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Watchlist: Curators' Picks - Before the Blockbuster

5 people in a cabin in the woods
3 Apr 2020
3 min read

Our cinema curator Sonia Zadurian has selected 5 films of directors and writers before they got big with blockbusters - here's our 'Before the Blockbuster' watchlist...

Joss Whedon / Blockbuster: Avengers Assemble
Our pick: Cabin in the Woods on Netflix


Before he assembled those avengers for the first time, Joss Whedon co-wrote this wickedly sharp tale of college students who journey to a remote cabin for a good time, only to get far more than they bargained for. Watch the trailer.
 

 

Ryan Coogler / Blockbuster: Black Panther
Our pick: Fruitvale Station on Netflix 


Before Wakanda, writer/director Ryan Coogler brought us this emotionally devastating tale, based on the true story of Oscar Grant III (Michael B Jordan) and one tragic night in 2008 which saw him stopped by police. Watch the trailer.

 

Patty Jenkins / Blockbuster:Wonder Woman
Our pick: Monster on Amazon

Charlize Theron won Best Actress at the 2004 Academy Awards for her ferocious turn as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in this gritty and compelling thriller. Watch the trailer.

 



Taika Waititi / Blockbuster: Thor Ragnarok
Our pick: Boy on Amazon

Sweet, funny, dark and light. This gem is early evidence of the brilliance of writer/director Taika Waititi, who delicately sprinkles comedy into his heart-warming tales and such heart into his comedies. Watch the trailer.

 

Cate Shortland / Blockbuster: upcoming Black Widow
Our pick: Somersault on BFI player


This feature directorial debut from Cate Shortland is a riveting drama with a remarkable central performance from Abbie Cornish, as a young girl with a troubled past who gradually learns the differences between sex and love. Watch the trailer.
 

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