May 4
Starring Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson and Matthias Schoenaerts
The drama was well-received at Venice last year, and with juicy supporting turns by Dakota Johnson and Matthias Schoenaerts, ‘Splash’ will be the perfect way to kick off the indie summer movie season.” —Zack Sharf
May 13
Starring George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Jack O’Connell
“Clooney’s an ideal fit for this kind of real world commentary on our financially desperate times, which suggests this 2016 Cannes entry might be a terrific showcase for movie stars both in front of and behind the camera.” —Eric Kohn
May 13
Starring Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Kalieaswari Srinivasan and Claudine Vinasithamby
“The Palme d’Or-winner from last year’s Cannes Film Festival, this dramatic thriller from the great French director Jacques Audiard (‘A Prophet’) is terrific summer counter-programming.” —Eric Kohn
May 13
Starring Ewan McGregor and Tye Sheridan
“The film premiered all the way back at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and while the delay in release might be a shaky sign, the film’s ambitious premise and reliably stunning cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki are too enticing to ignore. ” —Zack Sharf
May 20
Starring Will Allen
“The director recorded his entire experience and kept himself hidden as the director in order to stay clear of potential interference from the cult. Through interviews with ex-members, he offers up a look into the extreme ideals of this society and exposes the cracks that begin to unfold as trust is turned into paranoia and dark truths are revealed about their enlightened leader.” —Zack Sharf
May 27
Starring Samantha Montgomery and Ophir Kutiel
“When the pair finally connect, ‘Presenting Princess Shaw’ goes from a rousing musical doc into a full-blown story about the power of technology to bring people together.” —Kate Erbland
May 27
Starring Yiorgos Kendros, Panos Koronis, Vangelis Mourikis, Efthymis Papadimitriou, Yorgos Pirpassopoulos and Sakis Rouvas
“Intent on one-upping each other to capture the eponymous chevalier (a precious pinky ring), the men set about playing a wild game that only the most macho can win. It’s funny, surprising and, yes, weird. Tsangari’s unique energy infuses every frame.” —Kate Erbland
June 3
Starring Royalty Hightower
“As if it weren’t hard enough for the girl to navigate a strange new world of gender codes and sexual identity, a string of inexplicable seizures begins to shoot through the building, rippling through young bodies at random. An under-the-radar hit at Sundance, ‘The Fits’ is a lot like its heroine: Pint-sized but packing an unexpected wallop.” —David Ehrlich
June 24
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Keri Russell
“McConaughey plays Southern farmer Newt Knight, who led an armed rebellion against the Confederacy. It’s another role that seems Oscar-baiting, but we’re betting McConaughey will give it the gravitas it demands.” —Zack Sharf
June 24
Starring Ellen Burstyn, Kieran Culkin, Julie Delpy, Danny DeVito, Greta Gerwig and Zosia Mamet
“Bizarre and challenging when it’s not outright goofy, “Wiener-Dog” never feels remotely compromised. Somehow hilarious and gloomy at the same time, it represents a big middle finger to anyone who wishes Solondz would lighten up.” —Eric Kohn
July 15
Starring Alicia Vikander and Christoph Waltz
“Starring Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, who’s quickly becoming the new queen of period romances (watch out, Keira Knightley), the film centers around a dangerous love affair and co-stars Dane DeHaan, Christoph Waltz and Judi Dench.” —Zack Sharf
July 22
Starring Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key and Mike Birbiglia
“As it dives into the improve world with strong wit and warm feeling, ‘Don’t Think Twice’ sneaks up on you with its subtly powerful exploration of creative desperation.” —Zack Sharf
August 5
Starring Michael Keaton, Laura Dern and Nick Offerman
“For the past two years, the Oscar for Best Picture has gone to a film starring Michael Keaton. Will ‘The Founder’ order up a similar destiny? It’s too early to tell, but Michael Keaton has been on an impressive comeback streak lately and we’re willing to bet he gives another great performance as Roy Kroc.” —Zack Sharf
August 26
Starring Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter
“Chronicling Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date, Tanne’s script checks the requisite backstory boxes that it would feel glaring to not acknowledge. But aside from a pivotal church scene that hints at the future president’s political and rhetorical acumen, the film largely stays away from winking nods at the pair’s eventual history or tired 1989 references.” —Steve Greene
A surprise box office hit that basically came out of nowhere when it premiered earlier this year, Fede Alvarez's home invasion thriller follows up his deranged 2013 "Evil Dead" remake to prove he's the real deal. The film finds a trio of reckless teens attempting to rob a blind man (Stephen Lang, terrifying) as they wind up trapped in his lair for the night. Equal parts "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "High Tension," this elegant and surprisingly fast-paced blend of horror and suspense overcomes some of its more ridiculous ingredients thanks to endless invention. Running and fighting a buff man and his growling dog, the survivors face the ultimate grotesque showdown in his gnarly basement. And just when you think they're in the clear…"Don't Breathe" will leave you gasping for air. —EK
Availability: iTunes, DVD and other digital platforms.
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