5. Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada, July 2018)
“Blindspotting” is a fantastic drama with comic elements about today’s racial tensions, written by and starring Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, who use the film to talk about their own life experiences.
The story follows two best friends, played by the writers, one of whom is up for living through his final few days on probation, working as movers in Oakland. But a challenge arises that tests the men’s friendship as well as puts focus on the evolving and changing of the area in relation to race and class, highlighting significant social problems.
The film is the feature debut from Carlos Lopez Estrada, promising to be a bold and brave start for the director’s career.
4. Eighth Grade (Bo Burnham, July 2018)
What does it mean to “be yourself”? Is it even possible? If we sometimes struggle to be ourselves as adults, it is no surprise that Kayla, only in her last year of middle school, is finding it hard to do so. “Eighth Grade” was part of the Sundance selection earlier this year, and got a very enthusiastic critical response, making us eager to see it this July.
The film follows young Kayla, in an incredible performance by Elsie Fisher, as she finishes the eighth grade and deals with being an adolescent in today’s world, with all its hardships and flaws. The story is very touching, but also extremely relatable to anyone who has gone through the same period – a period of uncertainty and instability in your life, while you try to discover who you are without letting others do it for you.
This is Bo Burnham’s first feature film in the role of a director, and it’s definitely a great start!
3. Sorry to Bother You (Boots Riley, July 2018)
Starring Lakeith Stanfield, “Sorry to Bother You” is one of the most exciting science fiction films coming out this summer, with its dark themes and satirical undertones. This critical comedy is set in a dystopian but not-so-far-from-real Oakland, and follows a telemarketer, Cassius Green (Stansfield) who seems to have found the key to succeeding and climbing the ladder at work.
But several challenges stand in his way, including his partner Detroit (Tessa Thompson) and his co-workers who are organising a protest against oppression by big companies, which puts Green in a difficult position as he is offered an incredible salary by his questionable boss Steve Lift (Armie Hammer).
The film makes very bold statements and is a powerful social criticism with an amazing cast to prove its point, as well as a perfect combination of comedy, seriousness and absurdity.
2. Replicas (Jeffrey Nachmanoff, August 2018)
This sci-fi film is an exciting drama coming out in August that questions the power of science and how far it should go when it comes to human life. Starring Keanu Reeves as scientist Will Foster, he is faced with the physical and moral challenge of bringing his family back to life. Many challenges come his way as he faces both the law, the government, and science itself in the process of bringing back his loved ones after a fatal car accident.
The film is both horrific and exciting, demonstrating what a person is willing to go through in the name of love (or science).
1. Blackkklansman (Spike Lee, August 2018)
“Blackkklansman,” a major hit at the Cannes Film Festival with the director taking home the Grand Prix award, is a much anticipated film from both the director’s fans and people who are less aware of Lee’s work, as the film stars A-list actor Adam Driver, as well as Denzel Washington’s son, John David Washington. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American officer to become part of the police force in Colorado Springs in the 1970s.
The film follows the determined officer as he pursues his ambition to become a detective through a dangerous and important mission of exposing a running KKK organisation. While talking about a serious topic, the film is full of the most outrageously funny moments, underlined by a fantastic script and acting. The film will be released in August to commemorate the tragic events in Charlottesville, which occurred in August of the previous year.