Top Films of Autumn 2024: Beetlejuice, Gladiator, Paddington, and Joker Return

Tim Burton’s iconic fantasy horror-comedy from the 1980s, “Beetlejuice,” makes a grand return. Michael Keaton reprises his role as Beetlejuice, joined by Winona Ryder, who plays a mother to Jenna Ortega’s character. Fans old and new can anticipate the same anarchic energy.

Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz offers his first English-language film, “Firebrand,” a Tudor drama featuring Jude Law as the complex Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as his inscrutable queen, Catherine Parr. Law’s performance, marked by a mix of desperation and arrogance, is a highlight.

The Iranian film “My Favourite Cake,” directed by Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, could not see its creators travel to Berlin due to governmental restrictions. However, the movie’s voice stands strong. It stars Lili Farhadpour as Mahin, a widow who navigates her gentle romance and defies morality police.

“Reawakening” is a drama featuring Juliet Stevenson and Jared Harris as a couple grappling with the sudden return of their daughter, who vanished a decade ago. Erin Doherty plays the daughter whose reappearance stirs up painful and complex questions.

“The Critic” is adapted from Anthony Quinn’s novel “Curtain Call,” with Ian McKellen portraying the flamboyant theatre critic Jimmy Erskine. Supported by Lesley Manville and Gemma Arterton, this murder mystery set in 1930s London promises intrigue.

“Wolfs” brings together Brad Pitt and George Clooney in a comedy-action bromance. The two play shady freelancers who find themselves in a chaotic situation when they are hired for the same job. Expect witty banter and high-octane action.

Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” is a body-horror satire that created a buzz at Cannes. Starring Demi Moore, the film follows a fading movie star who undergoes a mysterious treatment to regain her youth, leading to unsettling transformations.

“Girls Will Be Girls” is Shuchi Talati’s award-winning debut, set in a boarding school in Gujarat. The film follows a 16-year-old whose new responsibilities as head girl clash with her budding romance, complicated further by her mother’s interference.

Fans of Aubrey Plaza will appreciate “My Old Ass,” a body-swap fantasy comedy by Megan Park. Plaza stars alongside Maisy Stella in this humorous exploration of age and advice, heightened by elements of psychedelic whimsy.

Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded sci-fi drama, “Megalopolis,” features Adam Driver as a brilliant, troubled architect in an alternative New York. Critics are divided, but Coppola’s ambition in storytelling is undeniable.

“The Outrun,” adapted from Amy Liptrot’s memoir, features Saoirse Ronan in a powerful role. The storyline of overcoming addiction and returning to one’s roots in Orkney, despite a turbulent past, offers depth and emotion.

Alice Lowe’s “Timestalker” is a romantic fantasy comedy where her character, Agnes, repeatedly reincarnates whenever she falls for the wrong man. Lowe’s multifaceted involvement as actor, writer, and director adds a unique touch to the film.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” sees Joaquin Phoenix return under Todd Phillips’ direction. Phoenix’s Joker, alongside Harley Quinn played by Lady Gaga, dives deeper into the twisted love story, continuing the dark and compelling narrative.

“Anora,” awarded the Palme d’Or, introduces Mikey Madison as Anora, a dancer navigating a tangled romance with an oligarch’s son, much to his family’s disdain. Director Sean Baker offers a gripping drama set against a New York and Las Vegas backdrop.

“Paddington in Peru” brings the beloved bear to his Aunt Lucy’s homeland. The third movie in the franchise promises adventure and emotional exploration, potentially addressing Paddington’s family origins.

“No Other Land,” a documentary by an Israeli-Palestinian collective, won accolades in Berlin. It tells the heartwarming story of friendship between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli writer Yuval Abraham amidst political tensions.

Paul Mescal stars in “Gladiator II,” set 24 years after the original. He plays Lucius, a new gladiator fighting for freedom. Fans can expect a return to epic battles and stirring narrative.

“Hugh Grant transforms again, this time in “Heretic,” as a menacing character who confronts two Mormon women. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods present a chilling addition to their repertoire.

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” beautifully echoes works of Satyajit Ray, depicting the lives of three nurses in Mumbai. The film delicately balances personal and professional struggles.

Nicole Kidman stars in “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller by Halina Reijn. Kidman’s character, a CEO, finds herself entangled with a much younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson, reminiscent of classic 90s thrillers with a modern twist.

Source: Guardians