The long-awaited second episode of a galactic epic based on a renowned science fiction classic unfolds as a desert saga with political and religious tension. In its own darkly comic undertone, this film stands out as a defining release in cinemas this week. Two young women embark on a tense escape, setting the tone for a story that blends spectacle with sharp social observations. [Attribution: Film press coverage]
‘Dune: part two’ is a galactic epic set in the middle of the desert
The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster directed by Denis Villeneuve continues the adaptation of the iconic saga. Visually sweeping and thematically heavy, the narrative moves through a desert world fraught with power struggles, religious rivalries, and resource conflicts, reflecting themes that echo today’s geopolitical landscape.
The journey centers on Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, aligning with the Fremen. Chani, portrayed by Zendaya, anchors one stream of the prophecy, while Javier Bardem returns as Stilgar. New cast members including Florence Pugh and Austin Butler join the ensemble to broaden the story’s texture and stakes.
Ethan Coen directs solo comedy ‘Two Girls on the Run’
After his standalone documentary directorial debut, the filmmaker steps forward without his brother Joel to craft a black comedy with lesbian undertones. The cast features Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Pedro Pascal, and Matt Damon.
The screenplay, written by Ethan Coen alongside Tricia Cooke, centers on Jamie, a young woman navigating a string of failed relationships. A spontaneous road trip with her more reserved friend Marian leads them toward a chaotic encounter with a group of criminals, turning their planned escape into an unpredictable voyage.
Horror comedy ‘Dream Scenario’ starring Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage leads this high concept comedy as a family man whose ordinary life is transformed when millions of strangers begin appearing in his dreams. The film, which closed a major European genre festival, blends surreal humor with a thought-provoking look at fame and personal identity.
The nocturnal sightings push Cage’s character toward a collision between private life and sudden public attention, forcing him to reckon with the consequences of being thrust into the spotlight.
‘Tótem’ is a heartfelt Mexican family drama
From Lila Avilés, a filmmaker who previously impressed audiences at Berlinale, this intimate portrait follows a family and its complexities through the perspective of a seven-year-old girl. The director describes the film as a meditation on communication, human relationships, and a kinship with nature, embodied by the child’s lucid observations.
The story uses a child’s viewpoint to illuminate mature themes of connection, empathy, and the quiet strength found in everyday moments.
‘Not a pretty picture’, a pioneering approach to abuse culture
American filmmaker Martha Coolidge revisits her early activism by restoring a seminal feminist work for contemporary audiences. The film, a mix of documentary and fiction, examines abuse through the lens of a group of actors re-enacting memories from the filmmaker’s adolescence.
As a historic piece, the project balances personal testimony with critical reflection, continuing Coolidge’s long-standing challenge to power structures and gendered violence.
‘Endless Adventure’, fantasy and animated adventures
Russian animator Andrey Kolpin, known for a beloved children’s series, returns with a new fantasy adventure. The tale follows Kay, a brave explorer, and his steadfast companion Benny as they reach the capital city and encounter a young sorceress named May who guards a powerful magical crystal dagger.
The film invites audiences into a realm where courage, friendship, and curiosity drive a quest that blends action with imaginative world-building.
A film about the ghosts of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Shot across Mexico, the United States, Spain, and Germany, this project weaves pre-Hispanic history with the arrival of the Spanish and legends surrounding the Virgin of Guadalupe. It forms part of the cultural programming anticipating a significant historical anniversary in 2031. Produced by regional companies, the film is directed by Andrés Garrigo and Pablo Moreno, bringing together a cross-border collaboration that highlights spiritual and historical memory.
The cinematic work frames a broader meditation on faith, migration, and shared human heritage, inviting viewers to reflect on the layers of history that shape contemporary identities. [Attribution: Festival program notes]