In South African cinemas from this Friday: we interrupt your regular midyear release schedule of superhero movies and blockbuster sequels, to deliver a bombastic musical biopic, and a substantially quieter coming of age romance.
Elvis
Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) has a complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spans over twenty years, from Presleyʼs rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against a backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvisʼs life, Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge). The biographical musical drama film Elvis is directed by Baz Luhrmann, who co-wrote the screenplay with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, from a story by Luhrmann and Doner.
First Love
Jim (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a senior in high school, experiences the highs and lows of his first love with Ann (Sydney Park) as they navigate their pending departure to college. At the same time, Jim’s parents (Diane Kruger and Jeffrey Donovan) are dealing with the familial fallout of a financial crisis.