by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | FirstShowing News
Quay Brothers’ ‘Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass’ Trailer
by Alex Billington
August 1, 2025
Source: YouTube
Film Forum has revealed an official trailer for the film Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, the first feature in 20 years by animation masters The Quay Brothers. This originally premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival last year, and also played at the London Film Festival. Presented by Christopher Nolan, who is a huge fan of these two eccentric filmmakers, Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass is a 75 minute feature mixing both live-action & stop-motion animation. It will be playing in cinemas starting at the iconic Film Forum theater in NYC starting at the end of August. A ghostly train journey on a forgotten branch line transports a man visiting his dying father in a sanatorium to the edge of a mythic forest. Based on the book of the same name by Polish writer Bruno Schultz. Told in seven chapters corresponding with seven prophetic, mystical viewing lenses, the film bends objects, time, and dimensions as Josef navigates the realm between dreams and reality. With Allison Bell, Andrzej Klak, Wioletta Kopanska, Zenaida Yanowsky. It’s described in reviews as: “Wonderfully strange and beguiling. An enchanting fantasia.” This definitely looks like it is very experimental and strange – for anyone who is into peculiar & alluring cinema.
Official trailer (+ poster) for Quay Bros’ Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, via YouTube:
The first feature in 20 years by animation masters The Quay Brothers is inspired by the writings of Polish author Bruno Schulz. In a mixture of live action & breathtakingly intricate stop-motion puppetry, the Quays follow the journey of Josef, who arrives at a labyrinthine sanatorium in search of his dying father. Told in 7 chapters corresponding with 7 prophetic, mystical viewing lenses, the film bends objects, time, and dimensions as Josef navigates the realm between dreams and reality. Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass is directed by the iconic American twin filmmakers Stephen Quay & Timothy Quay (aka the Quay Brothers), directors of films Punch & Judy: Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy and Institute Benjamenta or This Dream That One Calls Human Life previously, along with tons and tons of short films. Produced by Lucie Conrad and Izabela Kiszka-Hofilk. This first premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival last year. Film Forum will debut the Quay Brothers’ Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass in select US theaters (at Film Forum first) starting August 29th, 2025 coming soon. In conjunction with this opening: The Quay Brothers — on 35mm, featuring 3 classic shorts in 35mm, curated by Christopher Nolan, as well as Nolan’s short documentary, Quay, will play on Wednesday, August 27th at Film Forum in NYC.
Find more posts in: Animation, Indies, To Watch, Trailer
by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | FirstShowing News
First Look Teaser for Hulu’s ‘Tempest’ Korean Conspiracy Thriller Series
by Alex Billington
August 1, 2025
Source: YouTube
“We will brave the tempest and head towards the north star.” Hulu has revealed the first look teaser for a new conspiracy thriller series titled Tempest in the US, also known as The North Star in other countries (based on that opening quote that’s also in the trailer), arriving for streaming in September. Set in Korea, Tempest follows Seo Munju, a former UN Ambassador whose life gets flipped on its head when her husband, a presidential candidate, is assassinated in front of her. To discover the truth behind the attack, Munju takes up her husband’s role, becoming the party’s presidential candidate. With her life now constantly in danger, Sanho, a mysterious mercenary, will step up to keep her safe as her bodyguard. However, with little known about him, can Munju really trust him? Featuring “one of the most impressive international line-ups in a Korean drama to date.” Check out this cast! Tempest stars Gianna Jun, Gang Dongwon, John Cho, Lee Misook, Park Haejoon, Christopher Gorham, Michael Gaston, and Spencer Garrett. The series is also written by the same writer of the script for Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave (one of my faves). This is such a slick teaser – just enough in it to make me interested and curious but without giving away anything.
Here’s the first teaser trailer (+ poster) for Kim Hee-won’s series Tempest, direct from Hulu’s YouTube:
Tempest follows Seo Munju, a skilled former diplomat, as she tries to uncover the truth behind an attempt on a presidential candidate’s life. After discovering the candidate was accused of being a North Korean spy, Munju digs into his past, unlocking a Pandora’s box of deception, state secrets and more. Protected by Paik Sanho, a mercenary with a suspicious history and a hidden backer, Munju repeatedly finds herself under attack as she uncovers an international conspiracy stretching all the way to the White House. But, with danger drawing ever closer, will Sanho be able to keep his principal safe and his emotions in check? Tempest, also known as The North Star, is an action series created and written by Chung Seo-kyung, acclaimed writer of the films Lady Vengeance, Family Matters, I’m a Cyborg But That’s OK, Thirst, The Handmaiden, The Truth Beneath, Decision to Leave. Featuring episodes directed by Kim Hee-won (Old Goodbye, “Little Women”, “Queen of Tears”) and Heo Myung-Haeng (a fight choreographer / stuntman). Made by Action School, Imaginus, Showrunner, Studio AA. Disney will debut the Tempest series streaming on Hulu in the US starting on September 10th, 2025 coming up soon. Anyone want to watch this series?
Find more posts in: Foreign Films, Streaming, To Watch, Trailer
by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | FirstShowing News
Grieving Mother Fever Dream Horror ‘Lilly Lives Alone’ Official Trailer
by Alex Billington
August 1, 2025
Source: YouTube
“Unfolds like a series of distant memories asking to be dissected by the viewer.” But does that make for a good film? Dark Sky Films has debuted the official trailer for an indie horror film titled Lilly Lives Alone, marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Martin Melnick. It’s set to arrive to watch in August this summer including on VOD right away. Ten years after her daughter’s tragic death, Lilly’s world is tearing apart so she hides in a corner of her town. The traumatic ghosts of her past are waking up and tonight she must face the depths of her manic madness and a haunting she won’t soon forget. The film stars Shannon Beeby as the titular Lilly, with Jeffrey Combs, Ryan Jonze, Erin Way, & Karla Mason. This initially premiered at the 2024 Brookyln Horror Film Festival last year, though reviews aren’t great – and it doesn’t look like there’s much to see in this anyway. Yet another horror about grief without anything unique to offer.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Martin Melnick’s horror Lilly Lives Alone, from YouTube:
After the death of her child, Lilly (Shannon Beeby) runs away to hide in a lonely corner of her small town. Living alone, she struggles to cope with the traumatic memories of her own upbringing. Ten years after her daughter’s death, the fabric of Lilly’s world is tearing apart. The ghosts of her past are waking up and tonight she must face the depths of her manic madness and a haunting she won’t soon forget. Lilly Lives Alone is written and directed by the indie genre filmmaker Martin Melnick, making his feature directorial debut after many other short films previously; he also works as a colorist on indie films. Produced by Sarah Johnston. This first premiered at the 2024 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival last year. Dark Sky Films debuts Melnick’s Lilly Lives Alone film in select US theaters + on VOD starting August 22nd, 2025. Look scary?
Find more posts in: Horror, Indies, To Watch, Trailer
by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | FirstShowing News
Behind-the-Scenes Promo for New ‘Red Sonja’ Movie with Matilda Lutz
by Alex Billington
August 1, 2025
Source: YouTube
“To see my people again is all I dreamed of…” She must fight to return home! Goldwyn Films has debuted a behind-the-scenes promo featurette for the new Red Sonja fantasy action movie, based on the famous Red Sonja “She-Devil with a sword” character which was featured in Marvel Comics during the 1970s. There was already a famous Red Sonja movie from 1985 featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brigitte Nielsen as Red Sonja. This action-packed new adaptation will be released in theaters this August. Enslaved by an evil tyrant who wishes to destroy her people, barbarian huntress Red Sonja must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against Draygan The Magnificent. Directed by action filmmaker M.J. Bassett, this new Red Sonja stars Matilda Lutz (from the thriller Revenge) as the title character, with Wallis Day as Annisia, Robert Sheehan as Draygan, Michael Bisping, Martyn Ford, Eliza Matengu, Rhona Mitra, and Veronica Ferres. They clearly spent a ton of movie making this new Red Sonja movie – huge sets, full-on costumes, tons of actors & extras. At least it seems like many of the epic fight scenes were shot practical & look intense.
Here’s the behind-the-scenes promo (+ the UK trailer) for M.J. Bassett’s Red Sonja, direct from YouTube:
You can rewatch the main official trailer for M.J. Bassett’s Red Sonja right here to view even more footage.
An adaptation of the comic book, Red Sonja, a vengeful warrior known as a “She-Devil with a sword”. Enslaved by an evil tyrant who wishes to destroy her people, barbarian huntress Red Sonja (Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz) must unite a group of unlikely warriors to face off against Draygan The Magnificent and his deadly bride, Dark Annisia. Red Sonja is directed by the English genre filmmaker M.J. Bassett, director of action movies Deathwatch, Wilderness, Solomon Kane, Silent Hill: Revelation, Inside Man: Most Wanted, Rogue, and Endangered Species previously, plus eps of the series “Agent Stoker”, “Quantum Leap”, “The Equalizer”, “FUBAR”. The screenplay is written by Tasha Huo (also of “The Witcher: Blood Origin”, “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft”). Based on characters originally created by Robert E. Howard, as adapted by Roy Thomas into the comic books first published in 1973. It’s produced by Avi Lerner, Joe Gatta, Yariv Lerner, Mark Canton, Courtney Solomon, Joey Soloway, Luke Lieberman. Samuel Goldwyn Films will debut M.J. Bassett’s Red Sonja movie in theaters starting on August 15th, 2025 later this summer. Who’s down?
Find more posts in: Featurette, Hype, To Watch, Trailer
by admin | Aug 1, 2025 | FirstShowing News
Official US Trailer for ‘Dongji Rescue’ About the Lisbon Maru Sinking
by Alex Billington
August 1, 2025
Source: YouTube
“Our ancestors said, all in peril at sea must be saved.” Well Go USA has revealed an official US trailer for a Chinese rescue thriller titled Dongji Rescue, set during the early days of World War II in 1942. Based on the true story of what is known as the “Lisbon Maru Sinking Incident” – a terrible massacre at sea. Dongji Rescue is co-directed by a Chinese filmmaker named Hu Guan, who also directed the excellent film Black Dog from last year, and tons of other acclaimed films. In 1942, a Japanese ship carrying British prisoners of war was torpedoed by an American submarine. Dongji fishermen from China risk their lives to rescue over 300 British soldiers, and rescuing & protecting 3 British individuals during a large-scale search by Japanese forces after the sinking. This stars Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, Ni Ni, Yang Haoyu, Chen Minghao, William Franklyn-Miller, Ni Dahong, Li Jiuxiao, and Wang Yiquan. This is one helluva trailer! Intense from start of finish – this looks like a proper epic WWII survival and rescue film. I really want to watch this now.
Here’s the official US trailer (+ poster) for Hu Guan & Fei Zhenxiang’s film Dongji Rescue, via YouTube:
The film is based on true history from World War II: In 1942, a Japanese cargo ship known as the “Lisbon Maru” carrying more than 1,800 British prisoners of war was torpedoed by an American submarine in the waters near the Zhoushan Islands. Nearby Dongki fishermen risked their lives to rescue 300 British servicemen, and protected & rescued 3 Britons during a massive Japanese search. This event is known as the “Lisbon Maru Sinking Incident.” Dongji Rescue, also known as 东极岛 in Mandarin, is co-directed by two Chinese filmmakers Hu Guan (director of the films Dirt, Cow, Design of Death, The Chef The Actor The Scoundrel, Mr. Six, Run for Love, My People My Country, The Eight Hundred, The Sacrifice, Black Dog, A Man and a Woman) & Fei Zhenxiang (director of Candle in the Tomb: The Worm Valley, Love Like the Galaxy, In Spite of the Strong Wind, She and Her Girls). The screenplay is written by Shu Chen, Runnian Dong, and Ji Zhang. Produced by Jing Liang. This just opened in China this week in July. Well Go USA will debut Dongji Rescue in select US theaters starting August 22nd, 2025 coming soon. Interested?
Find more posts in: To Watch, Trailer
by admin | Jul 31, 2025 | FirstShowing News
First Teaser for ‘Megadoc’ on the Making of Coppola’s ‘Megaflopolis’
by Alex Billington
July 31, 2025
Source: YouTube
“The magic and making of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic Megalopolis.” Utopia has revealed the first look teaser trailer for a new making of documentary film titled Megadoc, from director Mike Figgis. This mega documentary is trying to be the Hearts of Darkness (which was a look at Coppola’s troubled Apocalypse Now set) for Megalopolis, which opened in theaters last year. The only problem is that Megalopolis not only flopped big time, but it’s just not a good movie by any measure, and Coppola needs to accept this. I get that he spent tons of money on it, and he’s trying to be bold and provocative again, but it’s a complete mess and most people don’t care about it (unlike with Apocalypse Now). This Megadoc features appearances by Francis Ford Coppola (but of course!), Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Dustin Hoffman, Giancarlo Esposito, Chloe Fineman, Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Talia Shire, Robert De Niro, and more. It’s premiering at the 2025 Venice Film Festival soon before it debuts in September. I think a doc about what went wrong and how it flopped HUGE might be interesting – hopefully it will discuss that.
Here’s the first look teaser trailer for Mike Figgis’ making of doc film Megadoc, direct from YouTube:
This September: A raw, fly-on-the-wall documentary about Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-long journey in creating his self-financed passion project, Megalopolis. The bold and unrelenting epic returns in Mike Figgis’ compelling portrait of Coppola’s creative process – weaving together archival material, unfiltered cast interviews, and a close-up view of how the legendary filmmaker drew from Roman history, political allegory, and his own singular vision to shape the world of Megalopolis. This isn’t a record of a production on the brink, it’s a personal memoir unfolding in real time. Megadoc is directed by British indie filmmaker Mike Figgis, director of many films including Stormy Monday, Internal Affairs, Mr. Jones, The Browning Version, Leaving Las Vegas, One Night Stand, Miss Julie, Timecode, Hotel, Cold Creek Manor, Love Live Long, Suspension of Disbelief, and Somebody Up There Likes Me previously. Produced by Tara Li-An and James Mockoski. This is premiering at the 2025 Venice Film Festival coming up this fall. Utopia will debut Figgis’ Megadoc in select US theaters starting in September 2025 for everyone to watch. Who’s intrigued?
Find more posts in: Documentaries, Indies, To Watch, Trailer
