Overview
- The Russian auteur returned to Cannes with Minotaur, a murder drama in the main competition that many critics now tip as a favorite for the Palme d'Or.
- Set in Russia in 2022, the film weaves the invasion of Ukraine and state pressure on firms to supply recruits into a story about power and impunity.
- The feature marks Andrey Zvyagintsev’s first film in nine years after a severe COVID-19 illness in 2020 and his move to make work outside Russia.
- Pedro Almodóvar’s Amarga Navidad screened in competition and drew mixed notices from festival critics.
- Early festival tallies spotlight other contenders, with reports of long ovations for Fjord and strong international critic scores for Fatherland and De repente.