ELEMENTAL

The big showpiece of the festival this year is Pixar’s new film. Elemental follows an unlikely romance set in Element City, where fire, water, earth and air residents all live together. The film explores the concept of “opposites attract” through the character of Ember, a tough, intelligent and fiery young woman, and her unlikely friendship with Wade, a “go-with-the-flow” kind of guy, which forces her to rethink her beliefs about herself and the world around her. Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental has been described as a “comedy filled with heart” by its producer Denise Ream.

LAROY

This dark crime comedy, written and directed by first-timer Shane Atkinson, follows Ray Jepsen (John Magaro) and his wish to kill himself after he figures out that his wife, the local beauty queen Stacy Lynn (Megan Stevenson), is cheating on him. But trouble ensues when Ray is mistaken by a stranger for a low-rent hitman and finally he decides to actually become one. The cast also includes superb talents such as Steve Zahn and Dylan Baker.

FIRST TIME FEMALE DIRECTOR

Chelsea Peretti’s directorial debut is a hilarious comedy that explores the messiness of theatre and showbiz. It follows Sam, played by Peretti herself, a playwright working for a small local theatre in Glendale. Following an event which causes the director to be fired, Sam finds herself pushed into this role and the challenges that follow her are truly worth watching. Peretti utilises her unique comic sensibilities to the fullest here, making it a watch truly out of the ordinary. The cast also includes Megan Mullally, Blake Anderson and Kate Berlant, among others.

HAPPY CLOTHES: A FILM ABOUT PATRICIA FIELD

This documentary, revolving around the legendary costume designer Patricia Field, explores the mind behind the iconic costumes from movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, and many, many more. It showcases Field’s body of work, her process when it comes to a movie, her collaborators and more. The documentary also features interviews with many of Field’s colleagues over the years, such as Kim Cattrall, Lily Collins, Sarah Jessica Parker and Darren Star. Directed by Michael Selditch, this documentary is a must-watch for fans of Patricia Field and of fashion.

MAGGIE MOORE(S)

This dark comedy is a portal for audiences to go to an ordinary small desert town filled with unexpected circumstances and scenarios. It all starts with two women, with the same name, getting murdered within just a few days of each other, and police chief Jordan Sanders (played by John Hamm), investigating these murders. Directed by John Slattery, the film is an original take on a rather mainstream plot. Distinguished by powerful performances from Tina Fey, Nick Mohammed and Alison Dunbar, this film offers an inventive and experimental look into the lives of seemingly ordinary people.

THE ADULTS

Directed by Dustin Guy Defa, The Adults offers a nuanced perspective on family and what that term, in actuality, means. It all starts when Eric, played by Michael Cera, takes a trip back home, with the intent to come back as soon as possible. Little does Eric know that this reunion with his sisters will ultimately result in him going on a journey of self-discovery and a journey to understand his siblings better. In the deft hands of Guy Defa and aided by deft performances by actors like Michael Cera, the film transforms into a layered introspective journey into a man’s psyche.

THE GOOD HALF

The film follows Renn, played by Nick Jonas, a writer who comes back to his home in Cleveland for his mother’s funeral. Renn is forced to meet his sister, played by Brittany Snow, with whom he has not interacted in several years and many other such members of his family. He also forms a relationship with an endearing stranger, played by Alexandra Shipp, who pushes him to understand the truth of his relationships. Directed by Robert Schwartzman, the film focuses on the minute aspects of life, the human moments that we share, through humour and grief. The performances by the ensemble also make it a truly heartwarming watch.

HE WENT THAT WAY

The hilarious buddy comedy stars Zachary Quinto and Jacob Elordi in lead roles. The film is set in 1964, where Bobby, played by Elordi, reckons with the fact that he requires a ride along Route 66 and is out of options. This is when Jim, played by Quinto, a celebrity animal handler, picks up Bobby. The hilarious road trip that ensues is truly an exciting journey. Directed by Jeffery Darling, the film becomes a trip down a foggy lane, full of twisted revelations and mind-bending turns.

DOWNTOWN OWL

Based on Chuck Klosterman’s 2008 critically acclaimed novel of the same name, Downtown Owl follows the residents of a small town called Owl in North Dakota in the winter of 1984. The winter brings three starkly different individuals together — Horace, a football fan, Julia, a new teacher, and Mitch, a depressed quarterback. Lily Rabe, who also plays Julia, co-directed the movie with her husband, Hamish Linklater, in what is the duo’s directorial debut. The cast also includes talents such as Ed Harris, Henry Golding and Vanessa Hudgens. The film is a dramatic exploration of life and the people around us.

THE LISTENER

Starring Tessa Thompson, The Listener follows a helpline volunteer, Beth, who gets on the phone every night to assist people through their sadness and grief. This deeply disturbing and emotionally overwhelming film offers viewers a rare insight into the psyche of such a person, while also making a bold statement on the importance of mental health. Directed by actor Steve Buscemi, the film never loses its nuanced point of view on Beth, but also successfully manages to be empathetic towards her and those on the other side of the phone.