Gay Kink, Godard (Via Linklater) and German Girlhood: THR’s Critics Pick the 20 Best Films of Cannes 2025

by

Eagles of the Republic

COMPETITION

Director Tarik Saleh continues his exploration of Egyptian themes with a witty, suspenseful drama titled “The Actor and the President,” featuring Fares Fares reprising his role. In this new production, Fares plays a renowned actor compelled to portray real-life president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in a biopic. Saleh delves into the murky relationships between the government and the film industry, exposing how artists are manipulated or, more accurately, pressured, into producing propaganda in a nation where alternative choices are scarce. — REPHRASED BY AI

Highest 2 Lowest

OUT OF COMPETITION

Spike Lee collaborates once more with Denzel Washington in a vibrant, captivating adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low,” titled “Chi-Raq.” Set in New York City, which Lee depicts vividly, the director brings his unique touch to the story with cleverness, stylish flair, and an abundance of energy. The ensemble cast is exceptional, with particular praise for Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and A$AP Rocky who deliver remarkable performances. – DAVID ROONEY

The History of Sound

COMPETITION

In Oliver Hermanus’ moving portrayal of a brief yet profound gay romance disrupted by World War I, actors Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor demonstrate their exceptional talents as contemporary performers. Based on Ben Shattuck’s short story, the film unfolds as two main characters journey through the remote wilderness of Maine in 1919, gathering traditional folk songs from local residents. The director and the leads harness subtle strength through understatement. – D.R.’s take

It Was Just an Accident

COMPETITION

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my thoughts on Jafar Panahi’s masterpiece, a gripping drama centered around a band of former inmates who suspect their tormentor is still among them, residing in the enigmatic realm of Iran. This cinematic work, crafted by the prolific Iranian auteur, delves deeply into the anguish endured by political dissidents.

In contrast to his typical self-reflective storytelling style, which has been a hallmark of his creations since his first arrest in 2010, Panahi presents a straightforward narrative in this film. This tale unfolds like a captivating thriller, but gradually evolves into a chilling indictment of abusive power, serving as a stark reminder of its devastating effects.

The Little Sister

COMPETITION

French cinema often features numerous sexual coming-of-age films, yet every now and then, a film emerges that stands out from the pack with its boldness and depth, its potent erotic energy and poignant nostalgic longing. Hafsia Herzi’s exploration of a Paris-area Muslim teen’s lesbian realization is one such film. This movie is richly emotional yet remarkably restrained – and boasts an outstanding lead performance by newcomer Nadia Melliti, who is simply captivating. The film has already established itself as a classic within the queer community, being equally moving in its humanistic approach as it is sensual. – REPHRASED BY AI

The Mastermind

COMPETITION

Kelly Reichardt skillfully crafts a ’70s-style film that seems almost forgotten from the era, with its gritty visual style, muted color palette, leisurely tempo, and deep empathy for an underdog hero. Josh O’Connor fits perfectly in his role as the unemployed carpenter who orchestrates a significant art heist, a plot that transitions smoothly into another of Reichardt’s poignant portraits of hard-pressed Americans, focusing not only on the crime but also on its consequences. — Rewritten by AI

My Father’s Shadow

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Akinola Davies Jr.’s initial movie, marking the first Nigerian film to be premiered at Cannes, delves into a heartfelt exploration of the bond between a man and his distant sons, unfolding across a pivotal day during Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election. As political turmoil poses a risk not only to the nation’s hopeful spirit but also this family, the filmmaker uses a symbolic visual language to immerse spectators in the recollections of children grappling with their father’s past. (Written by LOVIA GYARKYE)

Nouvelle Vague

COMPETITION

Richard Linklater‘s lighthearted tribute offers a glimpse into the production process of Jean-Luc Godard’s classic film “Breathless“. Unlike Godard, this work stylistically veers away from his approach. However, it admirably conveys the essence of the artist at work, demonstrating the effort involved in creating his revolutionary masterpiece. Featuring newcomer Guillaume Marbeck portraying the rebellious director and Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, the American leading lady, this easygoing film maintains a playful tone while focusing on a significant period in cinematic history, without forgetting to highlight its serious implications. — R.E.

The Phoenician Scheme

COMPETITION

In Wes Anderson’s new film, those who have been disenchanted might find themselves drawn back in. This captivating spy comedy features Benicio del Toro as a 1950s tycoon who, after surviving an assassination attempt, designates his long-lost daughter Liesl (played by Mia Threapleton) as his successor. With Michael Cera and Scarlett Johansson among the vast ensemble, the movie showcases Anderson’s signature style while also offering a surprising warmth that gradually unfolds. — Rewritten by AI

Pillion

UN CERTAIN REGARD

In Harry Lighton’s daring and endearing debut film, a stern biker (Alexander Skarsgard) and a timid suburban London traffic warden (Harry Melling) navigate an unexpectedly sweet queer romance amidst humor that may make you cringe and shocking scenes. However, the film is more focused on the intricacies of love, desire, and mutual needs within their dominant-submissive dynamic, rather than the graphic depiction of gay kink. Both actors deliver bold performances.

The Plague

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Charlie Polinger’s exhilarating directorial debut centers around a summer water polo camp, starring impressive newcomers Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin as characters representing opposite extremes of power dynamics. Joel Edgerton delivers a compelling performance in his brief role as their coach. Drawing from his own screenplay, Polinger skillfully employs horror tropes to expose the psychological fear and bullying that arise from preteen social norms. As we navigate current discussions about the manosphere, this film seems strikingly pertinent. — R.B.

The President’s Cake

DIRECTORS’ FORTNIGHT

1990s Iraq serves as the backdrop for Hasan Hadi’s impressive directorial debut. The story centers around a determined third-grader who embarks on a quest to fulfill a challenging school assignment: baking a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday. This heartfelt, comedic drama boasts a cast largely composed of inexperienced actors and is backed by renowned American filmmakers such as Eric Roth, Chris Columbus, and Marielle Heller. The film is not only insightful but also energetic, capturing the vibrancy of life while keeping watch for U.S. bombers overhead.

Renoir

COMPETITION

Chie Hayakawa’s tender drama unfolds the significant summer experienced by 11-year-old Fuki (the captivating newcomer Yui Suzuki), who grapples with her father’s cancer, her mother’s strain, and her relentless solitude. The story unfurls in suburban Tokyo during 1987, as we follow Fuki on her urban explorations and journeys into her imagination. Hayakawa crafts the narrative softly, as if engaged in a secret dialogue with her personal recollections. — Rewritten by AI

The Secret Agent

COMPETITION

Wagner Moura reemerges on the Brazilian film scene following a hiatus, portraying a technology whiz evading the country in 1977, as relentless assassins hired by a high-ranking government official chase him in Kleber Mendonça Filho’s gripping political thriller. The movie is filled with clever humor, but it’s essentially a heavy drama that delves into a dark period in Brazil’s history when individuals vanished and the oppressive grasp of the dictatorship extended even to remote cities where its presence was barely noticeable. It’s an impressive piece of work, likely among the top films of the year. — Rewritten by A.I.

Sentimental Value

COMPETITION

Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning bring to life Joachim Trier’s profound examination of family and memory, revolving around a house in Oslo that holds decades of lived experiences. The director poignantly delves into the shifting bonds between sisters and, particularly, fathers and daughters, stirring emotions in a film that is somber yet interspersed with unexpected humor. Echoing hints of Bergman, Chekhov, and Ibsen, the movie grapples with the volatile strength of art and the price one pays for creating deeply personal work. — Re-worded by AI

Sirat

COMPETITION

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “In my gaming world, I embark on a journey guided by a director hailing from France but residing in Spain – Oliver Laxe. His captivating fourth movie follows a dad and his boy, lost in search of a loved one. They stumble upon a nomadic rave group deep within the deserts of Morocco. This adventure morphs into an introspective dance with techno beats, contemplating death, sorrow, and hope amidst a world on the brink of ruin. The breathtaking landscapes serve as a vault for intense emotions yet remind us of our insignificance in the grand cosmic scheme.

Sound of Falling

COMPETITION

You don’t often come across a film that feels entirely unique, but German director Mascha Schilinski’s second feature definitely falls into that category. It’s an enthralling narrative that merges the lives of four girls, creating one continuous cinematic symphony. The story seamlessly jumps between different time periods without any prior notice, offering a vivid depiction of adolescence and rural struggles throughout history. This is a piece of art that serves as a testament to cinema’s ability to innovate, provided there are filmmakers daring enough to take the risk. — Rewritten by AI

Two Prosecutors

COMPETITION

This meticulously crafted, powerfully performed Stalin-era drama by Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa centers around a law school graduate who dares to challenge corruption within the Soviet system, eventually encountering its consequences. The film tells a methodical tale of political injustice that is richly immersive — particularly evoking the oppressive feeling of the U.S.S.R. during the peak of the Great Purge. While Loznitsa is looking back at history, his work serves as a stark reminder for those who care to see it, as he holds up a mirror to contemporary society. — R.E.

Urchin

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Harris Dickinson’s initial attempt at directing showcases a Londoner living on the streets struggling to break free from addiction in a seemingly endless cycle. While writer-director Dickinson, who draws inspiration from Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, and Gus Van Sant, does not explicitly ask for our empathy, the film demonstrates genuine empathy towards its protagonist. Frank Dillane delivers a captivating performance that exudes both restless tension and effortless charm and humor, making it difficult to look away from him despite his character’s struggles.

Young Mothers

COMPETITION

The newest production by the twice Palme d’Or-winning Belgian duo offers a shockingly poignant depiction not seen in their work for years. This heartfelt and astute group portrayal delves into the raw emotional landscape of five struggling teenage girls from the working class, as they navigate the challenges of motherhood while grappling with their own vulnerabilities. The young cast delivers authentic and stirring performances in every scene. – Rewritten by AI

An adaptation of this tale was published in the May 21st edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Consider subscribing by clicking here.

Read More

2025-05-24 18:29