Kenneth Brannagh returns as detective Hercule Poirot in a highly anticipated feature from one of cinema’s most storied names, as Europe’s Nanni Moretti unveils a pair of bold projects. Alongside a reunion of audience favorites, the romance saga that captivated a generation, After, nears its final chapter with a bold conclusion next week.
Brannagh’s Detective Poirot Returns in ‘Venice Mystery’
Kenneth Brannagh, acclaimed for winning an Oscar for best screenplay with Belfast, once again breathes life into the famed detective Hercule Poirot in Venice Mystery. The adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Apples is directed by Brannagh and features an ensemble cast that includes Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, and Tina Fey, among others. This marks Brannagh’s third foray into Poirot on the big screen, following Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and Death on the Nile (2022). The story unfolds in postwar Venice on the eve of Halloween as Poirot tackles a case that presses his method and his nerve. It’s a tale that nods to Christie’s intricate plotting while offering Brannagh’s signature twist on the detective’s meticulous approach. (Cited from contemporary film press reports)
Nanni Moretti pays tribute to cinema in “The Sun of the Future”
Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti, celebrated for Caro Diario (1993), returns with a film that blends humor, social observation, and autobiography. The project centers on a renowned Italian filmmaker who plans to shoot a fresh picture about the perceived collapse of a utopian socialist dream. The narrative threads together artistic ambition, family dynamics, and the shifting demands of modern distribution platforms, which challenge traditional cinema workflows. Moretti’s film examines how creative voices navigate funding, platforms, and audience expectations while preserving a distinctive, personal sensibility. (Industry notes and festival previews)
As the director wrestles with these pressures, the movie probes whether art can endure amid evolving rules and market realities while staying true to its expressive core. The result is a meditation on cinema’s resilience and the enduring appeal of authentic storytelling.
A thriller about jihadist terrorism from Calparsoro
Directed by Daniel Calparsoro, the filmmaker behind titles such as Salto al vacio and One Hundred Years of Forgiveness, All the Names of Allah brings together Luis Tosar and Inma Cuesta in a tense thriller. The narrative follows Santi after a brutal attack, who becomes ensnared when Hamza, the surviving assailant, orchestrates a shocking reversal that sets Santi on a perilous path. The journey weaves through Madrid’s urban landscape as characters confront the human cost of extremism, while underscoring the fragility of the social fabric in the face of violence. (Filmography notes and festival coverage)
The youth romantic saga “After” comes to an end
Based on the popular literary phenomenon by Anna Todd, the epic finale of After arrives as a fifth installment that promises to reveal the fate of Hardin and Tessa, two almost star-crossed souls tethered by a volatile connection. A writer’s block and heartbreak push Hardin toward Portugal, where he hopes to repair the past and reclaim what he and Tessa once shared, while also exploring new possibilities for the future. The film caps a franchise that has resonated with a generation and sparked conversations about love, risk, and personal growth. (Franchise notes and reader response)
“Cuckoo.” Belén Cuesta feared by horror fans
Belén Cuesta, winner of a Goya Award for Endless Trench (2020), takes on a chilling role in The Cuckoo, directed by Mar Targarona. The film uses time, ambition, and motherhood to frame a creeping sense of dread. Cuesta plays Anna, with Jorge Suquet as Marc, a young couple seeking rest by swapping homes with an elderly couple in the Black Forest. What begins as a quiet escape quickly spirals into a nightmare. The setup blends psychological tension with atmospheric suspense, creating a modern eco-horror experience. (Cinema previews)
“Win or Die” movie about the Vendée uprising
French filmmaker Vincent Mottez delves into the Vendée rebellion, a counter-revolutionary, Catholic movement that emerged after the 1793 outbreak of the French Revolution. The film, which drew strong audiences in France, centers on François-Athanase Charette, a former Royal Navy officer who leads a determined defense of faith and local values during a turbulent era. The narrative explores loyalty, faith, and the cost of militant resistance during a foundational moment in modern French history. (Historical cinema coverage)
“Richard the Stork and the Lost Jewel,” German animation
During a North African winter by a lake, a sparrow sheltered by a family of storks stumbles upon a flock in danger and helps search for a precious jewel that can shield the group from predators. Directed by Mette Tange and Benjamin Quabeck, the film continues the charming adventures that began with Richard the Stork (2017). Its blend of humor, heart, and high-flying adventure aims to capture young audiences while delivering gentle life lessons about bravery and teamwork. (Animation trade notes)
“Dharma Effect,” first love in cinema
José Luis Rojas makes his feature debut with a heartfelt homage to the art of filmmaking. The story follows Jon, a young creator who decides to make a movie with friends. During production, he meets Darma, a gifted colleague, and a deep romance blossoms, capturing the magic and messiness of early love. The film explores the joy and chaos of making art with friends and the sometimes unexpected turns that first loves take. (Directorial introductions)
Documentary to become a TV series about Terenci Moix
Terenci: The Endless Tale, directed by Marta Lallana and produced by Álvaro Augusto, brings the life of Terenci Moix to screen. The project will release as a feature and then in four installments starting September 22. Viewers will meet Moix through intimate interviews with family and friends, including Boris Izaguirre, Colita, Núria Espert, Luis Antonio de Villena, Anaïs Schaaff, and Enric Majó, among others, offering a rich portrait of the writer’s world and influence. The project’s approach blends documentary rigor with literary insight to illuminate a controversial and celebrated voice. (Studio notes and festival coverage)