Grab your popcorn and take a seat. Here are four films to watch at the Hamptons International Film Festival (hamptonsfilmfest.org), returning for its 31st annual season Oct. 5 through 12.
ALL OF US STRANGERS (2023)
Directed by Andrew Haigh, known for his acclaimed films 45 Years and Weekend, All of Us Strangers is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss and reality. Based on the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada, the film set in London delves into the supernatural as Adam—played by Emmy nominee Andrew Scott—fights with the mysteries of his past and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Deepening his relationship with his mysterious neighbor Harry—played by Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Mescal—the film explores the struggle to reconcile the past with the present.
DREAM SCENARIO (2023)
Paul Matthews, played brilliantly by Nicolas Cage, experiences a shocking turn of events when he becomes the subject of millions of people’s dreams. As Matthews tries to navigate his newfound celebrity status, he must also cope with the bizarre nature of the dreams he is part of. Matthews’ rise to stardom comes with witty remarks and unexpected plot twists. This viewing of Dream Scenario, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and produced by Ari Aster, will mark its New York premiere—keep dreaming.
THE HOLDOVERS (2023)
Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne of Election and Sideways presents the East Coast premiere of The Holdovers—a tale of an ill-tempered New England prep school teacher stuck on campus during Christmas break with stranded students. Together, these characters navigate the challenges of the holiday season, forging unexpected connections and discovering the power of friendship. Starring Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, the film boasts a nostalgic soundtrack and lived-in design, capturing the essence of the era it portrays.
MAY DECEMBER (2023)
May December is a captivating and thought-provoking film directed by Todd Haynes. It delves into the complex dynamics of a family 20 years after a notorious tabloid romance captivated the nation. Gracie, played by Julianne Moore, and Joe, who is 23 years younger, are now preparing for their twins’ high school graduation. Their lives are further complicated when actress Elizabeth, portrayed by Natalie Portman, comes into their lives to study Gracie’s character for an upcoming film role. Revealing family dynamics and past trauma, May December explores truth, storytelling and the challenges of understanding another person.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES, PHOTOS COURTESY OF: A24, FOCUS FEATURES, NETFLIX
