2017's Cannes Festival came to a perfect ending on the 28th of May. Its feature film contenders wonderfully drew in shades of interest and empathy, delving deep into the human soul and psyche. Three selections in particular from Andrey Zvyagintsev, Sofia Coppola, Bong Joon-ho have already set the industry abuzz, each a promising competitor in their own right, though with vastly different plot machinations.
Loveless
This year, Andrey Zvyagintsev returned to the Cannes screens with Loveless, a bleak yet captivating film in the vein of his previous works such as The Return with its absent parents, and Leviathan with the corrupt politician that drives the plot and its backdrop of economic struggle and mistrust. When the young boy at the heart of this film vanishes to escape his divided parents' bitter arguments, themes of abandonment and betrayal bob to the surface once more. Look to Loveless to deliver an unflinching glimpse into the depths of the everyday and everyman, with a contemporary Russian twist, of course.
The Beguiled
Netflix Vs Cannes
As befits what is largely considered a dramatic competition, this year Cannes wasn't without its own drama, either. Members of the festival's own grand jury, as well as organizations such as the French Exhibitors Association, have decried Cannes' allowance of contenders sans theatrical releases. The common belief, however, is that France is behind the times in protesting this modern move - the deep pockets of producers like Netflix aren't going anywhere, and legitimizing their feature films with a place at Cannes is a smart step.