Summer is coming to a close, and some would say it’s going out with a bang! August represents that magical time in Hollywood where summer blockbusters slowly begin to transition into the awards contenders and horror films we associate with the autumn. With all of that in mind, here are the films we’re most looking forward to in August 2019!
“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”
Director: David Leitch (“Deadpool 2” and “John Wick”)
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby
Official Synopsis: Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity.
Why watch it: It feels like these “Fast & Furious” films have been going on forever and are only getting more and more ridiculous. Well, “Hobbs & Shaw” may be the first-ever “Fast & Furious” film to reach full self-awareness to the point of parodying itself. And that’s an exciting prospect.
Johnson and Statham are playing beautifully off each other, the film is fully leaning into the improbably badass and Idris Elba is in it. ‘Nuff said. It’s gonna be explosions and quippy one-liners — what more could you want out of a summer flick?
“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” comes to theaters on August 2!
“The Nightingale”
Director: Jennifer Kent (“The Babadook”)
Starring: Sam Claflin, Damon Herriman and Aisling Franciosi
Official Synopsis: Clare, a young Irish convict woman in 1825, chases a British officer through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness, bent on revenge for a terrible act of violence he committed against her family. On the way she enlists the service of an Aboriginal tracker named Billy, who is also marked by trauma from his own violence-filled past.
Why see it: “The Nightingale” wanders off the beaten path towards a piece that is part horror, part elegant storytelling and all compelling drama. It’s a slow-burn that is entirely arresting and beautifully performed. Definitely heavier than your typical summer fare, but sure to be a worthy watch.
Read our review here.
“The Nightingale” stalks into cinemas on August 2!
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”
Director: André Øvredal
Starring: Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza and Gabriel Rush
Official Synopsis: A group of teens face their fears in order to save their lives.
Why see it: We love a good dose of nostalgia here on Shuffle Online! Many of you will remember the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” book series and may be looking forward to seeing your childhood monsters come to life. It’s an excellent kickoff to the spooky season and, with monster master Guillermo Del Toro producing, you know it’s going to be fantastic.
Beware! “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is coming for you, August 9.
“The Kitchen”
Director: Andrea Berloff
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Domhnall Gleeson
Official Synopsis: The wives of New York gangsters in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s continue to operate their husbands’ rackets after they’re locked up in prison.
Why see it: We stan a cast of strong and funny women, and we definitely stan a plot about those women getting shit done. “The Kitchen” hits a lot of sweet spots in the trailer, from the humorous to the heartfelt. It already distinguishes itself as a great ensemble film, and watching these ladies work together is worth more than the price of admission!
Things are heating up in “The Kitchen” on August 9.
“Dora and the Lost City of Gold”
Director: James Bobin
Starring: Isabela Moner, Michael Peña, Benicio Del Toro, Eva Longoria, Danny Trejo and Eugenio Derbez
Official Synopsis: Dora, a teenage explorer, leads her friends on an adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.
Why see it: Once again, nostalgia is a powerful force here on Shuffle Online. For audiences young and old, the optimistic and playful adventures of Dora promise a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. Not to mention I just really need to hear Danny Trejo as the voice of Boots.
Explore “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” on August 9!
“One Child Nation”
Director: Nanfu Wang
Official Synopsis: After becoming a mother, a filmmaker uncovers the untold story of China’s one-child policy and the generations of children and parents forever shaped by this social experiment.
Why see it: It’s not often that a documentary makes our list of must-sees, but “One Child Nation” is exceptional as it bridges the divide between nations, between East and West, between two extremes of toxic nationalism and identity politics. So often, documentaries show either a moment in time, a current reality or a warning of where we are going. It’s very rare for a doc to do all three.
“One Child Nation” arrives on August 9.
“47 Meters Down: Uncaged”
Director: Johannes Roberts
Starring: Nia Long, John Corbett and Sophie Nélisse
Official Synopsis: Four teen girls diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they’ve entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves.
Why see it: The first “47 Meters Down” film was a delightful summer shark flick, and the sequel looks just as exciting. As we’ve mentioned before, August occupies this great space as the end of summer (and a farewell to the summer blockbuster) and a transitional time as we move into fall horror season. “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” offers the best of both worlds!
Dive in with “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” on August 16.
“Where’d You Go, Bernadette”
Director: Richard Linklater
Starring: Cate Blanchette, Judy Greer, Billy Crudup and Kristen Wiig
Official Synopsis: A loving mom becomes compelled to reconnect with her creative passions after years of sacrificing herself for her family. Her leap of faith takes her on an epic adventure that jump-starts her life and leads to her triumphant rediscovery.
Why see it: The cast is stacked. The source material is solid. It’s a little bit artsy, a little bit pretentious (in that delicious, NPR kinda way) and incredibly stylish. It’s looking good, y’all.
Ask the question “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” on August 16.
“Ready or Not?”
Director(s): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Starring: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien and Andie MacDowell
Official Synopsis: A bride’s wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game.
Why see it: We’re getting some serious “Clue” vibes from this one. Gratuitously gory, sweetly sinister and fully funny! “Ready or Not” boasts what appears to be a truly unique concept with a very stylish and clever delivery. We’re totally down for this game!
Ready or not, “Ready or Not?” is coming on August 21!
Which August release is at the top of your must-see list? Let us know in the comments!
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Caitlin is a lean, mean writing machine based in Austin, TX. Her love of film began when she was shown “Rosemary’s Baby” way too early in life. Bylines include The Financial Diet and Film Inquiry. Caitlin is a member of the Online Association of Female Film Critics and the Women Film Critics Circle.