Fresh Films Bring Fresh Faces to Directing
Just as new movies emerge, so do fresh faces in directing. Directors are the driving force behind every film, bringing stories to life. With a new year ahead, it’s the perfect opportunity for rising filmmakers to make their mark and become the next generation of directors to watch for years to come.
Greta Gerwig
Directing is a growing field that offers opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work. This is especially important for women in the industry, proving that directing isn’t just a male-dominated field. Aspiring female directors can look ahead with inspiration, knowing they have a place in the future of filmmaking. Two directors have been gaining recognition for their recent films: Greta Gerwig and Julia Ducournau. Both have made a significant impact on the industry in recent years. According to MovieWeb, Greta Gerwig is a multi-talented actress, writer, and director who has been in the industry for nearly 17 years. Her directorial debut came with Nights and Weekends, which she co-directed with Joe Swanberg. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that she truly made her mark with Lady Bird, a film that earned five Oscar nominations and launched her solo directing career. Since then, Gerwig has continued to establish herself, culminating in the release of Barbie in 2023—a highly acclaimed film that received widespread praise and positive reviews. While she currently has no upcoming directing projects, she is listed as a writer for Disney’s upcoming Snow White.
Julia Ducournau
Julia Ducournau is a French director known for her bold and unsettling body horror films. She first gained attention with Raw, a gripping 2016 film about a young woman in veterinary school who develops a craving for human flesh after being forced to eat raw meat. This debut established her as a rising talent in the industry. Ducournau followed up with Titane in 2021, a surreal and boundary-pushing film about a woman with a titanium plate in her head. Both films cemented her reputation for crafting unique and provocative stories. Now, she is working on her next project, Alpha. While the release date remains unknown, one thing is certain: Ducournau is far from finished making her mark on the film world.
Nia DaCosta
Nia DaCosta is a director recognized for her contributions to the horror genre. DaCosta has been in the industry for less than a decade, making her directorial debut with Little Woods in 2018. A crime drama, the film follows two sisters who reunite after their mother’s passing and struggle to pay off her mortgage. Little Woods received critical acclaim, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Three years later, DaCosta released her next project, Candyman, collaborating with Jordan Peele during production. According to Wikipedia, the film’s success made history, as she became the first Black female director to have a film debut at No. 1 at the U.S. box office during its opening weekend. She continued breaking barriers in 2023 by directing The Marvels, making her the first Black director to helm a Marvel movie. The film went on to become the highest-grossing movie directed by a Black woman.
Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele has steadily risen in the film industry, establishing himself as an actor, writer, and director with a diverse range of projects. He first gained widespread recognition as the co-creator and star of the Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele, alongside his collaborator Keegan-Michael Key. After the series ended in 2015, Peele shifted his focus to filmmaking. In 2017, he made his directorial debut with Get Out, a psychological horror film that became a fan favorite for its unique and thought-provoking approach to the genre. The film’s success earned Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Building on this momentum, he released Us in 2019, starring Lupita Nyong’o in a dual role as both the protagonist and antagonist in a chilling story about bloodthirsty doppelgängers. Peele’s most recent film, Nope (2022), blended sci-fi and horror elements and was well-received upon its theatrical release. With three acclaimed films under his belt, reports indicate that he is currently working on a fourth project, according to IMDb.
Brandon Cronenberg
Brandon Cronenberg is a Canadian director and screenwriter, following in the footsteps of his father, renowned filmmaker David Cronenberg. Much like his father, he developed a passion for the horror genre, crafting films that explore unsettling and psychological themes. However, while he draws inspiration from his father’s legacy, Brandon has worked to establish his unique voice in the industry. He made his directorial debut in 2012 with Antiviral, a dystopian horror film that delves into society’s obsession with celebrity culture and bodily modification. While it was his first feature, the film received a generally positive reception. Rotten Tomatoes reviews reflected this mix of praise and critique.
After his debut, Cronenberg spent several years honing his craft before releasing his second film, Possessor, in 2020. This film became a turning point in his career, earning him greater recognition among horror and sci-fi audiences. Possessor follows an elite assassin who utilizes advanced technology to inhabit the bodies of her targets, forcing them to take their own lives. The film was widely praised for its seamless blend of horror and sci-fi elements, as well as its unsettling atmosphere and thought-provoking themes. Cronenberg continued to build his reputation with Infinity Pool (2023), another film that received critical acclaim. Starring rising scream queen Mia Goth, the psychological horror film follows a couple vacationing at an exclusive island resort. Their seemingly idyllic getaway takes a dark turn when a tragic accident occurs, unraveling a series of disturbing secrets hidden within the island. This was Cronenberg’s most recent film, but according to Wikipedia, he is currently working on a new project in collaboration with Sam Barlow and Half Mermaid Productions.
Excitement for the Future of Film
It seems that each of these directors has a defining film that helped elevate their careers, but their journeys are far from over. Fans are eagerly anticipating their next projects, whether they’re directing themselves or contributing behind the scenes. Some already have new films in development, while others are collaborating on projects led by fellow filmmakers. Hopefully, they will continue to create compelling stories that keep audiences coming back for more.
Infinity Pool (2022) Official NEON Trailer
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Source: Dead Talk Live
Contact Information:
Email: news@deadtalknews.com
Phone: +1 (646) 397-2874
Dead Talk Live is simultaneously streamed to: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, Vimeo, and LinkedIn
Shop official Dead Talk Live Merchandise at our Online Store
Source: Dead Talk Live
Contact Information:
Email: news@deadtalknews.com
Phone: +1 (650) 308-4023
Dead Talk Live is simultaneously streamed to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, and Twitter daily at 9:30 PM Eastern U.S. Time.
Shop official Dead Talk Live Merchandise at our Online Store
Author
Janaye is a graduate student at Rowan University, pursuing a degree in Writing Arts. She previously earned her bachelor's degree in the same field, specializing in creative writing and public publishing.
Elke Simmons' writing portfolio includes contributions to The Laredo Morning Times, Walt Disney World Eyes and Ears, Extinction Rebellion (XR) News/Blog, and Dead Talk News.