One should perhaps not read too much into the fact that the press screening of Kornel Mundruczó‘s “Evolution” was timed to coincide with the final of the UEFA European Football Championship. But if playing it to an inevitably thinned-out crowd is hardly a mark of confidence, the lack of faith is sadly well-placed: Mundruczó’s return to Cannes is just as messy as his 2017 Competition entry, “Jupiter’s Moon,” confused and glib and at times in even more dubious taste than that story of a refugee gifted with inexplicable, messianic superpowers. 

READ MORE: Cannes Film Festival 2021 Preview: 25 Films To Watch

A tripartite tale that the press notes assure me is about how the legacy of the past echoes onto future generations, “Evolution” is all the more dispiriting for those of us who fell for “Pieces of a Woman,” Mundruczó’s last film (and last collaboration with partner Kata Weber, also the screenwriter here) – still a remarkable work with a scorcher of a central performance from Vanessa Kirby.

Continue reading ‘Evolution’: Kornel Mundruczó’s Drama Is A Misguided Three-Parter About The Legacy of the Holocaust [Cannes Review] at The Playlist.

It was a weekend of binge-eating, bargain shopping, and also trying to find ways to fill time with the family. And it seems the movie of choice for those headed to the multiplex was an all-ages offering from Disney.

The studio’s dominance over Thanksgiving weekend continued with “Moana” opening to $55.5 million, giving Disney nine out of the 10 all-time best openings over the holiday (the figure is $88.1 million if you include the dollars accrued between Wednesday and Friday).

Continue reading ‘Moana’ Rides Big Thanksgiving Wave, While ‘Allied,’ ‘Bad Santa 2’ & ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ All Struggle [Box Office] at The Playlist.

Movie lovers have always found hope, reassurance and, of course, escape during anxious times. Now that we’re finally here in November, and this three ring circus masquerading as an election will (finally!) come to an end early next week, and there’s a crammed slate of titles all the way through the end of the year that should give plenty of options to find what each of us needs at the cinema or on VOD.

While it’s looking like another strong month of releases (many with awards hopes), the film of the month is one that won’t get a ton of theatrical play, unless you live in a city that has a cool arthouse theater to make room for it.

Continue reading 12 Films To See In November at The Playlist.

We recently listed Lucile Hadzihalilovic among the 100 Best And Most Exciting Directors Working Today. Ever since her latest feature film, “Evolution,” hit the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015, we haven’t stopped talking about it. It’s a truly original film, boasting terrific imagery and a distinct atmosphere, and we’re pleased to exclusively debut the new poster.

READ MORE: The 30 Most Anticipated Films From 2016 We’ve Already Seen 

Led by Max Brebant, the story follows a young boy who lives in a remote seaside village, which is only populated by other young boys and adult women.

Continue reading Exclusive: Discover The Strange World Of Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s ‘Evolution’ With This New Poster at The Playlist.

One of the most arresting films we saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival was Lucile Hadzihalilovic‘s “Evolution,” and it’s one that has been buzzing in our minds ever since. Somewhere between sci-fi and horror, the picture is completely individual and filled with stunning imagery, it’s one you’ll want to see on the big screen if it plays near you.

READ MORE: Watch The Beautiful Jonathan Glazer-Esque Trailer For Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s ‘Evolution’ 

Starring Max Brebant, Roxane Duran, and Julie-Marie Parmentier, the story follows a ten year-old boy who lives near the sea in a village only populated by other males his age and older women.

Continue reading Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s ‘Evolution’ Gets An Eerie, Beautiful New U.S. Trailer at The Playlist.

12 Films To See In March

Continue reading 12 Films To See In March at The Playlist.

The 30 Most Anticipated Films From 2016 We've Already Seen

Continue reading The 30 Most Anticipated Films From 2016 We’ve Already Seen at The Playlist.

Watch: Beautiful, Jonathan Glazer-esque Trailer For Lucile Hadzihalilovic's 'Evolution'

Continue reading Watch: Beautiful, Jonathan Glazer-esque Trailer For Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s ‘Evolution’ at The Playlist.

The Best Of The 2015 Toronto International Film Festival

Continue reading The Best Of The 2015 Toronto International Film Festival at The Playlist.

TIFF Review: Lucile Hadzihalilovic's Transfixing, Enchanting 'Evolution'

Continue reading TIFF Review: Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s Transfixing, Enchanting ‘Evolution’ at The Playlist.