All Deadline’s Movie Reviews

The 2024 Telluride Film Festival kicked off on August 30 and will run through September 2 in the scenic Colorado mountains. The festival promises a slate of intriguing premieres and screenings.

Among the films making their debut is director Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” which covers the creation of the first episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. Another highlight is “The Piano Lesson,” a film adaptation of August Wilson’s acclaimed stage play produced by Denzel Washington, directed by Malcolm Washington, and starring John David Washington.

Also drawing attention is “The Conclave,” a papal thriller directed by Oscar-winner Edward Berger. The festival includes Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s heartwarming film “The Friend,” featuring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and a scene-stealing Great Dane named Bing. Additionally, MGM, Orion, and Plan B are presenting “Nickel Boys,” an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Below are summaries of some standout reviews from the festival. Click on the movie’s title for the full review.

The Friend

Directors: Scott McGehee & David Siegel
Cast: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Noma Dumezweni, Sarah Pidgeon, Chloe Xhauflaire, Ann Dowd, Felix Solis, Tom McCarthy, Owen Teague, Josh Pais, Apollo

Summary: Scott McGehee and David Siegel have crafted a deeply human, quintessential New York movie reminiscent of films Hollywood rarely makes anymore. One standout line appears throughout the dramedy: “What happens to the dog?” The film manages to turn this morbid curiosity into a poignant emotional anchor for the story.

Piece by Piece

Director: Morgan Neville
Distributor: Focus Features
Cast: Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Pusha T, Justin Timberlake, Teddy Riley

Summary: “Piece By Piece” is an eclectic mix of documentary, biopic, animated movie, musical, and character study. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film features Pharrell Williams and a star-studded cast. The reviewers describe it as a masterful piece that leaves audiences with a renewed sense of hope and a playlist of songs they won’t be able to get out of their heads.

The Telluride Film Festival continues to be a hotspot for film premieres, offering a mix of heartwarming dramas, thrilling narratives, and eclectic documentaries. Stay tuned for more reviews and insights as the event continues to unfold against the picturesque backdrop of Colorado’s mountains.

Source: Deadline