What a Film Critic Saw at Cannes

Why It Matters

Cannes continues to shape awards-season narratives and industry buzz by elevating auteur-driven films and high-profile restorations that can drive critical momentum, distribution deals, and market value for filmmakers and studios. The festival’s programming signals which films might dominate awards conversations and international box office interest.

Summary

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, New Yorker critic Justin Chang reported familiar pageantry alongside fresh highlights, including Park Chan-wook presiding over the competition jury and Peter Jackson receiving an honorary Palme d’Or. Standout premieres included Jane Schoenbrun’s satirical slasher homage "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," and two main-competition favorites: Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s humane drama "All of a Sudden" and Pawel Pawlikowski’s postwar portrait "Fatherland." The festival also showcased a revelatory 4K restoration of Ken Russell’s 1971 classic "The Devils," eliciting strong audience acclaim. Chang framed Cannes as a mix of enduring rituals, industry moments, and striking cinematic discoveries.

Original Description

The film critic Justin Chang reports from the 79th Cannes Film Festival to share the most memorable films he’s watched so far—from Jane Schoenbrum’s homage to slasher thrillers to a stunning 4K resolution of a Ken Russell classic.