ASTEROID CITY

Spoiler Free

Published: 21/06/2023

Wes Anderson's 11th feature film release is finally upon us. After its premiere at Cannes Film Festival in May of this year, Asteroid City's theatrical international release date is set for June 23rd. The reception from Cannes being mostly positive, the hype around the film has been steadily building among Anderson fans. Many hoping that the film delivers more than Anderson's previous film The French Dispatch which left audiences underwhelmed.

Being able to have attended a preview screening, I can say that the plague of style over substance, which is normally the reoccurring issue with many of Anderson's work, stays clear from Asteroid City. While the structure of the story could, at times, be confusing the plot of Asteroid City in my opinion is the strongest of all his work. The film follows the events of a junior stargazer / space cadet convention in the small fictional town of Asteroid City in 1955 when one night things take a strange turn.

Unlike other Anderson films, Asteroid City is able to keep on track and has a steady plot. Whilst not perfectly executed throughout, the ground work was laid and followed through. Although I still haven’t pin pointed the message of the film, the stylistic direction taken and the script’s well-delivered humour, accentuated by a talented cast, make Asteroid City an enjoyable watch and a relief from the disappointment of Anderson’s last release.

Letterboxd Review on Asteroid City

Asteroid City, dir. Wes Anderson.

Release: 23 May 2023 (Cannes Film Festival)

International release: 23 June 2023

Lara Edwards.