7 Great Films We Saw at the 2026 New York Film Festival

Pedro Pascal delivers a masterful performance as Alex Serian, an esteemed professional cellist who moves back to L.A. to work on film scores after a near-death experience. Between gigs on studio lots, he reconnects with his guitarist-turned-podcaster brother (Will Arnett), reflects on their dysfunctional family of musicians, and revisits his memories of a past relationship—which could change the course of his life. The drama from Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, Duplicity) is touted as a “love letter” to the music of movies, which is true; the most exciting scenes are the ones bursting with original score, proving the power of music on-screen. But it’s also a fascinating study of intergenerational family dynamics and the patterns children inherit—or choose to reject—from their parents. Talent might be inherited, but trauma is too.

In theaters December 4.

In the follow-up to her Oscar-nominated doc 13th, Ava DuVernay tackles the 14th Amendment and how the Trump administration is defying its basic tenets, including birthright citizenship. Featuring sources like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Stacey Abrams, the film draws parallels between the current political climate and that of post-Civil War America as it highlights events like the January 6 insurrection and ICE raids. The result is scathing, infuriating, numbing, and sure to stir a lot of emotions, but the director is prepared for that. She told ELLE, “There are repercussions doing something like this, and I accept them.”

On Netflix December 4.

Kate O’Flynn is having a year. The Widow’s Bay Emmy winner gives another wonderful performance in Mike Leigh’s latest (and perhaps last?) film as Amy, a social worker who lives with her best friend and has a tight-knit relationship with her adorable parents (Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson are such gems). Throughout the film, Amy and her friend Rosie, who’s also in the business, work with foster children, the elderly, and the homeless. Their cases are smartly juxtaposed with scenes of Amy looking after her parents, her parents caring for each other, or Amy and Rosie leaning on each other. The comparisons point out the limitations of structured welfare programs; what people really need is the tender loving care we offer to our own family and friends.

In theaters December 4.

Just in time for the 20th anniversary of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, a behind-the-scenes documentary from her late mother, Eleanor Coppola, is now hitting the big screen. It turns out, Eleanor had filmed over 80 hours of footage while observing her daughter on the set of the cult classic, which was granted the rare privilege of shooting in the Palace of Versailles. She captures some of the filmmaker’s struggles on the huge undertaking—standing her ground against the opinions of men around her, nursing a cold while filming, sorting scheduling issues due to hair and makeup changes—as well as some sweet moments between takes. (A jam sesh from Phoenix in costume!) It’s a real treat for fans of the 2006 film, but it’s also a portrait of a woman wanting to create a work of her own in a family full of directors. In this case, it’s not just Sofia; it’s Eleanor too.

In theaters October 23 and on Mubi November 6.

Bucking Fastard is for the weirdos. From director Werner Herzog, the dark comedy follows two sisters played by Rooney and Kate Mara who just want to find a place where they can freely be their weird, love-obsessed selves. It’s entertaining enough to watch the Maras deliver all of their lines in unison (I’d love to see how they rehearsed), dress exactly the same, and craft their characters’ odd quirks, but the film is also a reminder that we all just want to be accepted for who we are.

Release date to be announced.