Daniel Craig movie Queer set for London festival

The London Film Festival has unveiled its impressive lineup for this year, showcasing a variety of high-profile films and star-studded performances. Among the notable entries is Daniel Craig’s latest project, Queer, which will make its British debut at the festival. Based on William Burroughs’ 1985 novel, the film explores the American expatriate community in 1950s Mexico, with Craig delivering a performance that has garnered significant acclaim following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Critics have been divided in their responses. Robbie Collin from The Telegraph praised Craig’s portrayal, describing his performance as “superb” in Luca Guadagnino’s visually stunning film. In contrast, Kevin Maher of The Times was more reserved, giving the film two stars. While he acknowledged that Craig’s performance might be his best yet, he critiqued the film for its attempts to appear overly trendy. IndieWire’s Ryan Lattanzio noted the film’s inclusion of “the most explicit gay sex scenes” seen in mainstream cinema, which could stir further discussion and interest.

The festival will also spotlight Angelina Jolie in Maria, a biographical drama about the acclaimed opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie’s portrayal has already been flagged by critics as a strong contender for the Oscars, adding to the festival’s buzz. Another potential Oscar hopeful is Zoe Saldaña, who stars in Emilia Pérez. This film, which debuted at Cannes earlier this year, features Saldaña as a powerful lawyer aiding a Mexican cartel leader with a complex identity transformation.

The lineup also includes Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris’s novel about the secretive procedures of selecting a new Pope. Directed by Edward Berger, whose previous work All Quiet on the Western Front earned nine Oscar nominations and won four, the film is generating early Oscar buzz for its star, Ralph Fiennes, who might be a leading candidate for Best Actor.

Amy Adams will feature in Nightbitch, a film where she plays a mother who believes she is transforming into a canine. The festival will also showcase The Apprentice, a documentary about Donald Trump’s business ventures in the 1970s and 1980s, and Elton John: Never Too Late, which chronicles the musician’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Additionally, Joy will highlight the real-life figures who played a crucial role in pioneering IVF technology, featuring James Norton, Thomasin McKenzie, and Bill Nighy.

Opening the festival will be the world premiere of Steve McQueen’s Blitz, a poignant story set in London during World War II, focusing on a mother and son navigating the chaos of the Blitz. The festival will conclude with Piece by Piece, a unique documentary and biopic on Pharrell Williams presented through LEGO animation.

Other anticipated films include Anora, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and follows the relationship between an exotic dancer and a Russian oligarch’s son; The Piano Lesson, adapted from August Wilson’s acclaimed play and starring Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington; and We Live in Time, a romantic comedy-drama featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.

In addition to the films, the festival will host a series of screen talks with notable figures including Oscar winners Steve McQueen, Lupita Nyong’o, and Daniel Kaluuya. Running from October 9 to 20, the festival will present a diverse selection of 253 titles, encompassing features, shorts, series, and immersive works. This year’s London Film Festival promises to be a significant event for cinephiles and industry professionals alike, offering a preview of potential future award winners and compelling cinematic narratives.