I Saw the TV Glow
A teenager, Owen, is introduced by a classmate to a late-night TV show that shows a version of a supernatural world within our own, and Owen begins to lose his grip on reality. A highly anticipated follow-up to director Jane Schoenbrun’s first feature, “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair,” whose style and content is similar to “Creepypasta” and “Channel Zero.” “I Saw the TV Glow” lives up to the expectations for fans that love unsettling, surrealist horror. It stars Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine.
Now Playing at the State Theatre.
Wildcat
Director and co-writer, Ethan Hawke, explores the life of Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor. The film alternates between segments about the author’s life and shortened adaptations of her writing — short stories that were often shocking dealing with race, class, and crime issues. Though she left behind a brilliant body of work, O’Connor’s life was a difficult one and she died of lupus at age 39. Hawke’s daughter, Maya, plays O’Connor and Laura Linney plays her mother, Virginia.
Now playing at the Michigan Theater.
RELATED: May 2024 Movies in Ann Arbor
The Dead Don’t Hurt
Viggo Mortensen directs, writes and stars in this western about two pioneers who fall in love during the American Civil War. Mortensen plays Holger Olsen, a Danish carpenter who finds himself in San Francisco in the 1860s where he meets Vivienne, also an immigrant. They fall in love and move to Nevada. Both are strong, independent people and when the war breaks out, Olsen joins, leaving Vivienne behind temporarily. It’s not an easy life for her and when he returns circumstances have changed them. “The Dead Don’t Hurt” is at once a traditional film and revisionist. Also starring Vicky Krieps and Danny Huston.
Opens June 7 at the State Theater.
Hit Man
Hit ManGlen Powell stars as an unassuming college professor named Gary Johnson who happens to earn extra money posing as a hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. His job is to entrap those who want to hire him. Gary loves his side job, donning disguises and personalities to catch the would-be bad guys until a woman approaches him to bump off her husband. Instead of turning her in, Gary continues to pose as a hitman named Ron and the two have an affair amidst escalating stakes. Directed by Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Before Midnight), Hit Man deftly juggles comedy, romance and thriller elements into a neo-noir film that earned raves at all the major film festivals. This film is also starring Adria Arjona.
Opens June 7 at the Michigan Theater.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower
This anime classic about a young witch and a mysterious flower that blooms only once every seven years is presented in English by University of Michigan Center For Japanese Studies.
Playing June 20 at the Michigan Theater.
Bob Marley: One Love
We’ve had bio pics of Queen, Elton John, and Amy Winehouse. Now Bob Marley gets the treatment in “One Love” — the story of his rise to the top of the music world, overcoming adversity, and his message of love and unity. Kingsley Ben-Adir (“Peaky Blinders”) stars as Marley and Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”) directs. Free with RSVP.
Playing June 21 at the Michigan Theater.
Summer of Soul
Presented with the Oscar-winning short film, “The Last Repair Shop,” “Summer of Soul” is Questlove’s first documentary as a filmmaker. The film focuses on a six-week music festival, The Harlem Cultural Festival, held in 1969 in Mount Morris Park, 100 miles south of Woodstock. Never before seen footage of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, and Gladys Knight & the Pips makes this documentary one to see this summer.
FREE with RSVP.
Playing June 21 at the Michigan Theater.
Anatomy of a Murder
One of the best court room dramas of all time, “Anatomy of a Murder” stars James Stewart as a retired Michigan lawyer who takes on the case of an army lieutenant accused of murdering a local innkeeper after his wife claims he raped her. Made in 1959 and directed by Otto Preminger, this movie would still be considered modern in its frank portrayal of a rape case in the courtroom and how women who are “free spirited” are viewed in this context. Bonus points for its Michigan setting, one of the best on-screen courtroom judges tied only with Fred Gwynne in “My Cousin Vinnie,” and Duke Ellington who wrote the score and makes an appearance playing in a bar scene. The film is so engrossing you barely notice its 2 hour and 41 minute run time. The top-notch cast includes Ben Gazzara, Lee Remick, and Eve Arden. Highly Recommended.
Playing June 17 and 18 at the Michigan Theater.
Cinetopia
The film festival returns to Ann Arbor June 13 – 23 featuring films from the top festivals around the world.
