June is here and, with it, the eagerly anticipated Tribeca Festival 2023. With over a hundred feature films playing across twelve days, narrowing down to the must-watch movies is challenging. The movies span multiple genres, subjects, and styles. From a coming-of-age story to a vengeance flick, here are some films playing at Tribeca to keep on your radar.
The Seeding
The Seeding looks to tap into that chilling horror that Village of the Damned and Children of the Corn demonstrated effortlessly – there is little as frightening as deadly kids. A lost hiker has to battle in a game for survival against a pack of ferocious children. While it’s unclear if there are supernatural elements, the overarching question is how the kids wound up this way. Whether they turned evil thanks to horrid adults or if they are on the level of cold, cute, and deadly as Rhoda from The Bad Seed, is the question that makes this film worth watching.
One Night with Adela
If you’re a fan of revenge flicks, One Night with Adela promises to deliver. As the title suggests, Adela, over the course of one night, exacts vengeance for a childhood experience. The description suggests the lines between revenge and sheer bloodthirsty carnage could blur. Described as “transgressive,” the film might be more than some can handle, but if you like your retribution, flicks woman-led with savagery, watch this dramatic thriller.
Boca Chica
For those yearning for LGBTQIA+ content, Boca Chica is here. A Dominican girl, Desi, aspires to be a famous singer, a secret she keeps from the women who raised her. But a cousin’s arrival for his wedding sparks a fire under Desi as tensions in the family rise. There’s always room for coming-of-age stories that address past trauma and the need to live life on your terms, especially as artistically-inclined children figure out how to deal with stifling if well-meaning parents and family.
A Strange Path
Another family drama with mystery, A Strange Path, starts amidst the backdrop of the looming COVID pandemic. Filmmaker David returns to Brazil to attend a local film festival premiering his movie. But as the pandemic looms larger with impending lockdown, David has no choice but to stay with his father and hope for some resolution and understanding between them. As they exist in uneasy cohabitation, weird things start happening. Straight dramas are great, but if you’re a fan of blending genres, A Strange Path looks promising, filled with discomfort and surprises.
Richelieu
Describing things as “timely” is commonplace, but it’s impossible to deny that Richelieu explores workplace issues that many people are facing today. Given the recent writers’ strike, other potential strikes looming, and the battle for upcoming unions, this sounds like a must-watch. After a breakup, Ariane returns to her mother’s home and works as an interpreter at a plant to replenish her savings. As she watches the job exploit migrant workers, she and others face a choice, and Richelieu sounds like a realistic look at the cost of standing up for what is right.
Somewhere Quiet
Somewhere Quiet focuses on a woman, Meg, trying to readjust to her life after going through an abduction. To that end, she and her husband, Scott, arrive at his family’s secluded countryside home so that Meg can get some quiet time. Unfortunately, Scott’s wealthy cousin, Madeline, comes and won’t give Meg the time and space she needs to heal, forcing Meg to reckon with that past as she clashes with her unwelcome guest. Based on the description, I’m expecting shock and a lot of rage since wealthy people have condescension and entitlement wrapped in every pleasant phrase.
