A summer full of exciting cinema awaits us: a box office battle between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer', author hits from France and South Korea, grandiose comic book blockbusters from Marvel and DC, and much more.
The 'After Credits' team has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies of summer 2023, so you have a complete guide to what new releases are worth watching in theaters and at home over the next three months.
Disclaimer: Since many Hollywood films are currently not officially released in Russian theaters, their premiere dates are given according to the global schedule. For 'parallel' releases ('pre-screening' services), films come out approximately 1-2 weeks later, so plan accordingly. All such films will be marked with an asterisk *.
The Covenant
Premiere Date: June 1
Guy Ritchie loves to experiment. And although the general audience knows him mainly for his crime comedies, his talent for directing action films is undeniable. Even those Ritchie films that we consider not very successful always find something that attracts fans of action and beautiful staging.
It's all the more interesting to see what the British hooligan comes up with in 'The Covenant', if only because the film's rating on the Western portal IMDB is quite high (at least higher than 'Operation Fortune' and 'Wrath of Man').
Another reason to look forward to the film is the excellent cast. Former Marines Jake Gyllenhaal and Jason Wong rarely disappoint in terms of acting. Plus, it's always good to see TV's Patriot Anthony Starr on screen, who is criminally underused in big-budget films.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Premiere Date: June 2*
The beginning of summer and immediately a movie bomb. On June 2, worldwide (and in Kazakhstan even a day earlier), the sequel to the animated film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' will be released. Even more multiverse adventures. Even more cameos. Even more Spideys!
Critics are already sparing no praise for 'Across the Spider-Verse'. All we have to do is wait for excellent animation work, an interesting story, unexpected surprises, and a stunning soundtrack (the first one was exactly that). What can we say? People love Spider-Man. It's no wonder he's being exploited in all areas. And here, Sony has cranked up expectations to the max. We hope they won't let us down. Although... We're almost convinced they won't!
Paris, 13th District (Les Olympiades, Paris 13e)
Premiere Date: June 8
A participant from the Cannes Film Festival two years ago finally reaches domestic distribution, where the work of composer Rone was noted. The director of 'Paris...' Jacques Audiard is generally one of the favorites of the Cannes jury, having won the 'Grand Prix' (for 'A Prophet') and the 'Palme d'Or' (for 'Dheepan'). He didn't manage to become a triumph with this work, but critics still speak warmly of the film, especially noting the beauty of the black-and-white imagery and the homage to 'Wings of Desire'.
'Paris, 13th District' tells the story of an international quartet of friends-cum-lovers in the most international district of the French capital, and about how wonderful life is when you are a student, full of desire to know yourself and the world. Perfect for watching on a quiet warm June evening.
The Bullfinch (Snegir)
Premiere Date: June 8
An interesting, summer Russian film that can be seen on the big screen. The film by Boris Khlebnikov opened the Moscow International Film Festival this year and has already received fairly good press.
The director has repeatedly turned to the genre of industrial drama ('Arrhythmia', 'Storm') and skillfully penetrates the routine processes of almost any profession, not forgetting human nature, especially in stressful situations. And in 'The Bullfinch', all this is multiplied by the romance of sea adventures, courage, and mutual assistance.
Waiting for Dalí (Esperando a Dalí)
Premiere Date: June 15
Summer should start with beauty! And what could be more suitable for arousing this feeling than a coastal town, the sun, waves reflecting its light, and, of course, food?! All this awaits the viewer in the Spanish film 'Waiting for Dalí'.
Forget the hustle and bustle of big cities and feel the spirit of creative freedom in a place once favored by the painter. After all, it is about the sublime that one should think under the hot rays. A light summer film by David Pujol will provide the ground for this. And if you are not captivated by the stunning landscapes of Spanish Cadaqués, on the shores of which the characters fall in love, move along the path of art, and fulfill dreams, then the views of exquisite delicacies, inspired by the boundless imagination of surrealism, will certainly arouse not only appetite but also interest in the film.
Ivan Massagué, the star of 'The Platform', will sport recognizable mustaches and this time show the viewer a world of attractive culinary masterpieces. Enjoy your meal... viewing!
The Flash
Premiere Date: June 16*
While Marvel long ago staged the most grandiose crossover of all time (and essentially buried its universe in the process), DC felt that an epochal clash of its two main protagonists was not enough. So this summer we will see an adaptation of 'Flashpoint', one of the most iconic comics from Detective Comics. Here you have two Flashes, long-dead heroes resurrected on screen (even Michael Keaton and his 'I'm Batman' will drop by), and a real multiverse of madness (hello, spoiler-spoiler Nicolas Cage).
In essence, this film will be the crown of the DCU as we knew it under Zack Snyder, James Wan, Patty Jenkins, and David F. Sandberg. It will also help build a bridge to the new vision of James Gunn, who has taken the helm of DC film projects. And what kind of point and one of Hollywood's most troubled long-term projects turned out to be, we will find out in June.
Extraction 2
Premiere Date: June 16
It seems to have many fans; the second will probably be worse, but it's clear that Chris Hemsworth needs money, and those who allocate budgets at Netflix continue to live in the eighties. Actually, in such a situation, waiting for this film, if you are not a fan of the genre, is quite pointless, but not entirely.
'Extraction' or 'Evacuation' is a new brutal Netflix blockbuster from the Russo brothers, which may seem stupid and cruel, but boring it is definitely not.
Open materialThe point is that now not only Netflix managers but also we live in the eighties. The time of dubious action films has returned, especially in domestic distribution, and gloomy white men who cannot live but can kill have something to say to themselves and to us again. , the tenth 'Fast & Furious' – it is by these films that we can measure the pulse of the times. 'Fast X', for example, is a film of universal fatigue, but cut off mid-sentence. Maybe where Dominic Toretto didn't finish, Tyler Rake will say the main thing that needs to be said? There is no certainty, there is hope.
The fourth part of the 'John Wick' franchise has officially been released in Russian theaters. The story of a hitman who initially avenged bandits for killing his puppy and stealing his car continues to expand.
Open materialIn the worst case, at least the shooting is beautiful, and the Russo brothers (for whom 'Avengers', apparently, was directed by an assistant director, or whoever at Marvel handles situations when directors don't know how to make movies) are still not allowed to direct the 'Extractions', so there is still a chance for something good.
God is a Bullet
Premiere Date: June 22
Another film by Nick Cassavetes, which he releases after a long silence. It has been eight years since the release of his last work 'The Other Woman'. All this time, apparently, Cassavetes was gathering his thoughts and is now ready to present his new creation to the world.
The director of hit films 'The Notebook', 'Alpha Dog', and 'John Q' has ventured into the territory of atmospheric, psychedelic cinema about revenge, inner demons, and the depravity of cult. It seems we are in for something between 'Mandy' by Panos Cosmatos and 'Man on Fire' by Tony Scott.
My Crime (Mon crime)
Premiere Date: June 22
François Ozon continues to churn out films almost every year. This time, he decided to transport viewers to 1930s France and tell the story of an actress who was first accused of murdering a producer and then acquitted.
We are in for an ironic detective story that might remind fans of the director of the legendary '8 Women'. If Western press is to be believed, it turned out to be a witty film with elements of farce. Plus, it features Isabelle Huppert, what more does a cinephile need for happiness?
Hypnotic
Premiere Date: July 6*
Audiences love detective stories—especially those with a certain twist that sets them apart from other genre representatives. 'Hypnotic' promises to be just such a film.
Again, the director's persona plays a significant role in the anticipation rating. Robert Rodriguez often misses the mark, but he still knows how to make great entertaining cinema when he wants to—even if it is not well received by critics in the end.
It is reported that Rodriguez sketched a draft of the script, where Ben Affleck's character tries to investigate the mystery of his daughter's disappearance, back in 2002, and called it his favorite story to come from his pen. So we don't know about you, but our interest in 'Hypnotic' is very piqued.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Premiere Date: July 12*
There is a category of films that don't need much introduction. The 'Mission: Impossible' series is one of them. Again Tom Cruise, running, saving the world, insane stunts. It's still not 'Fast & Furious', but something close.
Bird Box Barcelona (A ciegas)
Premiere Date: July 14
Netflix returns to its not uninteresting but largely derivative project from 2018. In Susanne Bier's film, Sandra Bullock's character saved children from an unknown external force, upon seeing which people committed suicide.
In 'Barcelona', the story will follow familiar tracks, but the locations and characters will be different. Based on the sparse descriptions, it is unclear whether this will be a continuation or if the events develop parallel to the first part of the dilogy, in which, by the way, the final point was never set, and perhaps in 'Barcelona' something will finally become clear. Therefore, the film should not be overlooked.
How Do You Live? (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka?)
Premiere Date: July 14
On July 14, the premiere of a new work by Hayao Miyazaki will take place (at least that's what the Studio Ghibli Twitter account promised). I don't think I need to explain why it's worth waiting for. This is Hayao Miyazaki—a genius of feature-length anime, an Oscar winner and recipient of many other awards. The man who gave us such masterpieces as 'Spirited Away', 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'My Neighbor Totoro', 'Castle in the Sky', and so on. It's been ten whole years since his last work 'The Wind Rises'! And now he's back again! Isn't that a celebration for viewers?
'How Do You Live?' is definitely what you need to look forward to this summer, not all those 'Flash' and 'Oppenheimer' films. Okay, you can look forward to them too, but don't forget about Miyazaki. Deal?
Barbie
Premiere Date: July 19*
The main film of the summer, and possibly the entire year. From the announcement of the cast led by Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, from the news that the director of the project would be Greta Gerwig, the diva of American indie, from the announcement that the film would be released on the same day as the new work by Christopher Nolan, 'Barbie' instantly became a cultural phenomenon that millions of people are waiting for. Promotional materials with an abundance of pink shades, Gosling's hilarious smirks, and a trailer in the style of the legendary work of Stanley Kubrick only fueled interest in this blockbuster (there is almost no doubt about its box office success).
'Barbie' could easily turn out to be empty, but I want to believe that Gerwig and her ex-husband Noah Baumbach (who participated in writing the script) managed to crank up the level of meta-irony to the fullest to give us an unforgettable spectacle that will go down in history not only from a marketing perspective.
Oppenheimer
Premiere Date: July 19*
Christopher Nolan is a known lover of practical effects, so that every explosion is real, so I am particularly interested in what in his film about the atomic bomb will be done without graphics and in real interiors.
Moreover, the central event in this film is very controversial, as is the main character Robert Oppenheimer himself. Even historians speak cautiously on this topic. And it is very interesting to see how the biography of such a scientist will be transferred to the screen, how many facts will make it into the final cut, whether the director will take any side in evaluating the events. And since the film's cinematographer is Hoyte van Hoytema, we should expect visual ecstasy.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Premiere Date: August 2*
Yes, there's a weird April and an equally weird Splinter (but he's voiced by Jackie Chan!), but based on the mood shown in the trailers, the jokes and abundance of action episodes, and the original art style, it looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles we need. And to hell with those live-action adaptations!
Broker (Beurokeo)
Premiere Date: August 24
A new film by Hirokazu Kore-eda is always a small celebration in the festival world. Not only because they still award mostly Koreans out of inertia, but also because he is one of the most consistent directors in the world—all his films are somehow about family, and not about the given one, but about the found one. Adoption, child theft, searching for parents, and all this about global loneliness, the attempt to find one's own in a world where you have nothing of your own. In general, there is room to roam.
'Shoplifters', which brought Kore-eda victory in Cannes, was not his strongest work, but it is a story both inspiring and devastating. And in the new film, we also expect the great actor Song Kang-ho ('Parasites'), so it should be quite good.
Share in the comments which films you are especially looking forward to this summer and why.
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