Cannes Film Festival 2025: Critics’ Top Picks That Redefined Cinema
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival came to a dramatic close, marked by a surprising power outage—reportedly an act of sabotage. Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, renowned figures like John C. Reilly, who attended with his Italian film, “Heads or Tails?”, noted that unexpected twists are par for the course at Cannes. Among the festival’s highlights were absolute misses, such as Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha,” and intriguing contenders like Josh O’Connor’s dual offerings. With insights from nine critics at Variety, here’s a closer look at the standout films of this year’s festival.
1. Amrum
Image Credit: Courtesy of Bombero International/Rialto Film/Warner Bros. Entertainment/Mathias Bothor
Fatih Akin’s poignant World War II drama “Amrum” captures the soul of a young Hitler Youth. This touching narrative compels us to see the humanity behind hatred, questioning how circumstances shape individuals. By delving into a child’s potential for goodness—or evil—Akin forces us to confront uncomfortable truths.
(Read the full review by Tomris Laffly.)
2. Bono: Stories of Surrender
Image Credit: Courtesy of Apple
In Andrew Dominik’s visually arresting documentary, Bono unfolds his life story. The film, an engaging glimpse into the famed U2 frontman’s ambitions, struggles, and unvashed hypocrisy, resonates deeply. Every beat oscillates between electrifying performance and profound introspection, framing Bono as both a showman and a survivor.
(Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
3. The Chronology of Water
Image Credit: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, inspired by Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, expertly weaves a tale of trauma and resilience. Through a series of visceral, impressionistic moments, it explores survival against a backdrop of personal tragedy, embodied through Imogen Poots’ riveting performance.
(Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
4. Eddington
Image Credit: Courtesy of A24
In Ari Aster’s audacious Western thriller “Eddington,” the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a catalyst, unraveling societal norms. Featuring Joaquin Phoenix as a lawman who defies masks and reason, the film delves into a fractured America confronting its demons with unsettling humor.
(Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
5. Highest 2 Lowest
Image Credit: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival
Spike Lee injects fresh vigor into the classic narrative with “Highest 2 Lowest.” Drawing from Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” this gripping tale examines morals under pressure, as a hip-hop mogul confronts the stakes of wealth and legacy. Lee’s mastery shines as he artfully critiques culture while delivering entertainment.
(Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
6. Homebound
Image Credit: @Dharma Production
In Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant “Homebound,” we navigate the struggles of impoverished youth against the backdrop of contemporary India. This stirring tale intricately blends politics with personal stories, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to escape one’s circumstances, drawing upon classic Bollywood roots yet breathing new life into its narratives.
(Read the full review by Siddhant Adlakha.)
Conclusion
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival stood out not just for its films but for the unpredictable moments that shaped its narrative. Each film presented above showcases a distinct storytelling approach, enlightening themes, and powerful performances—making them must-sees for any film lover. Get ready for an exciting cinematic journey that promises to linger well after the credits roll.
