Some of us (me) need specific things to look forward to in order to get through the work day. Some of us (me) rely on what new films are coming out to keep them going. Some of us (me) have found 2024 releases to be pretty lacklustre so far. We need a collective palette cleanser from the mediocrity of The Bikeriders, Furiosa, and MaXXXine. The high from Challengers won’t survive the summer. Here are 5 movies coming down the pipeline that can act as an intravenous dopamine drip until further notice.

1. The Last Showgirl – Dir. Gia Coppola

Gia Coppola, one of many nepo-spawn of the empire led by Francis Ford, wrapped her latest film earlier this year. Real ones became fans of Sofia’s cousin back in 2013 with the tumblr-viral release of her debut movie, Palo Alto. Creating unique and intriguing art is in Coppola’s DNA, as evidenced by her last film, Mainstream. It may not have been good, but it was certainly unique! However, the plot, cast, and first look of The Last Showgirl, seem inherently promising. Pamela Anderson stars as an aging Las Vegas showgirl who is forced to change pace after her residency is abruptly cancelled. This will be Anderson’s first starring role after a decades-long reckoning with her public persona, and most recently a tell-all memoir and documentary. I’m predicting the film to be a ‘serious actor’ showcase for the Baywatch star, followed by major Oscar campaign, maybe even a win a la Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler, or at least an Indie Spirit Award. I, for one, always knew Pam had this in her and was just waiting for the right project. There’s no release date yet, but I’d bet on a fall festival premiere.

2. The Code – Dir. Eugene Kotlyarenko

I can’t be the only one who still thinks about Spree (2020) on a monthly basis. Finally, the obscure writer/director, Eugene Kotylarenko, has announced that his latest film will premiere at this summer’s Fantasia Festival. The Code will follow a chronically-online, “sexless” couple in the early days of quarantine. I have been staunchly against any media portraying the pandemic, but for these dirtbags I will watch anything. “Problematic“ fave Dasha Nekrasova stars opposite internet’s Peter Vack and Ivy Wolk in a meditation on human connection in the time of isolation. From what little has been revealed about the movie, it seems to utilize screenlife style of filming—similar to Spree, but more surveillance than livestream. In The Code’s case, I can only imagine how crazy it smells in that room!

3. Mother Mary – Dir. David Lowery

Just when you think it’s over, Brat Summer continues. Charli XCX is producing original songs for A24’s upcoming film, Mother Mary. The director of A Ghost Story and The Green Knight is finally doing something for the gays by casting Anne Hathaway as a superstar in an “epic pop melodrama.” To take it one level further, Hathaway’s character is entangled in a romance with a fashion designer played by Michaela Coel, who’s assistant is played by Hunter Shafer. Twitter is ALREADY being annoying about it and there’s no set release date. I am being level-headed about it, silently and internally excited. I will politely wait for it’s late 2024/early 2025 release, but wouldn’t be surprised if A24 decided to bury it under whatever film they decide to spend all their marketing budget on instead.

4. Babygirl – Dir. Halina Reijn

Speaking of A24, Babygirl just may be the one duking it out with Mother Mary for attention! Bodies, Bodies, Bodies writer/director Halina Reijn partnered with the production company again, this time for an erotic age-gap thriller. Don’t get it twisted, this is no Lolita, no American Beauty—in Babygirl, the WOMAN is older. No ordinary woman either, Nicole Kidman. She is portraying a powerful CEO type who gets entangled into a relationship with her younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. After back to back roles in Triangle of Sadness, A Murder at the End of the World, and The Iron Claw, Dickinson is one to watch. He needs to remain booked and busy, at least until he can play the older predator. Unlike most of the other entries, Babygirl actually has a release date— mark your calendars for December 20th!

5. After the Hunt – Dir. Luca Guadagnino

Without a bated breath since the Challengers release, Luca Guadagnino has already started production on his next project entitled After the Hunt—which, unfortunately, is not an adaptation of The Shards. The other day on Instagram, Ayo Edibiri shared a cast photo which included Chloë Sevigny, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and casually Julia Roberts. I would watch them watch paint dry. The public synopsis for the movie sounds eerily like Tár, but about a college professor instead of a conductor. Roberts isn’t exactly Cate Blanchett, but there’s always more room for toxic women on screen. Considering the production just started, it may be a hot minute until the trailer— but that’s okay, the waiting will prolong my will to live!

Honorary mentions not included because there is already steady hype for them are: Anora, Nosferatu, Heretic, Megalopolis, and The Substance. I love all my children equally!