The 2021 Venice Film Festival's Most Buzzed-About Movies

Though it's not as famous as those in Cannes and New York, the Venice Film Festival is still one of the most important annual events in the movie industry. They usually bring about some of the best films of the year, many of which have gone on to win a ton of awards and accolades. Not to mention debut new stars worth paying attention to. And this year's 2021 edition is no exception. Among the many movies that premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2021, these were the ones that made the most impact!

Dune

Starring the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and more, 'Dune' is a science fiction film that made waves during the recently-concluded Venice Film Festival. It's a film adaptation of a 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. There was already a lot of hype because of its ensemble cast of big stars, but the generally favorable reviews it got further made one to watch! Ben Travis of Empire magazine described it as 'An absorbing, awe-inspiringly huge adaptation of (half of) Frank Herbert's novel that will wow existing acolytes, and get newcomers hooked on its Spice-fuelled visions. If Part Two never happens, it'll be a travesty.' That alone should convince you to watch 'Dune.' Source: Warner Bros. Pictures YouTube Channel

Spencer

Perhaps one of the most controversial issues that the British Royal Family ever faced was the divorce between Prince Charles and Princess Diana. To this day, this testy subject remains a hot premise for movies, TV series, documentaries, and more. 'Spencer,' a biographical psychological drama directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Pablo Larraín, tackles what the late great Princess Diana, whose maiden name was Spencer, went through during this time. It's no secret that going through a divorce can take a toll on one's mental health, but what more if who you're divorcing is the Crown Prince of England? In this lofty and highly-stylized adaptation, Kristen Stewart takes on the reins as the late princess. Source: NEON YouTube Channel

Last Night in Soho

Another British psychological film that premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival is 'Last Night in SoHo.' Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie, this horror flick set in SoHo, one of the trendiest districts in London, goes back and forth between today and the 1960s. It tells the story of Eloise, a young aspiring fashion designer, who one day finds herself in the body of Sandie, a young singer in the 1960s who she admired. While she's elated that she's in the body of her idol at first, she slowly sees the truth behind the glamour of SoHo, London at the time and realizes she's trapped between the past and the present with no way out. Source: Focus Features YouTube Channel

Parallel Mothers

Just how buzz-worthy was Pedro Almodóvar's latest film, 'Parallel Mothers'? It was reported to have gotten a nine-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. This was one of the longest of its kind ever! Starring Penélope Cruz, Milena Smit, and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, 'Parallel Mothers' tells the story of two mothers, Janis and Ana. Janis, a middle-aged mother, and Ana, an adolescent, find themselves conversing while in the same hospital where they will both give birth. And this encounter starts a series of events that will change both mothers' lives forever! Source: Sony Pictures Classics YouTube Channel

The Last Duel

Based on the novel of the same name by Eric Jager, 'The Last Duel' is a historical drama that just premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Quite accurate to its name, the film tells the story of the last ever legal duel in France, all the way back in the 14th century. Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer), the wife of knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), accuses Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) her husband's best friend, of raping her. As a result, Carrouges challenges Le Gris in what became the final sword duel in the history of France. Source: 20th Century Studios YouTube Channel

Scenes from a Marriage

Although it's not exactly a film, 'Scenes from a Marriage,' the American adaptation of the 1973 Swedish mini-series, premiered at the 78th Venice Film Festival nonetheless. It stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain as Jonathan and Mira as they go through the trials and tribulations of married life. From their lovey-dovey moments to their most heated arguments, it paints a realistic picture of what a tumultuous marriage looks like. Moreover, the series has only five episodes and will premiere in the US on HBO on September 12, 2021. Ultimately, thanks to their viral red carpet moment, it eventually became one of the most talked-about released from the festival. Source: HBO YouTube Channel

At the recently-concluded 78th annual Venice Film Festival, a number of movies made their marks in cinematic history. It's a diverse selection of works, both in and out of competition, that will likely have everyone's attention once they premiere to the rest of the world.

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