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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
There have been some rave reviews coming out of the 78th International Venice Film Festival for some of the year's most eagerly anticipated releases, many of which are set to dominate 2022's Awards Season.
In her first monthly blog, DCM’s Group M Agency manager, Korrine Eshun, outlines some of the top titles set to hit the big screen later this year and what this means for brands looking to take advantage of these upcoming cultural moments.
The Long-Awaited Collaboration – The Last Duel
- Release date: 15 October 2021
- Target audience: ABC1Male
- DCM admissions: 700k
When Matt Damon and Ben Affleck starred and co-wrote Best Original Screenplay Oscar winning film, Good Will Hunting, they were propelled into instant Hollywood A-List status overnight, and now, 24 years later, the childhood best friends are once again collaborating by writing and starring in the historical epic, The Last Duel.
Based on a supposed true story from 14th century France that saw a Knight challenge a friend in the last sanctioned duel that France ever saw, the film already has big expectations as its writers, director (Ridley Scott) and leading man (Adam Driver) have a combined 13 Oscar nominations between them. And with Killing Eve star Jodie Comer (who has already been cast in Scott’s next film), rounding out the cast – this is set to be one of the grittiest dramas of awards season.
The Iconic Scream Queen – Halloween Kills
- Release date: 15 October 2021
- Target audience: 16-34 Women
- DCM admissions: 580k
Have you ever wondered how many attempts it takes to kill a terrifying movie serial killer? Well wonder no more because hopefully we might just find out in 2021’s latest instalment of the Halloween franchise. Two of horrors most iconic characters are back as Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode (called the ‘perfect final girl’ in a review from The Wrap) once again takes on the horrifying Michael Myers in the sequel to one of the highest grossing horror films of 2018, Halloween.
Despite being the 11th film in the series, the 2018 release was called an ‘unprecedented hit’ by journalists and following the re-opening of cinemas this May, horror has been one of the biggest genres driving admissions as 16-34 audiences have flocked back. And with the film aptly released just two weeks before the chilling holiday, it will have plenty of time to attract audiences once again.
The Blockbuster - Dune
- Release date: 22 October
- Target audience: ABC1Male
- DCM admissions: 1m
It may feel like we have been waiting for Dune for a very long time, but the wait is finally over and, rest assured, it looks as if it won’t disappoint! The Sci-fi epic, set to fill the void left following the end of the latest Star Wars trilogy, is sure to be welcomed by fans of the original film and books following the rave reviews and 8-minute standing ovation the film received when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival this month.
Denis Villeneuve continues to solidify himself as one of the greatest Sci-Fi directors of all time as he follows up his visual masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049 and Oscar favourite Arrival with the film critics and audiences are noting is a must-see on the biggest screen possible!
The film has also already received 5* reviews in The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent, Empire Magazine and Total Film. For any brands who missed out on No Time To Die, Dune provides the next best option for reaching upmarket men this October.
The All-star Cast - The French Dispatch
- Release date: 22 October 2021
- Target audience: ABC1Adults
- DCM admissions: 500k
If there was ever any doubt that Timothee Chalamet is one of the rising stars of Hollywood, you just need to look at his upcoming releases for 2021. Along with a lead role in Dune, Chalamet joins perhaps the biggest cast of 2021 in Wes Anderson’s love story to 20th century journalists. Known for his quirky film making style, the multiple Oscar nominated director reunites with many of his frequent collaborators including Saoirse Ronan, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson to bring to life a fictional French City inspired by Anderson’s love of The New Yorker.
Sure to be a major contender across next year’s Awards Season, the film offers one of the most upmarket audience profiles across the year and will be a must for any premium brands.
The One You Might Not Have Heard Of - Last Night In Soho
- Release date: 29 October 2021
- Target audience: 16-34 Men
- DCM admissions: 700k
When times were tough over the last year for cinema, there was one director who was driving support and celebrating the cinematic experience – Edgar Wright. One of the best loved British directors of the 21st Century, Wright has brought us some modern classics including Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver and, this time, he’s offering up one of the most exciting horror films of the year, just in time for Halloween.
Starring The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie (who’s breakout performance was a highlight of Jojo Rabbit), Last Night in Soho is a celebration of 60s London and an explosion of fashion, music and psychological scares all in one place. The film is currently screening at film festivals across the globe (and will be making its UK Premiere at next month’s London Film Festival) and is already receiving huge praise and a 4* review in The Guardian.
The Awards Contender – The Lost Daughter
- Release date: 7 January 2022
- Target audience: ABC1Women
- DCM admissions: 470k
She may have been a national treasure within the UK for years now, but following her Best Actress win in 2019 it appears Hollywood has embraced Olivia Colman to the fullest. Colman has been cast in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut which has been one of the major talking points following its premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Colman has already been called ‘exquisite’ and ‘utterly magnetic’ for her portrayal of a struggling, lonely woman on holiday in Greece who acquires an unhealthy fascination with a young mother and daughter.
The film is currently rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with director Gyllenhaal also receiving huge praise and will be one of the most upmarket, female skewing awards contenders to kick off an exciting year of cinema in 2022 when it’s released on 7 January.
Speak to your DCM rep today to find out more discuss any opportunities for any of these films. This is only the start of Festival season, with lots more to come. From 6-17 October the London Film Festival will be taking place and DCM will be in attendance, so keep an eye out for our coverage.