The 2024 Oscar awards race has heated up with the nominations announced on Tuesday. Apart from the usual chatter around Oppenheimer and Barbie, films like Anatomy of a Fall and The Holdovers have emerged as strong contenders in various categories at the 96th Academy Awards. And cinephiles are in for a treat as several of these movies, along with some that have won awards at Cannes 2023, will be releasing at theatres in India – or dropping on digital platforms — in February. Here are the films you can watch in the coming days.
Anatomy of a Fall (French-English)
Directed by: Justine Triet
Cast: Sandra Hüller, Samuel Theis, Milo Machado Graner and
The sudden death of an out-of-work writer Samuel Maleski (Samuel Theis) prompts an investigation into whether it was an accident or a murder. Conflicting accounts and an audio recording of a violent argument with his wife Sandra Voyter (Sandra Hüller) complicate the case. Sandra’s defence (Swann Arlaud) argues it is an accidental fall, while the prosecution suggests she murdered Samuel out of jealousy. The trial reveals Sandra's past affair and her tendency to weave personal conflicts into her novels. Daniel (Milo Machado Graner), their son, becomes a key witness.
The Justine Triet-helmed legal drama won the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and has picked up five nominations, including Best Picture, at the 96th Academy Awards.
Theatrical release: February 2
Monster (Japanese)
Directed by: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Cast: Sakura Ando, Eita Nagayama, Soya Kurokawa, Hinata Hiiragi
Saori Mugino (Sakura Ando), a single mother, is concerned after her fifth-grade son Minato (Soya Kurokawa) starts behaving strangely. Suspecting abuse from his teacher Mr Hori (Eita Nagayama), Saori confronts the school but faces indifference. Mr Hori accuses Minato of bullying his classmate Yori (Hinata Hiiragi).
A series of events, including Minato’s disappearance, unravels the complex relationship between Minato and Yori, revealing misunderstood friendships and personal struggles. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s slice-of-life drama won the Queer Palm award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Theatrical release: February 9
The Holdovers (English)
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner
In 1970, Barton Academy classics professor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) faces backlash for failing a donor’s son, leading to a punitive role supervising holiday holdover students. Among them is Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), stuck in school due to a last-minute change of plans. The head cook of Barton, Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), has also stayed back. Hunham’s strict regimen sparks conflict but the events on Christmas eve lead to a reconciliation.
The comedy drama has bagged several awards including Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Randolph) and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Giamatti). It has also received Academy Award nominations in five categories, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Theatrical release: February 16
Perfect Days (Japanese)
Directed by: Wim Wenders
Cast: Kōji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano
Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), a Tokyo toilet cleaner, finds contentment in his structured life. He is dedicated to his work, has a passion for music, and loves clicking pictures of trees. Takashi (Tokio Emoto), his loud workmate, complicates things by using Hirayama’s van for a date. Hirayama’s niece Niko (Arisa Nakano) briefly disrupts his routine while also reopening old wounds. Takashi’s abrupt absence from work further leads to complications in Hiramaya’s routine life.
Perfect Days won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Best Actor Award for Kōji Yakusho at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. It is nominated for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Digital release: February
