Russell Crowe’s second feature as writer, director, and actor advances his ascent in the cinematic world with a taut thriller that doubles as social commentary. The narrative probes violence against women in Iran while delivering intimate, character-driven moments that keep viewers close to the emotional stakes. Debuts are scheduled for next Friday in theaters, inviting audiences to experience a film that blends suspense with a pointed critique of gender-based violence. [Citation: festival press materials].
poker face
Russell Crowe’s sophomore directorial effort, lord of water, released in 2014, unfolds as a chilling thriller about a billionaire poker player who invites his inner circle to participate in a game that forces hidden secrets into the open. Crowe anchors the story, with a strong ensemble that includes a rising young performer alongside him, and notable appearances by hemsworth, rapper RZA, Liam, and Elsa Pataky from Spain. The production notes frame the film as a high-stakes examination of trust, deception, and the costs of exposure. [Citation: production notes].
‘Holy spider’
Ali Abbasi, a director of Danish origin with Iranian roots, crafts boundary-pushing storytelling in this thriller inspired by real events. The film tackles the harrowing issue of violence against women in Iran during a period of social upheaval. Abbasi draws from a 2000 case in which Saeed Hanaei, a religiously devout father, carried out a spree targeting sex workers in Mashhad, killing sixteen women before his arrest and trial. The narrative anchors its tension in factual history while exploring the human stories behind the headlines. [Citation: interview and court records].
“emily”
Emma Mackey, best known for the series Sex Education, portrays writer Emily Brontë, bringing to life the craft behind her most famous work, Wuthering Heights. The film marks the directorial debut of Frances O’Connor, presenting Brontë as the overlooked middle sister whose fervent curiosity and rebellious spirit shaped a lasting literary legacy. The project emphasizes Brontë’s voice within a family dynamic and a creative world that often underestimated her. [Citation: press materials].
“Brian and Charles”
Directed and starring Jim Archer and David Earl, the film follows Brian, a solitary inventor in a Welsh valley, and his self-made robot, Charles. Their companionship gradually reshapes Brian’s life, but as the bond deepens, tensions surface and the dynamic evolves in unexpected ways. The story blends warmth, humor, and a dash of whimsy, delivering moments of genuine emotional resonance. [Citation: festival program notes].
‘shelter’
British filmmaker Neil Marshall, renowned for The Descent and his work on the Hellboy franchise, unveils this feature at a major festival where he was honored with an award. The plot follows Kate, a pilot who, after an injury, seeks refuge in a bunker used by Russian researchers experimenting with alien DNA. The tension escalates as soldiers and mutated adversaries collide in a high-stakes chase for survival. [Citation: festival coverage].
‘Silent country’
Polish director Agnieszka Woszczynska offers a poignant drama about a couple whose Italian island vacation is upended by a creeping crisis. Their routine is disrupted when a malfunctioning pool hints at something deeper and unsettling happening on the island, forcing them to confront looming truths about their own lives. [Citation: festival catalog].
‘River of anger’
Producer Randall Emmett, known for high-profile Scorsese-related projects, brings an action-packed thriller to the screen with an ensemble including Jack Huston, Robert De Niro, and John Malkovich. In a town seeking renewal, Sheriff Church and Detective Zeppelin strive to maintain peace as a wrongful tragedy unfolds. The pursuit of justice becomes tangled when a key figure, Shelby, seeks revenge, turning loyalty into danger. [Citation: production notes].
‘mercy’
Eduardo Casanova crafts a film that explores the bond between mother and son against a backdrop of oppressive authority, drawing attention at festivals in Austin, Karlovy Vary, and Montreal. The cast features Angela Molina, Manel Llunell, and Ana Polvorosa, with production credits from Álex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang. The story probes power, memory, and the scars left by tyranny. [Citation: festival press].
‘Passport scammer’
Louis Hofmann leads a film inspired by real events surrounding the forging of passports in World War II Berlin. The tale follows Cioma Schönhaus, a young man who uses forged documents to survive and move through the city’s nightlife during its darkest days. Written and directed by Maggie Peren, the screenplay adapts Schönhaus’s autobiographical narrative to illuminate courage under peril. [Citation: historical archive].
‘Alternative’
Diego Lermann’s drama centers on Lucio, a Buenos Aires literature professor who returns to his old neighborhood to help his father rescue a student from drug traffickers. The film examines the challenges of education and mentorship within a marginalized community, highlighting the resilience of educators and their students. [Citation: festival notes].
‘Between the waves’
Anaïs Volpé, a French filmmaker, chronicles the friendship of two young people who ride the energy of youth toward adulthood, only to confront harsh realities when life diverges from their plans. The film shifts from a buoyant coming-of-age tale to a meditation on death and pain, inviting contemplation about growth and loss. [Citation: festival program].
‘The book of love’
Verónica Echegui (Spain) and Sam Claflin (England) star in a story directed by Mexican filmmaker Analeine Cal y Mayor. The Book of Love follows Henry, a failing author who discovers his manuscript resurfacing in Mexico with a surprising transformation led by translator María, turning a bland text into a vividly charged erotic narrative. The film blends humor with insight into how stories travel and evolve across cultures. [Citation: festival press].