The world’s longest continually running film festival returns to Edinburgh this week for it’s 72nd edition. Maintaining its tradition of diverse programming, this year promises another feast of cinematic goodness, showcasing unique voices from around the world, and shining a timely light on women in cinema.
Offering something for everyone, EIFF as always provides an eclectic mix of British, European, and world cinema, alongside the best of the American indie scene, chilling horror from every corner of the world, thought-provoking documentaries, animation, short films, brilliant retrospectives, and even the odd Hollywood blockbuster.
Here are our picks for the 10 must-see films at this year’s event.
Incredibles 2
Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, Catherin Keener
EIFF has had a strong relationship with Pixar going back many years, and 2018 is no different, with a Gala screening of the long-anticipated Incredibles 2. This new adventure picks up right where the last film ended, and finds the Parr family trying to balance their civilian life with being superheroes again. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Papillon
Director: Michael Noer Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Tommy Flanagan
Based on the acclaimed biographical novel by Henri Charrière, this new adaptation tells the story of a man unjustly imprisoned at the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island and his heroic efforts to escape.
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Whitney
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Returning to his documentary roots, director Kevin Macdonald brings together an insightful and emotional look at the life of the late Whitney Houston. A mix of rare interviews, live performances, and never before seen home movies, this is sure to be an enthralling portrait of the great singer.
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Terminal
Director: Vaughn Stein Cast: Margot Robbie, Simon Pegg, Max Irons, Dexter Fletcher, Mike Myers
A twisty, noir, revenge thriller, Terminal follows two assassins who find themselves caught up in an increasingly complex and mysterious mission. Helmed by first time writer and director Vaughn Stein, the film is Margot Robbie’s second as producer.
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Waru
Director: Ainsley Gardiner, Awanui Simich-Pene, Briar Grace-Smith, Renae Maihi, Chelsea Cohen, Casey Kaa, Paula Jones, Katie Wolfe Cast: Miriama McDowell, Tanea Heke, Kararaina Rangihau, Roimata Fox, Ngapaki Moetara, Acacia Hapi, Maria Walker
Eight short films, directed by eight Maori women, all of which are dealing with the traditional funeral rites for a boy who died in tragic circumstances. This ground-breaking film has rightly been hailed as one of the most important to come from New Zealand in recent years.
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Jaws: Live in concert with the RSNO
Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw
When it comes to film scores, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are one of the best in the business. In this special event for the EIFF, they are performing the iconic score to Jaws live during a screening of the film. This is one not to be missed.
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Cold War
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski Cast: Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot, Borys Szyc, Agata Kulesza
A late addition to the festival programme from Oscar winning director Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War is a passionate love story set during the politically tumultuous Europe of the 1950s. A new film from Pawlikowski is always something to be excited about, and this UK premiere is no exception.
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Ideal Home
Director: Andrew Fleming Cast: Paul Rudd, Steve Coogan, Jake McDorman
This comedy-drama from Andrew Fleming, sees comedy greats Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd starring as Erasmus and Paul, a gay couple whose carefree lives are turned upside down when a young boy turns up at their door claiming to be Erasmus’ grandson.
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In Darkness
Director: Anthony Byrne Cast: Natalie Dormer, Ed Skrein, James Cosmo, Emily Ratajkowski, Joely Richardson
Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer has co-written and produced this psychological thriller set in the criminal underbelly of London. Dormer plays a blind musician who hears the murder of her neighbour, and is unwittingly drawn into a dangerous world of corruption and revenge.
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The American Nightmare: Horror in mainstream American Cinema 1980-1985
Not so much one movie, but an entire retrospective of classic American horror to delve into. This series offers you a great chance to see on the big screen films that not only changed the landscape of horror, but also made lasting a impression on popular culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to see films such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Poltergeist, Day of the Dead, and John Carpenter’s The Fog.
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The 72nd Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from 20 June to 1 July. For more info visit edfilmfest.org.uk
