Cannes Film Festival reaches its midway point, the highly anticipated premieres of a Donald Trump biopic and David Cronenberg’s latest dark creation highlight Monday’s schedule. The festival, renowned as the film industry’s premier gathering, has already seen 11 of the 22 entries for the coveted Palme d’Or.
Best actress contender: Demi Moore shines in “The Substance”
Demi Moore emerges as a strong contender for the Best Actress award with her performance in “The Substance,” a gruesome horror film that critiques societal pressures on women’s bodies as they age. The film has received rave reviews, with Deadline calling it “the year’s smartest, goriest horror breakout,” and Variety praising Moore as “nothing short of fearless.”
Trump biopic and Cronenberg’s film make waves
Two highly anticipated films debut on Monday. “The Apprentice,” directed by Iranian-born filmmaker Ali Abbasi, explores Donald Trump’s formative years. Starring Sebastian Stan, known for his role as the Winter Soldier in Marvel films, the biopic is expected to stir controversy in the U.S. during an election year.
David Cronenberg, celebrated for his body-horror classics like “The Fly” and “Crash,” returns to Cannes with “The Shrouds.” This personal film, inspired by the death of Cronenberg’s wife, follows a widowed businessman who invents a device to monitor the dead in their graves. Cronenberg shared with Variety, “Grief is forever, as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t go away.”
Standout films so far
Among the standout films of the first week is “Bird,” a touching and fantastical tale about a young girl in working-class England, directed by Andrea Arnold. “Kinds of Kindness,” the latest collaboration between Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, has also garnered attention for its dark comedy.
Francis Ford Coppola’s long-awaited “Megalopolis” has divided critics. Some hail it as a profound philosophical work, while others find it confusing. Meanwhile, “Emilia Perez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Palme d’Or, with praise for its cast, including Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and trans actor Karla Sofia Gascon.
Glitzy Hollywood blockbusters
Outside the competition, two major Hollywood blockbusters have premiered. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” has received strong reviews, and Kevin Costner’s return to Westerns with “Horizon: An American Saga” has sparked mixed reactions. Costner, who financed the project himself, remains unfazed by the risks, stating, “If they take it away from me, I still have my movie. I still have my integrity.”
As Cannes heads into its final days, anticipation builds for the award ceremony on Saturday, with “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig leading the jury. The festival continues to be a vibrant showcase of cinematic talent and creativity.