“Vengeance”
B. J. Novak stars in his directorial debut, “Vengeance,” which follows a journalist and podcaster who must travel from New York City to Texas to investigate the death of a woman who he hooked up with in the past. Produced by Jason Blum under Blumhouse Productions, the film stars Ashton Kutcher, Boyd Holbrook, Dove Cameron, and Issa Rae. Our critic who saw the film at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival praised Novak, writing that “…he crafts a good mystery, consistently engaging and entertaining, and the thoughtful turns of the last confrontation are sly, smart, and knowing.”
Release Date: July 29 in theaters via Focus Features.
“Sharp Stick”
Directed by “Girls” creator Lena Dunham, “Sharp Stick” is her latest foray into feature filmmaking. Kristine Froseth plays Sarah Jo, a naive 26-year-old babysitter who begins a relationship with her older employer. Dunham, Jon Bernthal, Scott Speedman, and Taylour Paige also star. Our critic, who saw “Sharp Stick” at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, praised the film, calling it compassionate and writing that “Dunham has instead created a work of art that comfortably fits within and plays with the limitations imposed by the pandemic.”
Release Date: July 29 in theaters via Utopia.
“DC League Of Super-Pets”
While “Thor: Love and Thunder” might be dominating the superhero discussion taking place this month, DC is getting in on the action as well with “DC League of Super-Pets.” The family animated film, directed by Jared Stern in his feature-length debut and co-written with John Whittington, the film follows the super pets as they try and save their human companions, the Justice League, who are kidnapped. The extensive voice cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Kate Mckinnon, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Hart, Diego Luna, Natasha Lyonne, and more.
Release Date: July 29 in theaters via Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Resurrection”
Rebecca Hall stars as a woman who has a carefully constructed life that is disrupted when, one day, an abusive ex-boyfriend from her past returns, forcing her to confront monsters she’s tried to run from the past two decades. Written and directed by Andrew Semans, Tim Roth, Grace Kaufman, and Michael Esper also star. Our critic wrote “Brilliantly evoking raw-nerve motherhood anxiety; the terrors of toxic, manipulative relationships; and the anguish that comes with losing control, “Resurrection” is a haunting and visceral depiction of delusion and desperation, sustained by piercing performances from two of the most masterful actors working today.”
Release Date: July 29 in theaters via IFC Films. VOD on August 3rd.
“Ali and Ava”
English filmmaker Clio Barnard has directed some of the most affecting depictions of loneliness over the years with her films “The Selfish Giant,” “The Arbor” and “Dark River.” In “Ali and Ava” she explores that feeling of disconnect through two people who develop a deep connection despite the lingering memories and effects of their past relationships. The film stars Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook as the titular characters. Our critic praised the performances, writing “Akhtar and Rushbrook share a natural, warm rapport, even before their relationship becomes romantic.”
Release Date: July 29 via Greenwich Entertainment. On Amazon and Apple TV+ August 23.
