Below-the-radar Summer Movies Likely To Cause A Splash

Once again, summer movie season is upon us. We have an incredible roster of new releases ahead of us, but instead of focusing on the constant output of franchise films, I will showcase 10 of my most anticipated original movies that will grace screens this summer.

“The Phoenician Scheme.” The latest from Wes Anderson, whose quirky style has become a sub-genre all its own, “Scheme” is a spy caper featuring a sprawling ensemble cast and a wry sense of humor that is sure to please any and all who have enjoyed Anderson’s previous work. In theaters on June 6.

“Mountainhead.” Jesse Armstrong, creator of “Succession,” makes his directorial debut with this riotous satire about a group of wealthy men (played by Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith and Ramy Youssef) who meet at a ski resort during a financial crisis. As part of its ambitious and unconventional production, this film was shot in March, edited in April, and will be released on May 31 on HBO and Max.

“The Life of Chuck.” It is typically Stephen King’s horror stories that make their way to the big screen, but not so with “Chuck,” an inspiring tale of a life told in reverse. Mike Flanagan, who has previously adapted King novels “Doctor Sleep” and “Gerald’s Game,” brings a vibrant liveliness to the story of Chuck Krantz, an accountant who reckons with two worlds: the one he lives in and the one inside his head. In theaters on June 6.

“Materialists.” Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a matchmaker who must decide between John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal) in the latest film from Celine Song, who made a major awards splash in 2023 with “Past Lives.” Like her past work, “Materialists” is sure to highlight Song’s fascination with the human experience with past, present and future relationships. In theaters on June 13.

“Elio.” Pixar brings us the story of the titular Elio (Yonas Kibreab), a young alien-obsessed boy who pretends to be the leader of Earth when he’s abducted by actual extraterrestrials. On the directorial team is “Turning Red” director Domee Shi and “Coco” co-director Adrian Molina, which indicates we’re in for both an emotionally complex and sneakily emotional journey with “Elio.” In theaters on June 20.

“F1.” Brad Pitt teams up with “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski for a high-octane racing film that follows retired racer Sonny Hayes (Pitt) as he mentors Grand Prix hopeful Noah Pearce (“Snowfall” star Damson Idris). In theaters on June 27.

“Eddington.” Decidedly mixed reviews from its Cannes festival premiere only make me more intrigued about the latest from Ari Aster (“Hereditary,” “Midsommar”), which depicts a political skirmish in a small New Mexico town during the pandemic. Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler co-star. In theaters on July 18.

“Together.” Real-life married actors Dave Franco and Alison Brie star as a couple who move to the countryside, where they discover a bizarre phenomenon that causes intense physical change. This gruesome body horror was a hit at both Sundance and South by Southwest this year, and is sure to cause a stir when it lands in theaters on July 30.

“Weapons.” Zach Cregger, who broke into the mainstream with 2022’s “Barbarian,” returns for a haunting thriller about a town’s reaction when a classroom of children mysteriously disappears overnight. Originally set for release next January, “Weapons” was moved up five whole months, a major show of confidence from the studio. In theaters on Aug. 8.

“Highest 2 Lowest.” Spike Lee returns to the silver screen with a New York-set reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s seminal masterpiece “High and Low,” starring Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright, as a neo-noir crime thriller. In theaters on Aug. 22.