Summer 2021 Preview: 30 Must-See Movies
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
Cinema is back, baby! Well, almost.
After a year of uncertainty, theater closures, and major reshuffling of release calendars, studios are welcoming the newly-vaccinated era of the pandemic with open arms and plenty of new features. From highbrow art films to super expensive franchise films, this summer is going to be one for the history books as the box office (somewhat) returns to its pre-COVID glory.
This list of 30 titles just barely scratches the surface of film and television projects hitting big and small screens starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. And, while some of the below titles are sure to be misfires (we’re looking at you, “Old”), we’re just excited to have a steady flow of in-theaters and on-streaming content on which to feast.
Note: While most of the films on this list have scheduled release dates, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that everything can change. We’ll try to keep the release dates updated as best we can.
Pass the popcorn. The summer movie season is about to begin!
Cruella
MAY 28 // In Theaters & Disney+
Tbh, an origin story of fiction’s greatest villains has been a little played out (see: “Joker”), but getting to see Emma Stone chew the scenery in this Glenn Close-produced standalone film could be a lot of fun. Set in the punk scene of 1970s London, even more delicious than the film’s cast, which also includes Emma Thompson, will be the costumes by two-time Oscar winner Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road”, “A Room with a View”) and the stylized direction by “I, Tonya” helmer, Craig Gillespie. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Strong, Emma Thompson
Writers: Dana Fox, Tony McNamara, Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel, Steve Zissis
Plan B
MAY 28 // Hulu
“Plan B” marks the actress-turned-director Natalie Morales’ solo directorial debut. The teenage comedy is being distributed by Hulu to its streaming service as a Hulu Original, though it’s got all the heart of a A24 underdog that should be remembered come awards season. In addition to the film’s raw, comedy screenplay (being talked about as a mix of “Booksmart” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always”), the leading cast, including Kuhoo Verma and Victoria Moroles, could be on the cusp of the next era of stars. Expect this one to be a bubbling under hit. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Natalie Morales
Starring: Victoria Moroles, Kuhoo Verma
Writers: Joshua Levy, Prathiksha Srinivasan
Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue
MAY 28 // In Theaters
This engrossing look at the writing lives of Jia Pingwa, Yu Hua, and Liang Hong was first screened at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival weeks before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, over a year later, the beautiful documentary is getting the theatrical release it deserves. If all goes as expected, you will see this title end up in the awards season conversation. In fact, it could be this year’s “Collective”, a feature documentary that also made waves as an International Feature contender at the Academy Awards. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Zhangke Jia
Starring: Huifang Duan, Liang Hong, Pingwa Jia
Writers: Zhangke Jia, Jiahuan Wan
A Quiet Place Part II
MAY 28 // In Theaters
When the pandemic closed cinemas across the U.S., the theatrical release of the sequel to John Krasinski’s blockbuster “A Quiet Place” was one of the first major titles to skip jumping to streaming and hold out for a safe return to the big screen. “Part II” could be the film that welcomes eager moviegoers back to their local theaters. And, those audiences, are in for a treat. Just before it was pulled from the release calendar in early 2020, the film had already screened for critics and received major hype. Please note, even if you are excited to return to the theater, skip the loud snacks (as we all learned while watching the first “A Quite Place” film). VIEW TRAILER
Director: John Krasinski
Starring: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cillian Murphy
Writers: Scott Beck, John Krasinski, Bryan Woods
Undine
JUNE 4 // In Theaters & On Demand
Christian Petzold has become a master at churning out beautiful thrillers of othered people (look at “Phoenix” and “Barbara” for proof). With “Undine”, he takes his knack on a joyride with Paula Beer at the helm. Beer plays a Berlin tour guide who falls for a curious industrial diver as her relationship with her unfaithful partner crumbles. Suspense is the main ingredient here and, those who’ve seen it, say there’s also quite the stunning ending you won’t want to stop talking about. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Christian Petzold
Starring: Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree
Writer: Christian Petzold
In the Heights
JUNE 11 // In Theaters & HBO Max
While Warner Bros. is seeing through with its promise to release nearly all of its 2021 titles simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max by giving “In the Heights” a day-and-date release on both formats, there’s no doubt they are hoping and praying you’ll venture to your local cinema for this big budget, sweeping musical treat. If “A Quiet Place Part II” was enough to entice you, this should be the movie to do the trick. Its director, John M. Chu, is the talent behind surprise box office smash “Crazy Rich Asians” and its based on the Broadway musical of the same name written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. NDFS’s Scottie Knollin has seen it and has called it “worth the wait” and “beautiful”. Look for his full review soon. VIEW TRAILER
Director: John M. Chu
Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace,
Writers: Quiara Alegría Hudes, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Summer of 85
JUNE 18 // In Theaters
Adapted from the Aidan Chambers novel “Dance on My Grave”, “Summer of 85” is a melancholic coming-of-age romance set in a seaside resort in Normandy. Featuring an infectious soundtrack of ‘80s favorites, the film soars thanks to its colorful cinematography and star-making performances by Félix Lefebvre and Benjamin Voisin. The film falls somewhere between French New Wave and the sensibilities of a “Call Me By Your Name” with a bit of mystery and heartbreak thrown in for good measure. NDFS’s Scottie Knollin saw the film during the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and included it among his favorite films of the year. VIEW TRAILER
Director: François Ozon
Starring: Félix Lefebvre, Benjamin Voisin, Melvil Poupad
Writer: François Ozon
Luca
JUNE 18 // Disney+
Another film earning “Call Me By Your Name” comparisons is Pixar’s “Luca”, if only because of its Italian coast setting and the titular character’s similar name to the Oscar-winning film’s director. There are also some who believe the whole fish-out-of-water story is an allegory for suppressing queerness. Either way, Pixar’s 24th film looks beautiful in all its Italian Riviera glory and its fun, buddy movie tropes. Disney might regret going the “Soul” route with this film and skipping the traditional theatrical circuit, especially if the Academy doesn’t extend its pandemic-era rules. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Maya Rudolph, Jim Gaffigan
Writers: Jesse Andrews, Mike Jones
I Carry You with Me
JUNE 25 // In Theaters
Heidi Ewing came to prominence as an Academy Award-nominated documentarian (“Jesus Camp”). With “I Carry You With Me”, Ewing steps into narrative feature territory to celebrated results. The film, a Spanish-language drama about a romance between an aspiring chef and a teacher, premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and earned two nominations at the 2021 Spirit Awards. Ewing’s eye for simple and captivating detail gives the film a certain life needed to set it apart even beyond its harrowing premise. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Heidi Ewing
Starring: Armando Espitia, Christian Vazquez, Michelle Rodríguez
Writers: Heidi Ewing, Alan Page Arriaga
F9
JUNE 25 // In Theaters
Like “A Quiet Place Part II”, the latest outing in the “Fast and Furious” franchise has shifted around multiple times due to the pandemic, but it’s finally racing onto screens in time to compete for the blockbuster of the year title. Say what you will about these films (especially the earlier titles when they were still figuring out their footing), but they’ve never failed to deliver on their promises: high speed action and nearly all practical effects. The cast is a plus. In addition to John Cena joining the ensemble, the film features the return of Han Lue (Sung Kang), a fan-favorite character. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodríguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Charlize Theron, John Cena
Writers: Daniel Casey, Justin Lin, Alfredo Botello
False Positive
JUNE 25 // Hulu
Some have already compared "Broad City” writer/star Ilana Glazer’s maneuver into the socially conscious horror realm to that of Jordan Peele and “Get Out”, but that comparison, while well intended in theory, limits the impact of Glazer’s sinister turn. The actress, who also co-wrote “False Positive” with its director, John Lee, stars alongside Justin Theroux as a couple undergoing fertility treatments at the hands of a questionable doctor (Pierce Brosnan). From A24, which gives the film a certain pedigree out of the gate, it will premiere at Tribeca before debuting on Hulu.
Director: John Lee
Starring: Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Pierce Brosnan
Writers: Ilana Glazer, John Lee
Zola
JUNE 30 // In Theaters
Based on the viral 144-tweet Twitter thread from 2015 that begins “You wanna hear a story about why me & this bitch here fell out?”, “Zola” looks to be this year’s “Spring Breakers” with its wild premise that would be hard to believe if it weren’t absolutely true. Taylour Paige stars as the titular Zola, a Detroit waitress who befriends an exotic dancer (Riley Keough) who convinces her to embark on a road trip to Florida that turns sour. There’s lots of sex, violence, and Tampa mixed together in this film that seemed prime for a SXSW premiere but is instead banking on its buzzed-about trailers to woo summertime audiences. If all goes well, this film should make Page a star and should continue elevating the careers of its creative team: writer/director Janicza Bravo has already made a name for herself with her unsettling indie projects “Gregory Go Boom” and “Lemon” and writer Jeremy O. Harris made waves in the theater world with “Slave Play”. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Janicza Bravo
Starring: Taylour Page, Riley Keough, Colman Domingo, Nicholas Braun
Writers: Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris, A’Ziah King
Annette
JULY TBD // In Theaters
Though it doesn’t have a definite release date, Leos Carax’s latest film (and his first in English) is opening the 2021 Cannes Film Festival on July 6. In France, it will immediately release wide for moviegoers. In the States, where Amazon’s Prime Video will stream the film, it’s expected to earn a similarly timed release, though some are hinting that it may wait for a more awards-friendly release in the fall. Either way, you need to have this musical drama starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard on your must-see list. The duo star as a couple in separate realms of entertainment in Los Angeles whose lives take an unexpected turn when their daughter, Annette, is born. The music is by Sparks, the music group of siblings Ron and Russell Mael. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Leos Carax
Starring: Marion Cotillard, Adam Driver, Simon Helberg
Writers: Ron Mael, Russell Mael
The French Dispatch
JULY TBD // In Theaters
Another Cannes film, “The French Dispatch” marks Wes Anderson’s latest quirky ensemble film. Originally set for a Cannes 2020 premiere and summertime release, the pandemic pushed this film into 2021, which is probably for the best. Its starry cast include Frances McDormand, who was otherwise distracted this year winning her third and fourth Oscar. Additionally, she’ll be sharing the screen with pretty much anyone you’d ever want to be together in a film. Filmed in typical Anderson style, the word on the street for “The French Dispatch” is that it could finally be his open door to his own Oscar. The writer/director has been nominated seven times, most notably for Best Picture nominee “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, but he’s never won. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Frances McDormand, Elisabeth Moss, Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Benicio Del Toro, Jeffrey Wright, Anjelica Huston, Henry Winkler, Lois Smith,
Writers: Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppola, Hugo Guinness
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
JULY 2 // In Theaters & Hulu
Teased during this year’s Academy Awards, Questlove’s feature film directorial debut is a jubilant celebration of Black music’s role in the 1960s social revolution. Set at the Harlem Cultural Festival, “Summer of Soul” features pretty incredible, never-before-seen footage of performers like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, B.B. King, and 5th Dimension. The film also weaves in the real-life counter programming filling the newsreels of the day: police brutality, the Vietnam War, and other political unrests. Those who’ve seen it share that film serves as the perfect celebration of the power of music and the resilience of the people fighting for peace. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Ahmir-Khalib “Questlove” Thompson
Starring: Chris Rock, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight
Black Widow
JULY 9 // In Theaters & Disney+
Another month, another long-awaited film finally gets its release after a pandemic-related delay. “Black Widow” marks the 24th film in the MCU, but it’s only the second film (after “Captain Marvel”) to revolve around a woman superhero. Scarlett Johansson, as the titular hero, has been part of the MCU since “Iron Man 2”. It’s about time she gets the lead! With a case that also include Florence Pugh (in her MCU debut), Rachel Weisz, William Hurt, and Ray Winstone, and directed by Cate Shortland, “Black Widow” is expected to be a much-celebrated entry to the next era of MCU films, which continues with two more films later this year, including Chloé Zhao’s follow-up to “Nomadland”, “Eternals”. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Cate Shortland
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour
Writers: Jac Schaeffer, Ned Benson, Eric Pearson
The Night House
JULY 16 // In Theaters
Rebecca Hall stars in this psychological thriller by David Bruckner, the director who got his start directing segments in underground hit anthology horror series like “The Signal” and “V/H/S”. With “The Night House”, Bruckner delivers his most highbrow project in his career, so far, which will soon include a “Hellraiser” reboot. Hall, who has become a bit of a scream queen in recent years, gives a tantalizing performance as Beth, a widow who begins to see haunting visions after the unexpected death of her husband. The film was one of the more talked about titles at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it was picked up by Searchlight Pictures. VIEW TRAILER
Director: David Bruckner
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Stacy Martin, Sarah Goldberg
Writers: Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
JULY 16 // In Theaters
Morgan Neville is one of modern cinema’s legendary documentarians. Just look at “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” or “Super Size Me” for proof. With his latest outing, Neville focuses his innate storytelling abilities on the late Anthony Bourdain, the beloved television host, chef, and expert foodie. The film will premiere at June’s Tribeca Film Festival before it releases to theaters. Shortly after its theatrical run, CNN will the air the film, with HBO Max releasing it via streaming.
Director: Morgan Neville
Starring: Anthony Bourdain
Old
JULY 23 // In Theaters
Okay, okay, okay. Shyamalan, the master behind “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs”, isn’t always a surefire bet, but the prospects of his great return to suspenseful cinema is always worth anticipating. Based on the graphic novel “Sandcastle”,”Old” finds a family vacationing at a secluded beach where things go awry. And, by “awry”, we mean everyone present begins to age rapidly. Though it boasts quite an incredible cast, including Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, and Thomasin McKenzie, the film’s first trailer was met with more laughter than terror. Here’s to hoping the final product has enough Shyamalan-esque twists and frights to elevate this closer to “The Village” or “The Visit” territory, instead of “The Happening”. VIEW TRAILER
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Vicky Krieps, Gael García Bernal, Thomasin McKenzie, Alex Wolff, Eliza Scanlan
Writers: M. Night Shyamalan
The Green Knight
JULY 30 // In Theaters
A24 has been teasing this epic for over a year and eager fans started drooling this week when the first trailer was released. Dev Patel stars as Sir Garwin, who must confront the titular Green Knight, as well as ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers. Set in the King Arthur days, “The Green Knight” is an original story by writer/director David Lowery, whose visionary style has previously brought a brooding Casey Affleck (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”) and emotional Pete (“Pete’s Dragon”) to the big screen. Many are banking on this being the film to finally bring Patel his movie star status and potential Oscar gold. Others are excited that the film apparently features Patel in his birthday suit. Whatever your reasoning for wanting to see this film, that aforementioned first trailer shows that this is a fantasy worth the wait. VIEW TRAILER
Director: David Lowery
Starring: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Barry Keoghan
Writers: David Lowery
Jungle Cruise
JULY 30 // In Theaters & Disney+
Based on the classic Disneyland ride of the same name, this new Disney live-action adventure features Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on a riverboat down the Amazon. While the two of them are reason enough to be excited to see where the film goes, it’s Jesse Plemons as the film’s villain that has most intrigued. He’s said to have given one of his wackiest and most over-the-top performances of his career. Add all of that star power to the fact that the film is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who’s most known for dark thrillers like “The Shallows” and “Orphan”. We’re in for a fun, summertime treat. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti, Edgar Ramírez
Writers: Daniel Casey, Justin Lin, Alfredo Botello
Stillwater
JULY 30 // In Theaters
After “Spotlight” won the Oscar for Best Picture, director Tom McCarthy has spent the years delivering a varied group of random film choices, including mostly family projects like last year’s “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” for Disney+. Now, the actor/writer-turned-producer/director returns to the big screen with a Amanda Knox-inspired tale of an American father seeking justice for his daughter who’s locked up in France, charged with murder. Matt Damon stars as the Oklahoma dad; Abigail Breslin plays his daughter. We’re not sure if we’re more excited to see McCarthy return somewhat to form or to hear Damon’s middle American accent for two hours. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Tom McCarthy
Starring: Matt Damon, Abigail Breslin
Writers: Thomas Bidegain, Noé Debré, Marcus Hinchey, Tom McCarthy
Nine Days
AUGUST 6 // In Theaters
”Nine Days” existed for a while on many people’s Oscars predictions lists last year when the festival favorite was expected to get a prime, awards season release. Instead, Sony has delayed it until now, giving it a decent, late-summer release it’s hoping will be just the right ushering in of the festival and awards season. Most of the film’s buzz is on Edson Oda’s visionary direction and Winston Duke’s incredible performance. The film also seems to contain some fantastic, Terrence Malick-like cinematography, which is something always welcome, especially when watching something as haunting as this. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Edson Oda
Starring: Winston Duke, Zazie Beatz
Writers: Edson Oda
CODA
AUGUST 13 // In Theaters & AppleTV+
“CODA” was the biggest hit of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it was purchased by Apple TV+ and set the record for the largest sale in the festival’s history. That excitement alone, plus Apple’s choice to release the film in the late summer on the cusp of festival season, gives “CODA” a boost most films would dream of. Emilia Jones gives a breakout performance as Ruby, the hearing child of two deaf parents. Reviews of the film call it a crowd-pleaser and an inspiration.
Director: Sian Heder
Starring: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
Writers: Sian Heder
Free Guy
AUGUST 13 // In Theaters
Once again, we’ve got a film originally set for a 2020 release finally making its way to the big screen. “Free Guy” has a clever concept: an NPC in an open-world video game suddenly becomes aware of his existence. Ryan Reynolds stars as the titular Free Guy and the film is said to have a very nostalgic, “Ready Player One”-esque screenplay. Plus, with a supporting cast including Jodie Comer and Taika Waititi, this could be the summer’s most original and fun big screen adventure. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi
Writers: Matt Lieberman, Zak Penn
Respect
AUGUST 13 // In Theaters
If any film should be thankful for the pandemic release schedule shuffle, it should be “Respect”, the long-awaited Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson. After an influx of mediocre biopics of musicians over the past few years, and a TV miniseries about Franklin also having a 2020 release, “Respect” should finally come to the theaters after a little break for music- and movie-loving audiences. Hudson has been earning awards buzz since she was first announced as the actress to take on the biggest voice in music history. It’s a plus that the late Franklin gave Hudson her blessing before she passed away. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Liesl Tommy
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald
Writers: Tracey Scott Wilson, Callie Khouri
Cryptozoo
AUGUST 20 // In Theaters & On Demand
Dash Shaw’s “Cryptozoo” is a weird, beautifully animated fever dream that transports its viewers to the past with unique connections to the present (like the opening chapter that involves the storming of the Capitol). The follow-up to Shaw’s “My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea” looks to be just as visionary as that monstrous indie animated film deserving of a cult following, plus “Cryptozoo” features a daring voice cast of indelibly likable stars, like Michael Cera.
Director: Dash Shaw
Starring: Lake Bell, Michael Cera, Zoe Kazan
Writers: Dash Shaw
Candyman
AUGUST 27 // In Theaters
Not only is Nia DaCosta’s “Candyman” one of the most-anticipated titles of the summer, it’s hands down one of the most-anticipated titles of the year. Just before the pandemic set in, the film’s clever, animated trailer was enough to make any film fan salivate. After its release was pushed indefinitely, audiences have been clamoring for the return of the ‘90s horror franchise. While it’s not a direct sequel and more of a reimagining, the film does feature Tony Todd as the titular Candyman. That alone is worth the buzz the film has gotten, but DaCosta’s directing style elevates this new horror chapter to a new level. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo, Vanessa Williams
Writers: Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Nia DaCosta
Three Thousand Years of Longing
SEPTEMBER TBD // In Theaters
It’s been six years since George Miller brought Mad Max all the way to the Oscars and even though he has two Mad Max films set for the near future, the auteur has decided to bring a new, original epic to the screen in the form of “Three Thousand Years of Longing”. Starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, the film is a big budget fantasy romance that would have some skeptical. But, with Miller’s direction and the quality of the film’s cast, “Three Thousand Years of Longing” could be his next Best Picture contender.
Director: George Miller
Starring: Idris Elba, Tilda Swinton, Alyla Browne
Writers: George Miller
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
SEPTEMBER 3 // In Theaters
The most talked about Marvel film won’t see audiences until later in the fall, but between “Black Widow” and “Shang-Chi”, it’s refreshing to get such diverse offerings from the most successful film franchise in history. Simu Liu is set to become a star. Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh reunite after their work in the ensemble of “Crazy Rich Asians”. And, Destin Daniel Cretton follows suit in Marvel’s latest trend of hiring successful indie directors (Cretton directed the beloved “Short Term 12”) and giving them tons of money to make the big budget film of their dreams. VIEW TRAILER
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh
Writers: Dave Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham
