Words by: Taylor Hunsberger
The Tribeca Film Festival is quickly approaching, and with each passing day, the lineup of films becomes even more exciting. While the slate of both narrative and documentary features looks promising, a few films truly stand out. From Yannis Veslemes’s She Loved Blossoms More to Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s The Devil’s Bath, these films are sure to captivate you with their compelling stories and stunning, unique visuals. With overlapping themes of grief, friendship, shock, and surprise, the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival slate promises something for everyone. Let the anticipation begin and enjoy your journey of this great lineup of films in June.
1. The Devil’s Bath, a film by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala
The German horror feature The Devil’s Bath will have its international premiere as part of the Midnights programming at Tribeca. Written and directed by the acclaimed duo behind contemporary horror film The Lodge, which premiered at Sundance in 2019, The Devil’s Bath transports viewers to 18th Century Austria. This period piece follows newlywed Agnes (Anja Plaschg) and explores the isolated and demanding lives of women in the year 1750. Based on historical court records, the film sheds light on the violence women endured. The Devil’s Bath screens on June 8 and 9, at 9 pm, and June 13, at 9:15 pm. If you miss it at Tribeca, no worries. It will hit Shudder starting June 28.
2. Don’t You Let Me Go, a film by Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge
The cat bus from Totoro serves as inspiration for the time travel feature Don’t You Let Me Go, a world premiere from Uruguay. Adela (Chiara Hourcade) is grieving the sudden loss of her best friend Elena (Victoria Jorge), feeling disconnected from the usual funeral rituals.After Elena’s wake, a mysterious bus transports Adela back a decade in time, reuniting her with Elena and their friend Luci (Eva Dans) for a joyful weekend together. Described by the writer-director duo Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge as a magical fable born from Adela’s desires amid unsteady emotions following Elena’s death, the film uniquely explores the grief of losing a close female friend. Unlike the more common narratives of women grieving children or romantic partners, Don’t You Let Me Go dares to be different. The film’s warmth and focus on female friendship and platonic intimacy make it a refreshing addition to the festival. If you are interested in complex, character-driven magical realism, this feature is a must-see. Don’t You Let Me Go screens June 8 at 6:15 pm, June 11 at 9 pm, and June 13 at 5 pm.
3. Bikechess, a film by Assel Aushakimova
Absurdist comedy Bikechess will have its world premiere in the international narrative competition, hailing from Russia. The film’s title comes from its inspiration and a key element: a new sport that involves playing chess while pedaling a fitness bike. Bikechess follows journalist Dina (Saltanat Nauruz) as the subjects of her reporting become increasingly bizarre. At the same time, she navigates a relationship with a married man and looks after her younger sister, a lesbian activist often in trouble with the police. While these setups contribute to the film’s comedic tone, they also highlight a larger moral question. Dina’s subjects often transform into a betrayal of the Kazakh state, not entirely accurate to the actual actions of its government. Filmmaker Assel Aushakimova uses the film to explore the morality of corrupt journalism and the state of a media landscape more concerned with appearances than truth. Aushakimova emphasizes the importance of comedy, lightness, and absurdity in the film, which is advertised as a true satire. Bikechess reflects our current era, where media often misrepresents reality, making it a timely feature. The film screens on June 9 at 5:15 pm, June 11 at 5:45 pm, and June 13 at 6 pm.
4. Missing from Fire Trail Road, a documentary by Sabrina Van Tassel
Murdered and missing Indigenous women have been an increasing epidemic in the United States over the years—one that often gets overlooked in news and popular media. Missing from Fire Trail Road examines the case of missing indigenous woman Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, as well as the larger implications of the hundreds of missing indigenous women whose cases are often cast aside. It is often a privilege for a murdered woman’s body to be looked for—as seen in the high-profile cases of white murdered women. This is a privilege that indigenous and women of color are not afforded. Missing from Fire Trail Road shines a light on the lack of media coverage and the racism and colonialism that contribute to so much violence against indigenous women, often at the hands of white men. Activist and former vice chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribe Deborah Parker serves as executive producer of the film. Deb Haaland, the first Native cabinet secretary in the U.S., makes an appearance as the leader of a federal investigation into Indian boarding schools. It is crucial that these stories come to the forefront of American culture to prevent them from continuing, and it’s extraordinary that Tribeca has given a platform to Missing from Fire Trail Road, a documentary that should not be missed.
5. Jazzy
Friendship reigns on in the Tribeca film festival with the world premiere of Jazzy in the U.S. Narrative Competition. The film will immediately captivate viewers due to its involvement with Oscar-nominated powerhouse Lily Gladstone who serves as both an actor and executive producer on the project. Films focused on indigenous stories are a rarity in themselves, especially those about indigenous girlhood. Jazzy follows the titular Oglala Lakota girl (Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux) as she grows up in South Dakota. Jazzy and her best friend, Syriah (Syriah Foohead Means) embark on a journey throughout this documentary-style feature, experiencing the ups and downs of coming of age. Jarod Neece notes, “Jazzy is a beautifully crafted film that explores the profound impact friendship has on the formative years of childhood.” The production stills depict the girls at stages of joy, wonder, and reflection. Director and writer Morrisa Maltz, along with co-writers Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Vanara Taing, and Andrew Hajek, have a clear vision, which is evident in the film’s promotional materials. This has made Jazzy one of the most anticipated films of the Tribeca Festival. Jazzy screens June 9 at 2 pm, June 10 at 5:15 pm, and June 12 at 3 pm.
6. The Weekend
Nigerian thriller The Weekend makes its World Premiere in the festival. The twisted, topsy-turvy film from director Daniel Emeke Oriahi and writers Egbemawei Dimieyei Sammy, Vanessa Kanu, and Freddie O. Anyaegbunam Jr. promises all the suspense and surprises audiences crave from a thriller. Described by Faridah Gbadamosi as genre-bending and akin to psychological thrillers Ready or Not and Get Out, The Weekend explores the family dynamic of suspicious and unknown in-laws who may not have the best intentions. Orphan Nikya is excited to have a family of her own with fiancé Luke. The only thing left to do is meet the in-laws, a family Luke has not seen in over 10 years. What could be a promising re-connection with severed ties, could also be a looming nightmare. With a compelling setup and the intrigue of a family drama turned horror, The Weekend stands out as the most enticing thriller of the Tribeca Festival. The Weekend screens June 9 at 9:15 pm, June 11 at 9 pm, and June 15 at 9:15 pm.
7. She Loved Blossoms More, a film by Yannis Veslemes
The mesmerizing promotional still from the sci-fi family drama She Loved Blossoms More, is a visual that hauntingly captures the imagination. The image features a human face framed by wild blonde hair, split down the middle to reveal a third eye surrounded by pink muscle tissue intertwined with golden vines. While the face maintains a still expression, the third eye stares directly at the audience, creating an unsettling yet fascinating visual that hints at something ominous overtaking the human form. The French and Greek She Loved Blossoms More will have its world premiere in the Escape from Tribeca portion of the festival which highlights genre films. The film depicts a family who builds a time machine to bring their mother back to life. The trio of brothers battle their demanding father as the entire family grieves and grapples with the loss and the reanimation of their matriarch. What stands out most, along with the eerie promotional still, are the descriptions of body horror imagery and the film’s unusual title. Both evoke a creeping sense of simultaneous dread and wonder, pillars of the sci-fi genre. She Loved Blossoms More will be shown on June 9 at 6:15 pm, June 10 at 6:15 pm, and June 12 at 8:45 pm.