The Cannes Film Festival is more than just a glamorous, star-studded event; it is a celebration of cinema in its most pure and powerful form. The festival, which traces its roots back to 1946, has established itself as a vital platform for filmmakers from around the globe. It is a place where creativity, vision, and innovation converge, where artists and audiences meet to share their love for cinema.

Over the years, the festival has been the launchpad for many memorable films, some even stirring up controversies, such as La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini and Blue is the Warmest Colour by Abdellatif Kechiche. Yet, each year, the allure of the Cannes film festival remains undiminished, its red carpet leading to a world where the language of the film transcends borders and cultures.

As we enter the latest edition of the festival, cinephiles can anticipate an abundance of fantastic movies competing for the Palme d’Or. This year’s selection features a dynamic blend of works from both budding directors and veterans like Wim Wenders, Ken Loach, and Aki Kaurismaki. It also promises a slate of films that could generate buzz, debate, and potentially controversy.

In this article, we delve into some of the most exciting films set to premiere at Cannes this year which could win the prestigious Palme d’Or.

The Zone of Interest (Jonathan Glazer)

One film that has been creating considerable anticipation is The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer. Known for acclaimed films such as Sexy Beast, Birth, and the deeply unsettling Under the Skin, Glazer is stepping onto the Cannes stage for the first time.

The Zone of Interest is an adaptation of Martin Amis’s 2014 novel of the same name. The film is a Holocaust drama set against the backdrop of the Auschwitz concentration camp. It centres around the camp’s commandant and his wife, portrayed by Christian Friedel (Amour Fou) and Sandra Hüller (Toni Erdmann), who strive to build a dream life for their family next to the camp.

The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of three characters, one of them a Jewish Sonderkommando. This unique approach is expected to provide a chilling exploration into the moral and psychological complexities of those intimately connected to the Holocaust.

Unsurprisingly, the film has already garnered notable attention. It was unanimously selected by the Cannes Selection Committee, as revealed by its producer Ewa Puszczynska. With a score by the gifted Mica Levi, known for their hauntingly discordant and deeply unsettling score for Under the Skin, The Zone of Interest promises to be one of the most hard-hitting films of the year.

May December (Todd Haynes)

Directed by Todd Haynes, known for his works like Far From Heaven, I’m Not There, and Carol, May December is a drama with a deeply intriguing premise. Julianne Moore and Charles Melton star as Gracie Atherton-Yoo and Joe, a couple whose 20-year-old marriage, which started as a notorious tabloid scandal due to their 23-year age difference, becomes the subject of public fascination once again. As they brace for life as empty-nesters with their twins graduating high school, their lives take an unexpected turn.

Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry, portrayed by Natalie Portman, enters the picture, aiming to study Gracie’s life closely as she is slated to play her in an upcoming film. Her entry into the family’s dynamics exposes vulnerabilities and causes old wounds to resurface. It’s a drama that delves deep into the dynamics of fame, age, and relationships, with the characters confronting their past and grappling with an uncertain future.

This movie represents Haynes’ fourth competition entry, following Wonderstruck in 2017, Carol in 2015, and Velvet Goldmine in 1998. The film reunites Haynes with Moore, his frequent collaborator known for her performances in Haynes’ classics Safe, Far from Heaven, and Wonderstruck.

The Old Oak (Ken Loach)

Renowned for his realistic and empathetic storytelling, Ken Loach returns to the Cannes Film Festival with what could be his last film. The Old Oak is a story set in an economically devastated North-East former pit village. The film centres on the sole remaining pub, a hub of community spirit in the face of economic decline. The story explores the tensions and friendships that emerge when Syrian refugees move into the area due to low house prices.

Loach, an 86-year-old two-time Palme d’Or winner, promises that The Old Oak will strike a more uplifting note than his previous works. The narrative explores themes of community, loss, fear, and hope through the eyes of the pub’s landlord and a young Syrian woman, who form an unexpected friendship amidst the upheaval.

Asteroid City (Wes Anderson)

Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City is ready to light up the big screen at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, blending the signature Andersonian whimsy with a sci-fi twist. Set in a fictitious American desert town in 1955, the narrative unfolds during a Junior Stargazer convention, attracting stargazing enthusiasts nationwide. However, the tranquil gathering takes a turn when a mysterious alien encounter turns their lives upside down.

The film, shot against the sand-dusted expanses of Chinchón, Spain, embraces Anderson’s distinct visual style and idiosyncratic storytelling techniques. This visual flair blends harmoniously with the sun-drenched tale of the convention and the subsequent unexpected, otherworldly events.

Asteroid City is supposed to be one of Anderson’s more emotionally touching films, a departure from the slightly cool reception of his previous works such as Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch.

The ensemble cast is a mix of Anderson’s regulars, like Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum, and Willem Dafoe, and newcomers to the Anderson universe, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Margot Robbie. This stellar ensemble has raised expectations for the film, making it a highly anticipated premiere at Cannes 2023. 

Asteroid City has the potential to walk away with the prestigious Palme d’Or and is undoubtedly a highlight of the Cannes Film Festival this year.

La Chimera (Alice Rohrwacher)

Returning to Cannes, Alice Rohrwacher offers the third instalment of her trilogy on Italian identity and history, La Chimera. This film provides a unique outsider’s perspective on the criminal world of tomb raiders in the 1980s, narrated through the experiences of a young British archaeologist, played by Josh O’Connor.

As O’Connor’s character navigates the dangerous and expansive network of nocturnal artefact hunters known as tombaroli, Isabella Rossellini, Rohrwacher’s sister Alba, and other notable actors lend support to the cast. The film captures the thrill and danger of unearthing Etruscan artefacts, capturing the ethereal beauty and magic realism Rohrwacher is known for.

La Chimera concludes Rohrwacher’s exploration of Italian identity, following her acclaimed films The Wonders and Happy as Lazzaro, which secured prizes at previous Cannes festivals. Owing to its intriguing narrative and strong cast, the film is expected to appeal to a broad audience, underscored by Neon’s acquisition of North American rights.

About Dry Grasses (Nuri Bilge Ceylan)

The celebrated Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan returns to Cannes with his latest three-hour epic, About Dry Grasses. Known for his award-winning Winter Sleep and Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, Ceylan’s newest work promises to be a captivating addition to his filmography.

The film revolves around Samet, a young teacher posted in a remote Anatolian village whose aspirations of relocating to Istanbul are derailed by accusations of harassment from two female students. The arrival of Nuray, another young teacher, brings a spark of hope to Samet’s life, making for a stirring narrative about dreams, disappointments, and the clash between traditional and modern ideologies.

Ceylan’s strong track record at Cannes, which includes winning the coveted Palme d’Or, elevates the anticipation for About Dry Grasses. The film’s timely narrative promises to provoke thought and perhaps even heated debates, making it one to watch in the competition.

Club Zero (Jessica Hausner)

Jessica Hausner’s Club Zero delves into a dark and intriguing narrative set in an elite boarding school. Renowned actress Mia Wasikowska leads this psychological thriller as an influential teacher who introduces “conscious eating,” a subject aimed at reducing consumption and challenging societal norms.

As the plot unfolds, Wasikowska’s character forms intense bonds with five students, causing a ripple effect within the school’s structure before her fellow educators, including Sidse Babett Knudsen and Amir El-Masry, realise the gravity of the situation.

The film explores the bleak realities of climate change and its impact on the younger generation. Its pristine and whimsically colourful visuals contrast sharply with the dark undercurrents of its subject matter. This film is Hausner’s sixth feature and second in English.

Hausner, a regular at Cannes, has had all of her previous films, except for Lourdes, debut at the prestigious festival. Her last film, Little Joe, earned Emily Beecham the Best Actress award at Cannes. With her return to the competition slate with Club Zero, she continues to intrigue and engage audiences with her unique storytelling style.

Monster (Hirokazu Koreeda)

Hirokazu Koreeda, the Palme d’Or-winning filmmaker, returns to Cannes with Monster. After venturing into different languages with his previous films, Koreeda returns to his native Japanese in this latest work. The film depicts a nail-biting, Rashomon-esque narrative from three perspectives revolving around a violent incident at a school.

Monster marks a return to Koreeda’s darker themes, reminiscent of his earlier films like Distance and The Third Murder. The film promises knockout performances from Sakura Ando and Eita Nagayama, and a chilling score by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, enhancing its intrigue and anticipation.

Banel & Adama (Ramata-Toulaye Sy)

Ramata-Toulaye Sy, the only debut feature director competing for the Palme d’Or this year, brings Banel & Adama to the screen. The story unfolds in a remote village in Northern Senegal, focusing on a young couple in love who defy their families’ expectations to their disapproval.

Shot in the Pulaar language with a cast of local non-professional actors, the film’s rich narrative and distinct setting set it apart. Sy’s poignant portrayal of a tragic love story amidst societal tensions marks her as a promising new talent in the world of cinema.

Last Summer (Catherine Breillat)

French director Catherine Breillat is no stranger to controversy, and her latest film, L’Été Dernier (Last Summer), promises to push boundaries. The risqué erotic drama focuses on Anna, a child abuse prosecuting lawyer who falls for her husband’s 17-year-old son from a previous marriage. 

Given Breillat’s history of tackling taboo subjects, audiences can expect a provocative exploration of the impermissible. With a talented cast including Léa Drucker, Olivier Rabourdin, and Samuel Kircher, L’Été Dernier is one of the must-watch films at this year’s Cannes.

A Brighter Tomorrow (Nanni Moretti)

In A Brighter Tomorrow, Italian director Nanni Moretti presents a personal, introspective story about a filmmaker named Giovanni who finds himself at a personal and professional crossroads. Renowned in the Italian film industry, Giovanni embarks on producing a politically charged film amid a rapidly transforming industry.

However, his personal life starts to crumble as his marriage teeters on the brink of collapse, and his co-producer faces impending bankruptcy. These added pressures force Giovanni to reassess his strategies to navigate the tumultuous waters of his life and guide his film project and the people around him towards a hopeful future. Given Moretti’s passion for filmmaking, this film will surely present a heartfelt exploration of the trials and tribulations of life in the film industry.

Perfect Days (Wim Wenders)

Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days is a reflective journey into the ordinary life of Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner who finds joy in life’s simple pleasures like music, literature, and trees. Renowned for his visually stunning and thought-provoking storytelling, Wenders once again presents audiences with a deeply human narrative that explores the search for meaning in the mundane.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Koji Yakusho, Min Tanaka, and Arisa Nakano. Perfect Days does more than merely portray a man’s daily routine; it offers insights into his character and past through a series of chance encounters that gradually unveil his enigmatic history. With Wenders’ reputation and past accolades at Cannes, Perfect Days is certainly a film to watch at the festival.

Fallen Leaves (Aki Kaurismaki)

From the auteur of Finnish cinema, Aki Kaurismaki, comes Fallen Leaves, a poignant romantic tragicomedy that marks a welcome return to the director’s distinctive style, following a six-year hiatus since his previous work, The Other Side of Hope.

Unfolding amidst the vibrant nightlife of Helsinki, Fallen Leaves delves into the bittersweet story of two lonely individuals seeking love and happiness. The film centres on a young supermarket worker and a sandblaster battling alcoholism, portrayed by Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen, respectively. Their chance encounter leads to a quest for love, but their journey is plagued by numerous obstacles, including struggles with alcoholism, lost contact information, and the whimsical nature of life that often obstructs the pursuit of happiness.

The narrative shares a thematic kinship with Kaurismaki’s esteemed working-class trilogy, comprising Shadows in Paradise, Ariel, and The Match Factory Girl. With its exploration of the struggles of everyday people, Fallen Leaves extends this lineage into a quartet, offering another dose of Kaurismaki’s renowned storytelling, which seamlessly merges the tragic with the comedic.

The film is also Kaurismaki’s fifth feature vying for a Palme d’Or at Cannes. In addition, the film carries a French connection, drawing inspiration from the iconic French song ‘Les feuilles mortes,’ composed by Joseph Kosma, with lyrics from Jacques Prévert.

Fallen Leaves is a film that should not be missed by any fans of Kaurismaki’s work or anyone seeking a poignant exploration of life, love, and the human condition. Its inclusion in the prestigious Cannes competition underscores its potential to be a standout among this year’s cinematic offerings.