Bo’s all fears (Beau is Afraid), dir. Ari Aster – May 4
The film follows Bo, a solitary, anxious figure who has spent years inside the safety of his apartment. When his mother dies under mysterious circumstances, he is compelled to return to his hometown. The outward journey becomes an inward quest, where old fears and buried truths come to the surface. On the way to his father’s house, Bo encounters a disturbing mix of hazards: an orphaned cult, rugged bounty hunters astride a bear, a monstrous creature shaped by phallic imagery, and other external terrors of the world beyond his door.
From the mind of Ari Aster, the acclaimed horror filmmaker behind Solstice and Reincarnation, the focus shifts from sheer fright to an exploration of fear itself. The external danger is rendered with absurdist, almost parodic touches. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a masterful performance, embodying a man who is anxious and uncertain, yet determined to reclaim his life.
Doorman Yura, dir. Vitaly Dudka – from May 4
After losing his job in the capital, a driven young photographer named Roma returns to his hometown of Ufa. There he meets Yura, a friendly doorman who finds himself in debt to unscrupulous handlers. In a bold move, Roma photographs Yura as a rising star and uses Photoshop to place him on the cover of a fashion magazine. The image spreads online, transforming the once-humble doorman into a national sensation and forcing Roma and Yura to confront the consequences of a rumor-driven fame that touches many lives.
The film Jura Doorman draws on the real-life story of photographer Roman Filippov and doorman Yuri Vetlugin, whose life-changing moment came when a photo on the cover of GQ ignited a public conversation about first impressions and the kindness of strangers. Among its notable moments is Ida Galich’s breakout performance, a film that radiates warmth and a bright, hopeful energy despite its timely critique of online culture.
Holy Spider Killer, dir. Ali Abbasi – from May 11
The drama unfolds in Mashhad, a city known for its sanctity. Said, a devout family man, pursues a brutal mission against sex workers, serially killing them as the body count rises. The investigation intensifies as journalist Rahimi steps in, determined to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. The film has earned recognition for its unflinching treatment of violence and the social context that enables it.
Actress Zara Amir Ebrahimi delivers a standout performance as Rahimi, earning acclaim at major festivals, including Cannes. The movie received an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Critics note that the film scrutinizes the oppression of women in Iran, highlighting the urgent need for protection and rights.
14+: The Sequel, dir. Andrey Zaitsev – from May 11
Lesha, now eighteen, continues a coming-of-age arc that began with a first love and a growing list of life questions. His world is complicated by a new relationship with Nastya, which shakes his social circles and personal assumptions. Yet memories cling to his heart—most notably Vika, from a past chapter—making every choice feel heavy with consequence. The film follows a young man navigating love, identity, and the pull of the past in a bustling city landscape.
With a tone that echoes classic stories of youth and discovery, Zaitsev preserves the charm and sincerity of early cinema, portraying the trials of growing up—from self-discovery to romantic entanglements—against the backdrop of modern urban life.
Who Killed BlackBerry (BlackBerry), dir. Matt Johnson – May 11
This Canadian biopic chronicles a group of obsessive technologists who dream up a compact device that fuses a phone and a computer. Their audacious collaboration sparks a global revolution when BlackBerry hits the market, reshaping how people communicate. Yet the triumph proves costly as success breeds pressure to sustain momentum amid fierce competition in a rapidly evolving tech arena.
The film premiered on the world stage at a prestigious European festival, marking its place in the era’s tech lore and cinema’s storytelling tradition.
No Filter (Follow It), dir. Silvia Kaminer – from May 11
Jess, a promising young actress, lands a high-stakes fashion project driven by a mysterious curator. What begins as a glossy ascent into online stardom quickly devolves into a perilous game of tests that grow increasingly brutal. To stay alive and gain followers, Jess must balance a relentless pursuit of fame with the danger of the curator’s demands.
No Filter examines the immersive, participatory culture of social media, where audiences become players and creators alike. Critics have praised its sharp, thought-provoking approach to contemporary fame and the ethics of online spectacle.
Hunt (Heonteu), dir. Lee Jung-jae – from May 18
Set in 1983, the narrative follows a tense hunt after an assassination attempt on a visiting South Korean president. As investigators and intelligence officers search for a hidden North Korean spy, suspicion and paranoia ripple through every line of inquiry. The film marks Lee Jung-jae’s directorial debut and has drawn attention for its political depth, suspenseful plotting, and strong performances.
Island of Illusions (Influencer), dir. Curtis David Harder – May 18
Madison, a social media influencer, craves worldwide validation and embarks on a journey to Thailand with a new companion who appears idyllic at first glance. Their travels across remote, beautiful islets soon reveal a darker, more unsettling side of fame and friendship. Before its theatrical bow, the film made waves at genre festivals, earning several awards for its eerie storytelling and visual prowess.
Being Salvador Dali (Dalíland), dir. Mary Harron – from May 25
In the 1970s, Salvador Dalí stands as a magnetic, controversial figure whose brilliance is matched by personal chaos. His relationship with Gala tests both partners, while a young assistant named James helps to navigate the artist’s turbulent life and the looming New York exhibition. Harron’s film continues her exploration of the darker facets of genius, blending biographical detail with a tense, stylish mood.
Escape Illusion (Superposition), dir. Caroline Lyngby – from May 25
Seeking a perfect place to begin anew, a city couple and their child retreat to a secluded forest, narrating their new life in a podcast. Their calm is shattered when mysterious doppelgängers appear, prompting questions about identity and the possibility of living alongside one’s own altered reflection. The Danish contribution dives deep into the psychology of self-perception and the unsettling edges of replication, echoing recent genre explorations while carving its own singular path.