Cannes 2024: The 15 Movies We’re Most Excited to See
As the Cannes Film Festival rolls into its 2024 iteration, the excitement buzzes through the air with the promise of groundbreaking cinema on display. This year, the festival’s lineup is a vibrant tapestry of storytelling that includes anticipated projects from film legends, daring explorations by up-and-coming directors, and performances set to captivate audiences worldwide. Here’s a look at the top 15 movies that stand out in this year's diverse and dynamic selection.
1. Revolutionary Voices in Cinema First up, the festival is set to unveil a musical that intertwines the complex narratives of drug cartels and gender identity with the star power of Selena Gomez. This film not only challenges the boundaries of traditional musical cinema but also delves into pressing social issues, making it a groundbreaking project to watch.
2. Tales of Love and Desperation Another compelling entry is a film that tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker whose life takes a fairy-tale turn when she falls in love with the son of a Russian oligarch. This narrative combines elements of romance and tragedy, exploring deep emotional and societal themes.
3. A Cinematic Homage From Italy, a director pays tribute to his roots with a baroque filmmaking style that has become increasingly rare. This film, named after a siren from The Odyssey, is anticipated to be both a visual and narrative feast, deeply embedded in rich cultural and cinematic traditions.
4. A Filmmaker's Reflection Adding to the introspective theme, a French director presents a film that is a tribute to his own illustrious career, featuring characters that represent the heroes and villains from his past works. This self-reflective piece promises to offer insights into the creative process of one of France’s cinematic veterans.
5. The Return of Legends The festival will also mark the return of a New Hollywood legend with a project shrouded in mystery but expected to be one of the highlights of the festival. Similarly, an Australian New Wave legend is set to premiere a high-octane sequel that has been eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike.
6. Documentary Excellence A poignant entry in the documentary category focuses on Ukraine, offering a harrowing yet uplifting look at resilience in the face of ongoing conflict. This film is expected to not only bring attention to the human spirit but also highlight the geopolitical issues at play.
7. Biographical Narratives The biopic genre is well-represented with a film exploring Donald Trump’s younger, pre-fascist years, providing a controversial yet intriguing look at the formative years of a figure who would later dominate global politics.
8. Festival Starters and High-profile Premieres The festival kicks off with a film by Quentin Dupieux, featuring Louis Garrel and Léa Seydoux, which is a comedy expected to set a lighthearted tone for the event. Following this are premieres from icons such as Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, whose new works are among the most anticipated at the festival.
9. Global Cinema Representation Directors from across the globe, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Paul Schrader, Andrea Arnold, and Jia Zhang-ke, will showcase their latest projects, each bringing their unique perspectives to the fore. These films range from intimate personal stories to large-scale cinematic endeavors.
10. Exploring New Themes The festival lineup explores a variety of themes through different genres. From a musical about a cartel lord’s transformation spurred by gender identity issues to a dark comedy about three women whose meddling in their neighbors' lives goes disastrously wrong, each film offers a unique story.
11. Innovative Storytelling Innovative storytelling is a hallmark of this year’s festival. For example, a movie featuring a Brooklyn-based sex worker turns into a real-life Cinderella story, and another film combines a historical biopic with satirical elements to explore the early life of Donald Trump.
12. Character-Driven Dramas Character-driven dramas are also prominent, with films that delve deep into individual psychologies and relationships. These movies, set against broad social backdrops, aim to provide insight into personal and societal dynamics.
13. Historical and Political Narratives Some films at the festival will tackle historical and political issues, providing commentary through narrative cinema. These entries are set to engage audiences with their thoughtful exploration of significant historical events and figures.
14. Closing Highlights As the festival draws to a close, some of the most talked-about films are set to premiere, ensuring that the festival ends on a high note. These final films are expected to be strong contenders for the various awards and could potentially set the tone for cinema in the coming year.
15. A Look Ahead

Looking beyond the festival, these films are expected to impact the broader cinematic landscape, influencing discussions and developments in film for years to come. As Cannes continues to be a pivotal platform for showcasing global cinema, the films premiered here will likely resonate well beyond their initial screenings.
In conclusion, Cannes 2024 is set to be a landmark event, rich with diverse narratives and bold, inventive filmmaking. With a lineup that balances seasoned directors with fresh new voices, this festival is poised to celebrate the past, present, and future of cinema in all its glory. As we delve into this cinematic feast, each film promises not just entertainment but a profound exploration of the human condition and the world we live in. Thanks for listening- remember to like and share wherever you get your podcasts.