The Tribeca Film Festival, one of the most celebrated and innovative film festivals in the world, returns to New York City from June 5 to June 16, 2024. Known for its diverse range of films, groundbreaking storytelling, and vibrant and exciting atmosphere, the festival promises another unforgettable experience for cinephiles and industry professionals alike. Here’s a sneak peek into what to expect this year with my 10 most anticipated films of the festival.
1. BRATS
Director: Andrew McCarthy
Synopsis: “In the 1980s, Andrew McCarthy was part of a young generation of actors who were set to take over Hollywood after a string of successful teen movies. However, when one New York magazine cover story in 1985 dubs them the Brat Pack, these stars in the making suddenly find themselves losing control over the trajectory of their careers. Now, almost forty years later, McCarthy looks to reconnect with peers and co-stars, such as Emilio Estevez, Jon Cryer, Lea Thompson, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore, so that together they can reflect on their respective legacies. McCarthy also interviews fans and cultural critics to better understand the impact the Brat Pack movies have had over the decades.”
2. McVeigh
Director: Mike Ott
Synopsis: “Director Mike Ott puts a microscope onto Timothy McVeigh (Alfie Allen), perpetrator of the single deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history — the Oklahoma City bombing. Over days and nights, McVeigh eats, sleeps, watches the news, meets a girl… all while inside his mind brews an unthinkable plan that will forever change the collective American psyche — one that he loops fellow conspirator Terry Nichols in on (played by a creepily subdued Brett Gelman). An unexpected cast brings these characters to life with a stunningly subtle hand, and the film neither sensationalizes real life events nor gives into the quiet, devastating tension sustained from beginning to end.”
3. The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer
Director: Tolga Karacelik
Synopsis: “In this darkly comedic tale, a struggling writer (John Magaro) finds his life taking a bizarre turn when he befriends a retired serial killer (Steve Buscemi) who becomes his unlikely marriage counselor and muse. As the writer grapples with his second novel and a crumbling marriage to his disillusioned wife (Britt Lower), the former killer reluctantly offers guidance on both matters, leading to a series of twists and turns that blur the lines between reality and fiction.”
4. Sopranos 25th Anniversary Reunion / WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos
Director: Amir Hassan
Synopsis: “Alex Gibney’s illuminating documentary that not only showcases the genius of renowned director David Chase but also unveils never-before-seen audition tapes, interviews, and a treasure trove of insider footage, offering a fresh perspective on the show that will make you fall in love with it all over again. Gibney expertly weaves together the story of David Chase’s life and career, offering a fascinating window into the creative process behind one of the most influential and award-winning series in television history. Directed by Alex Gibney and produced by Ophelia Harutyunyan and Alex Gibney. An HBO Documentary Film.”
5. Adult Best Friends
Director: Delaney Buffett
Synopsis: “Nothing holds a mirror up to your life more than the examination of a friend from childhood. While Katie (Katie Corwin) should be celebrating her engagement to John (Mason Gooding), she can’t help but fret over what her best friend, Delaney (Delaney Buffett), will think. Driftless and unambitious, her opinions and feelings matter most to Katie. In an effort to reconnect and break the news gently, she plans a girls’ trip to assuage her codependent friend, setting the stage for a hilarious buddy comedy.”
6. #AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD
Director: Marcus Dunstan
Synopsis: “t should be the best party of the year: Karmapalooza, a massive music festival. When a group of college friends score tickets to the event, they set out on a road trip, packed into a minivan stashed with all the booze and weed they need. But a vehicular mishap forces them to spend the night inside an isolated Airbnb, which seems cool enough — after all, where better to party hard than in someone else’s house? Not so fast. Being stuck indoors together causes their internal rifts and shared past to surface. Even worse, an uninvited guest joins the party and decides they need to pay for their transgressions by murdering them in extremely gory ways tied to their specific sins.”
7. Winter Spring Summer or Fall
Director: Tiffany Paulsen
Synopsis: “Following a chance encounter, wunderkind Remy (Jenna Ortega) and music-obsessed slacker Barnes (Percy Hynes White) become inexorably entwined in each other’s lives. As winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer, the two find themselves falling in love. But with Remy heading to Harvard in the fall, the young couple are forced to reevaluate what’s truly important to them.”
8. Sacramento
Director: Michael Angarano
Synopsis: “Flighty and unpredictable Ricky (Michael Angarano) is kicked out of his convalescent home following the death of his father and surprises his best friend, Glenn (Michael Cera), by forcing him on a road trip across California. Unbeknownst to him, Glenn is about to start a family with his wife Rosie (Kristen Stewart) and is sick of Ricky’s inability to grow out of their past shenanigans. In the worn yellow seats of Glenn’s old college car, the two men reckon with the mistakes of their past and the questions lurking in their future. ”
9. Lake George
Director: Jeffrey Reiner
Synopsis: “From time to time, extenuating circumstances bring together the unlikeliest of allies. That’s exactly where we find Don (Shea Whigham) and Phyllis (Carrie Coon). Tasked by mobsters with putting an end to Phyllis’ life, Don is unable to pull the trigger, and instead the two set off on a road trip that evolves into something much more. You see, Phyllis has designs of her own and proposes a little tag team action to Don: combine forces with the aim to steal all the money from the people who want her dead. And so their twisted story begins.”
10. Daddio
Director: Christy Hall
Synopsis: “On a late night drive from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan, a young woman (Dakota Johnson) and her cab driver (Sean Penn) start talking. The usual pleasantries and jokes soon turn into a game between the two strangers as they exchange stories about important people in their lives. As their conversation unravels, secrets are revealed, advice is shared and a genuine bond is forged. At times funny, sexy, tense and deeply heartfelt, this chance encounter impacts both in ways neither could’ve ever imagined.”
These 10 films represent just a glimpse of the exciting lineup that will be playing at this years festival. With a rich array of stories from around the world, the festival is poised to offer audiences an unmatched cinematic journey. Whether you’re drawn to heartwarming dramas, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, laugh out loud comedies or thought-provoking documentaries, Tribeca has a taste for cinephiles of all genres.
