It may be the last month of summer but do not fret, there are so many new releases to get you by. 

Travel the world with our select films and TV series that take place anywhere from Paris to the German Alps. Whether you are looking for a sports-centered film to keep up with the Olympic hype or have been an avid ‘booktok’ user anticipating the new Colleen Hoover adaptation, this list has plenty in store for you. 

Here are our top 12 picks for August 2024  streaming and theatrical releases: 

Photograph by The Elizabeth Taylor Estate/HBO

Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes

One of Hollywood’s most renowned actors is getting an HBO Documentary that offers an unprecedented look into her life. Narrated by Elizabeth Taylor herself, this documentary will give access to her personal archives and 40 hours of unearthed audio interviews with journalist Richard Meryman. Audiences are invited to rediscover, not just the mega star of the Golden Age, but rather a woman who navigated all the hardships of fame and womanhood. There are stories of lifelong fame, personal identity, and public scrutiny on a global stage from early childhood. If you have ever wondered what lies beneath the iconic stars on screen, this will answer just that.

Where to Watch: Crave

Release Date: August 3

Courtesy of Elevation Pictures

Cuckoo

Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father in the German Alps with his new family. This arrival is met with difficulties as they are greeted by Mr. Konig, her father’s boss who takes an interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Thrown off by this encounter in this seemingly tranquil paradise, Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions that lead to a shocking secret. This is a tale of family secrecy and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. Starring Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick, this cast surely delivers a performance that will have you immersed in the Alps. 

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 9

Courtesy of Elevation Pictures

Balestra

Surely everyone has thought about starting a new sport since the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. Characterized by the white uniforms and agile movements, fencing has made headlines everywhere. Lucky for you, Nicole Dorsey’s newest film Balestra follows a competitive fencer who agrees to test an experimental device that lets her train within lucid dreams. In this realm she meets a mysterious and alluring stranger who will upend her marriage, her psyche, and her path to Olympic gold. Starring Cush Jumbo, Manny Jacinto, and James Badge Dale, this film must be added to your post-Olympic watch list!

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 9

 

It Ends With Us 

Based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, It Ends With Us is one of the highly anticipated summer releases starring Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar. The film follows Lily who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. After moving to Boston, she faces her lifelong dream of opening her own business. However, she has a chance meeting with a neurosurgeon that sparks some connections but Lily begins to see her parents’ relationship reflected in the present. When her first love Atlas Corrigan abruptly reenters her life, her relationship is upended and she realizes she must learn to rely on her own strengths for the future. 

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 9

Courtesy of Netflix

Daughters

In a moving portrait of empathy and forgiveness, Daughters traces an eight-year documentary journey by filmmaker Natalie Rae and social change advocate Angela Patton. The film follows Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana as they prepare for a momentous Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. This heart-wrenching film follows their aspirations, dreams, and the emotional toll of their fathers’ absence. Despite their young ages, the girls reveal a profound wisdom and resilience unbeknownst to many. Daughters sheds a light on the complexities of family dynamics that impacts all. Healing is not linear but films like this can kick start even the hardest of conversations. 

Where to Watch: Netflix 

Release Date: August 14

Courtesy of Netflix

Emily in Paris Season 4, Part 1

Bienvenue Emily In Paris! Lily Collins returns back to her role as Emily after the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding. Each character has their own set of problems but Emily takes center stage with her strong feelings for Gabriel and Alfie. Two problems, Gabriel is expecting a baby with his ex and Alfie’s insecurities about their relationship have been confirmed. At work, Sylvie is forced to confront her past for the sake of marriage and the Agence Grateau team navigates some personnel shakeups. There is undeniable chemistry in the air and Emily must battle herself to keep it on the low to keep all dreams intact. With this much suspense, who is missing out on the long-awaited season of Emily in Paris?

Where to Watch: Netflix 

Release Date: August 15

Courtesy of levelFILM

Good One

In India Donaldson’s insightful, piercing debut, 17-year-old Sam embarks on a three-day backpacking trip in the Catskills with her dad, Chris, and his oldest friend, Matt. The two men quickly settle into a quarrelsome brotherly dynamic airing long-held grievances putting Sam directly in the middle. In an attempt to mediate the two, her trust is quickly betrayed and the tensions reach a fever pitch as Sam struggles with her dad’s emotional limitations, and it is safe to say their parental bond is tested. This is an emotionally expansive work that probes the limits of familial trust, understanding, and forgiveness previously screened at Sundance and Cannes film festivals!

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 16

Image courtesy of Banger Films and the NFB

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

The road to the music industry is not always well paved. Nashville-born singer Jackie Shane became one of music’s pioneering trans performers. At the edge of stardom she leaves the spotlight, but this documentary pushes the question of why. The film hands the mic over to finally reveal her truth in an unmistakable voice. With a combination of never-before-heard phone conversations, dazzling animations, and original film scores, this story tells the truth to those who are willing to listen. Follow Jackie on her journey marked by family secrets, loss, and love to see her most authentic self. 

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 16

Courtesy of Mongrel Media

Close to You

Cities offer comfort, compassion, and consolation and for Sam (Elliot Page), Toronto has provided just that. Now, after a four-year absence from his hometown of Cobourg he returns for his father’s birthday and a dreaded family reunion—the first since he transitioned. On the train, Sam has a chance encounter with Katherine (Hillary Baack), whom he has not seen since high school. The two were once very close and it appears as if the spark is still alive. After all these years Sam’s family confronts long-buried memories. There is no hiding amidst this cast with Wendy Crewson, Peter Outbridge, Alex Paxton-Beesley, Janet Porter, Daniel Maslany, Andrew Bushell, and David Reale.

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 16

Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Blink Twice

You won’t want to miss Blink Twice by actor turned director Zoë Kravitz. In this film, tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) to join him and his friends on a getaway to his private island. Sparks are flying, wild nights blend into sun-soaked days and everyone is having a blast. However, everything shifts when strange things keep happening and Frida realizes she will need to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out alive. Think of an all-inclusive vacation where everything becomes eerie. There is definitely a way out, but the question is how?

Where to Watch: In Theatres

Release Date: August 23

Courtesy of Bell Media

Don’t Even

They say that high school is the golden years but who are they? Also, why high school? This funny, relatable, and heartwarming take on friendship, growing up, and the complexities of life in Winnipeg follows two best friends in the late ‘90s as they grapple with the summer after senior year. Following a humiliating mishap at her high school grad, Violet wants to make the most of the last summer before university. On the other hand, Harley wants to distract herself from a big dilemma of what’s next and the two bask in newfound freedoms, life choices, and all that attempts to break their once impenetrable bond. It’s awkward, it’s dramatic, and most importantly, it’s Winnipeg.

Where to Watch: Crave

Release Date: August 23

Such Brave Girls

Sibling dynamics can vary and there is nothing like a dysfunctional family sitcom to relay that. Created by and starring real-life sisters Kat Sadler and Lizzie Davidson, Such Brave Girls follows sisters Josie and Billie with their single mother Deb. The trio navigates life armed with nothing but poor judgment and self-esteem tied to people who could care less. Love is heavily misplaced and confused with vain as the three remain desperate for affection. These complex dynamics are never one-dimensional and this series shows just that.  

Where to Watch: Crave

Release Date: August 23