The Venice International Film Festival is back for its 81st edition, ready to captivate the world of cinema once again. Known as La Biennale di Venezia, this prestigious festival sets the stage for some of the most anticipated film debuts of the year. As always, Venice competes with other major festivals like TIFF and Telluride, but for 2024, it seems Venice has the upper hand. With a star-studded lineup and a jury led by French cinema legend Isabella Huppert, this year’s festival is shaping up to be a must-watch for film lovers everywhere.

Here’s a closer look at some top films that premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2024.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Kicking off the festival is a highly anticipated sequel that’s already creating buzz—Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The original Beetlejuice was a unique, chaotic blend of horror and comedy, and fans are eager to see if this sequel can capture the same magic. Featuring the return of beloved stars like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, and the newcomer Jenna Ortega, who plays a key part, this film adds fresh energy to the classic tale and promises a nostalgic journey back to Burton’s bizarre afterlife. 

Maria

Pablo Larraín, known for his intimate, powerful biopics, returns with Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Rather than a traditional biopic, Maria is expected to be a deep dive into the emotional complexities of Callas’ life, capturing her passion, fame, and personal struggles. With Jolie taking on the role of this larger-than-life figure, this film has all the makings of a festival favourite and potential awards contender.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Following the massive success of 2019’s Joker, director Todd Phillips returns with Joker: Folie à Deux. The first Joker shocked audiences by winning the Golden Lion at Venice before becoming a box-office phenomenon. This sequel introduces a new twist—a musical drama with Lady Gaga joining Joaquin Phoenix as Harley Quinn. The chemistry between Gaga and Phoenix is highly anticipated, especially as their characters’ twisted love story unfolds. 

Babygirl

Halina Reijn returns to Venice with Babygirl, an A24 film starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. The movie explores an age-gap romance between an older woman and a younger man, blending steamy intrigue with deeper questions about gender, power, and desire. With its sultry premise and strong performances, Babygirl promises to be a thought-provoking and sensual addition to the festival lineup. Kidman’s on-screen chemistry with Dickinson has already sparkedconversations, making this film a must-see for fans of daring, provocative cinema.

Marco

Marco tells the fascinating true story of Enric Marco, a man who became famous as a Holocaust survivor, only to have his story later exposed as a fabrication. This dramatic retelling of Marco’s rise and fall delves into the psychology behind his deception and the impact of his lies on those around him. The film offers a gripping exploration of truth, identity, and the power of storytelling. As audiences unravel Marco’s web of lies, the film keeps the tension high, making it one of the more intriguing entries at this year’s festival.

Wolfs

Rounding out the lineup is Wolfs, a thrilling action-comedy that reunites Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Playing two rival “fixers” who show up at the same crime scene, Pitt and Clooney bring their signature charm and wit to this fast-paced film directed by Jon Watts. With a blend of humour and suspense, Wolfs is sure to entertain audiences and is likely to be one of the festival’s more lighthearted entries.

Conclusion

The Venice Film Festival 2024 presented an exciting mix of blockbuster premieres, indie darlings, and Oscar hopefuls. From the surreal world of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to the intense drama of Maria and the dark allure of Joker: Folie à Deux, there’s something for every cinephile to look forward to.

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