Must-See Movies on August 12: “The End of Oak Street,” “Fallen from the Sky,” “Suddenly…”

The End of Oak Street by David Robert Mitchell

Starring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella…

What’s it about? When a mysterious cosmic event tears Oak Street from its peaceful suburb and transports it to an unknown location, the disoriented Platt family quickly realizes they must stick together to survive.

Fallen from the Sky by Mohamed Hamidi

Starring Ilyes Djadel, Josiane Balasko, Fred Testot…

What’s it about? Ilyes leads a cheerful life in the suburbs of Roubaix. His only issue: passing the baccalaureate. After failing twice, it’s his last chance to make his parents proud. However, a fire during the mock baccalaureate exam leads to accusations that he started it…

Did you know? The film originated at the 2022 Marrakech Comedy Festival, where Mohamed Hamidi met Ilyes Djadel. Initially only set to open, the young comedian captivated audiences for two nights in a row with his routine about attending a Catholic school, prompting the director, Jamel Debbouze, and the M6 teams to immediately decide to turn it into a movie.

Suddenly by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi

Starring Virginie Efira, Tao Okamoto, Kodai Kurosaki…

What’s it about? As the director of a nursing home, Marie-Lou tries to implement an innovative care philosophy based on listening and respecting the dignity of the residents. Her path takes a dramatic turn following her meeting with Mari, a Japanese director battling cancer.

Did you know? The film was conceived in December 2020 when producer Hiroko Matsuda suggested Ryusuke Hamaguchi work on an adaptation of ‘When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn’ (Letters between Makiko MIYANO and Maho ISONO), a real-life correspondence between a philosopher with cancer and an anthropologist. Moved by their letters, and while finishing Drive My Car, Hamaguchi found the perfect starting point for a movie.

Just for One Night by Will Gluck

Starring Monica Barbaro, Callum Turner, Maya Hawke…

What’s it about? In a slightly dystopian New York where relationships outside of marriage are forbidden, Allie and Owen, two strangers craving love, meet during the only night of the year when singles are allowed to be together.

Did you know? The film’s quirky concept was born from a very personal reflection by screenwriter Travis Braun. During his own honeymoon, he pondered the emotional journey that led him to his spouse, wishing to tell a story that spanned just one night instead of several years.

A Short Cut by Armand Foëx, Clément Devilliers

Starring Sara Montpetit, Louise Labeque, François Le Bris…

What’s it about? When the family restaurant is threatened with closure, two Breton cousins release rats to pose as exterminators. That same summer, two young women rig a local beauty contest to promote their jewelry.

Did you know? Rather than capturing the typical maritime landscapes associated with the region, the directors chose to film in the rural heart of Brittany at Gouarec, Rostrenen, and Glomel, showcasing an environment seldom represented in cinema and preserved from tourism.

Undertone by Ian Tuason

Starring Nina Kiri, Michelle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas…

What’s it about? Host of a podcast on paranormal phenomena, Evy returns to her childhood home to care for her dying mother. One day, she receives strange recordings. As she broadcasts them on her show, Evy realizes that the events described seem to be affecting reality.

Did you know? Before becoming a feature film, Undertone was initially conceived by Ian Tuason as a radio drama. Inspired by “creepypastas” and online videos where users analyze songs played in reverse, the writing was profoundly influenced by a personal tragedy when the filmmaker had to return to his childhood home in Toronto to care for his two parents, both terminally ill with cancer.

A New Dawn by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya

Starring Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa, Miyu Irino…

What’s it about? The Obinata family’s fireworks factory is about to be shut down by the government. Once nestled in a lush forest, the site is now covered with solar panels, and a county road is soon to cross where the factory stands.

Did you know? Before making his first feature film, director Yoshitoshi Shinomiya was primarily known as a renowned painter and illustrator. His unique painting style, characterized by vibrant color strokes and a poetic sensitivity, gives A New Dawn its distinctive visual identity, closely resembling a moving painting.

A Turkish Affair by Hüseyin Aydin Gürsoy

Starring Lionel Erdogan, Charles Berling, Metehan Aygün…

What’s it about? Mathieu, a brilliant and ambitious lawyer, has distanced himself from his Turkish community to climb the social ladder. He devotes himself to becoming a partner in a prestigious law firm. However, the sudden appearance of a young Turk in need of help thrusts him into a corruption scandal…

Sad Girls by Fernanda Tovar

Starring Darana Álvarez, Rocio Guzmán

What’s it about? La Maestra and Paula, two inseparable friends and top swimmers on their team, face a traumatic event during a party that forces them to choose between staying silent and speaking out, risking their friendship in the process.