The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is set to kick off on Tuesday, and this year’s event promises to be an exciting spectacle, blending boundary-pushing horror, Hollywood blockbusters, and powerful performances. With its star-studded lineup, the festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year.
The festival will feature a wide array of films, including new works from celebrated directors such as Wes Anderson, Spike Lee, and Julia Ducournau, along with a debut film by Ari Aster. Expect to see some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Tom Cruise in his Cannes debut with Mission: Impossible 4 – The Last Reckoning, as well as Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh O’Connor, and Paul Mescal among others.
The competition for awards promises to be fierce, with a mix of genre-defying projects and renowned filmmakers returning to the spotlight. Among the notable films premiering at the festival are High to Low, Eddington, My Love, and The Phoenician Scheme. Additionally, several major Hollywood actors will make their directorial debuts, including Scarlett Johansson with Empress Eleanor, Kristen Stewart with The Chronology of Water, and Harris Dickinson with Sea Urchin.
Cannes has often set the tone for awards season, with films like Sean Baker’s Anora, which won Best Picture last year, and Demi Moore’s return with The Substance by Coralie Fargeat.
While there are many films to look forward to, here are the seven titles that stand out as the most highly anticipated of the 2025 festival:
1. Eddington
Directed by Ari Aster, known for Midsommar and Hereditary, Eddington stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in a contemporary Western set during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, which blends political tensions and personal conflicts in a small New Mexico town, is Aster’s first entry into the genre. The movie has intrigued audiences with its sparse trailer, which reveals little about the plot, except for glimpses of its complex characters.
The film revolves around a sheriff and an incumbent mayor running for re-election, whose rivalry escalates into a full-blown conflict. Aster’s unique style, known for its psychological intensity, promises to create a gripping and thought-provoking experience.
2. The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson’s latest project is likely to be one of the highlights of the festival. Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benicio del Toro, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, and several others, The Phoenician Scheme promises to be a visually distinctive and eccentric film.
Del Toro stars as a wealthy tycoon, Zsa-zsa Korda, who appoints his only daughter (played by Mia Threapleton, daughter of Kate Winslet) as his heir. The movie, filled with absurd humor and dark comedic tones, appears to be a chaotic and vibrant caper, making it one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. Anderson’s signature quirky aesthetic, combined with a stirring musical soundtrack, only adds to the anticipation.
3. High to Low
Spike Lee brings his reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s iconic 1963 film High and Low to the Cannes stage. Titled Highest 2 Lowest, this English-language film is a modern-day thriller revolving around the kidnapping of a high-profile child. With Denzel Washington in the lead role and a stylish, cool trailer that has captivated fans, High to Low promises a compelling narrative that examines fame, fortune, and the consequences of success.
The film’s trailer hints at a deep exploration of the chaos and drama that come with the celebrity lifestyle, with Washington’s voiceover asking a series of existential questions about navigating public life. The adaptation is set to showcase Lee’s signature style of blending social commentary with thrilling storytelling.
4. The Last Reckoning
Tom Cruise’s return to the Cannes spotlight with Mission: Impossible 4 – The Last Reckoning marks a significant moment in the festival. As his first appearance at the event, this action-packed blockbuster is sure to generate massive attention. Cruise’s performance, combined with the film’s stunning visuals and high-stakes plot, will make The Last Reckoning one of the most talked-about films of the year.
5. Eleanor Empress
In her directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson brings Eleanor Empress to the screen, a historical drama set in a tumultuous period of political upheaval. The film explores the complex inner workings of a royal family and the struggles of its female leader. With Johansson behind the camera, the film is expected to be both visually beautiful and emotionally resonant, making it a must-see for festival-goers.
6. Water Chronology
Kristen Stewart’s Water Chronology is her highly anticipated directorial debut. The film tells the story of a woman’s relationship with water, both metaphorically and literally, as she confronts personal loss and finds new meaning in life. Known for her strong directorial vision, Stewart’s entry into Cannes as a filmmaker promises to be a highly emotional and visually stunning journey.
7. Sea Urchin
Harris Dickinson’s Sea Urchin marks his directorial debut with a film that explores themes of identity, family, and survival. Set in a coastal town, the story follows a young man as he comes to terms with the complexities of his upbringing and struggles to navigate his future. Dickinson, known for his acting, brings a fresh perspective to filmmaking, and the film’s intimate portrayal of human relationships is sure to strike a chord with audiences.
As Cannes 2025 gets underway, these films are sure to stand out in what promises to be a remarkable year for cinema. Whether you are drawn to big-name stars, innovative filmmaking, or bold storytelling, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. The anticipation is palpable, and it’s clear that the 2025 Cannes Film Festival will be a cinematic event to remember.
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