As the 75th Berlin International Film Festival approaches, cinephiles worldwide eagerly await what promises to be one of the most compelling line-ups in recent years. With celebrated directors like Bong Joon-ho, Michel Franco, and Richard Linklater showcasing their latest works, here are my top picks for the most anticipated films this year.
1. Dreams (Competition)
Director Michel Franco reunites with Jessica Chastain after their successful collaboration in Memory (2023). This drama centers on a young Mexican ballet dancer (Isaac Hernández) who moves to San Francisco to pursue his dreams, only to find himself at odds with a partner who is less supportive than expected. With Chastain’s reputation for delivering powerhouse performances, Dreams promises a deeply emotional journey.
2. Mickey 17 (Berlinale Special Gala)
Six years after Parasite redefined the possibilities of international cinema, Bong Joon-ho returns with Mickey 17. Starring Robert Pattinson, this sci-fi dark comedy explores themes of expendability and identity. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel, Pattinson’s character is sent on a dangerous mission to an icy planet, where his role as a ‘disposable’ human forces him to confront a brutal cycle of death and resurrection.
3. The Ice Tower (Competition)
Lucile Hadžihalilović presents The Ice Tower, a French fantasy drama starring Marion Cotillard. Known for her surreal, atmospheric works like Evolution and Earwig, Hadžihalilović once again blends mysticism and psychology. This film follows an actress in a Snow Queen production whose life intertwines with a mysterious runaway.
4. Blue Moon (Competition)
Directed by Richard Linklater, Blue Moon delves into the final days of legendary songwriter Lorenz Hart. With a stellar cast featuring Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, and Margaret Qualley, this film is likely to bring Linklater’s signature blend of poignancy and human introspection to the screen.
5. A Complete Unknown (Berlinale Special Gala)
James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown takes a biographical look at the enigmatic life of Bob Dylan. Timothée Chalamet portrays the iconic musician in this Berlinale Special Gala screening. While it remains unconfirmed whether Chalamet will attend the festival, anticipation for this film is already high.
6. What Does That Nature Say to You? (Competition)
South Korean master Hong Sang-soo is back with his eighth Berlinale film. Having won multiple Silver Bears in recent years, Hong continues to explore his minimalist, meditative narratives. Fans of his introspective style have much to look forward to with this new entry.
These films, among many others, promise a wide array of genres and themes that reflect the festival’s diverse cinematic vision. As always, the Berlinale remains a platform for artistic expression and global storytelling, and I can’t wait to see which films leave a lasting impression. Stay tuned for further updates and reviews from the festival!