Heading into the start of summer blockbuster season means that June brings viewers a combination of widely anticipated releases and sleeper hits in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. The latest Disney/Pixar release Luca is sure to reel viewers into the Disney+ streaming platform, while the long-awaited Sylvester Stallone superhero film is finally coming to theaters. Next month also promises some movies that have managed to keep the exact nature of their narratives under wraps. Some trailer-less movies have been delayed due to the pandemic, but others seem to have chosen to limit the information viewers get beforehand to keep their thrills and twists a surprise.
Here's everything science-fiction and fantasy fans should be on the lookout for in June 2021.
Flashback
When visions of a vanished friend start to plague Frederick, he and his friends dive back into their high school memories and experiences with the dangerous drug Mercury to figure out what happened. Billed as a thriller, Flashback seems to skew the line between what's real and what's drug-induced as Frederick slips deeper into a burgeoning psychosis.
While Flashback could lead viewers down a familiar path of drugs blurring reality and fiction, it promises an even wilder story instead. The experimental drug seems to have fragmented Frederick's life into multiple realities, forcing him to choose which life he'll lead. Flashback also promises more than just internal struggle as Frederick attempts to piece together his memories and solve the mystery of his vanished friend, with a terrifying creature following him at every turn.
Flashback is directed by Christopher MacBride and stars Dylan O'Brien, Maika Monroe, Hannah Gross and Emory Cohen. The film is coming to select theaters and video on demand June 4.
Samaritan
Despite its nearing release date, little information has been shared about Samaritan. Co-produced by Sylvester Stallone's production company Balboa Productions and produced and starring Stallone himself, the movie tells the story of rediscovering a superhero who vanished decades ago after a show-stopping battle. Samaritan has set itself up to take on themes of age, disappointment and loss, as well as existing with superpowers in a mundane world.
The wild popularity of superhero stories in the wake of the Marvel Cinematic Universe means that a lot of ground has already been covered. Twists on whether superheroes are really beneficent have brought viewers The Boys and Invincible and playing with the format led to WandaVision. It's not clear how Samaritan will iterate on this storytelling trope, but it promises to be a "dark, fresh take" on the genre.
Samaritan is directed by Julius Avery, written by Bragi Schut and stars Sylvester Stallone. The movie will be released in theaters June 4.
The Unhealer
The Unhealer follows Kelly, a boy who develops supernatural healing powers after a faith-healing session goes wrong. Kelly had been tormented by bullies before his sickness, but when he learns that he not only heals but actually transfers his injuries to others, he flips the script and goes from helpless kid to aggressor. The only people who can stop this victim-turned-villain are two indigenous locals intent on restoring knowledge that doesn't belong to Kelly.
Aside from the joy of seeing Lance Henriksen in anything, The Unhealer also promises to explore the rich space of narcissism and hubris associated with the vast power of superhero stories. Turning the white male lead into the violent antagonist not only makes the story more complex but more palatable. Here's hoping The Unhealer treats indigenous medical and religious beliefs and practices as more than just a plot device.
Directed by Martin Guigui and staring Elijah Nelson, Natasha Henstridge, Lance Henriksen, Adam Beach and Branscombe Richmond, The Unhealer will be available on-demand June 8.
Awake
Awake hits viewers hard with two catastrophes, taking out the world's electronic systems and making it so that no one can sleep. Hampered by the technological blackout, scientists struggle to find a cure for worldwide insomnia before the lack of sleep becomes fatal. One woman discovers that her daughter can still sleep and may hold the key to saving the rest of humanity -- if they can stay alive long enough to understand what makes her special.
Helmed by beloved Gina Rodriguez, Awake explores the standard post-catastrophe turmoil where humans, forced with annihilation, turn on each other to save themselves. Awake's twist brings the exacerbation of these violent tendencies as sleep deprivation ramps paranoia and violence to off-the-chart levels. The lack of sleep also effectively puts a timer on events, heightening the tension even further. With a Children of Men-style chance to save humanity included, Awake promises no end of thrills.
Directed by Mark Raso and written by Mark and Joseph Raso, Awake stars Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barry Peppe and Finn Jones. The movie arrives on Netflix June 9.
Wish Dragon
Wish Dragon is Netflix's latest animated blockbuster release that re-tells the familiar genie in a bottle story with a contemporary Chinese twist. Working-class student Din wants nothing more than to reconnect with his childhood best friend Lina after the two are separated by years and class differences. When Din finds a dragon who will grant him three wishes in a seemingly innocuous teapot, the two set off on an adventure to use up Din's wishes and find Lina.
While it's releasing only a week before the next Disney/Pixar collaboration and presenting a story that doesn't seem to be treading much new ground, there's a lot to Wish Dragon to make it worth a watch. Featuring an all-star voice cast and vibrant animation, Wish Dragon seems an easy choice for summer viewing.
Written and directed by Chris Appelhans, Wish Dragon stars the voice talents of Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Will Yun Lee, Jimmy O. Yang, Aaron Yoo, Bobby Lee and Ronnie Chieng. It will premiere on Netflix June 11.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound sets up three different stories. In one, a man's car breaks down, and he's taken in for the night by a too-friendly couple. Another focuses on a woman exhausted by the gaslighting of her secret relationship. The final story shows a medical professional uncertain about her role in an experiment that may be harming participants. All three of these stories converge in the sci-fi/mystery drama of Ultrasound.
The lack of accessible trailers for Ultrasound and the somewhat innocuous and mysterious plot descriptions suggest that the movie has unexpected twists that link together the disparate storylines, something that requires secrecy. Described as "always steps ahead of the viewer," it's certain that Ultrasound has a mind-bending ride in store.
Directed by Rob Schroeder and written by Conor Stechschulte, Ultrasound stars Vincent Kartheiser, Chelsea Lopez, Breeda Wool, Tunde Adebimpe, Rainey Qually, Chris Gartin and Bob Stephenson. The movie will be available to stream on Tribeca at Home June 16.
Luca
The latest Disney/Pixar animated adventure Luca follows a couple of sea creatures who disguise themselves as humans to explore the surface world. Failing to fully hide their fish-out-of-water nature in the small Italian village, the two are rescued by an actual human with a penchant for the weird. Luca explores this one memorable summer where the real magic isn't the existence of sea creatures or their ability to appear like humans, but the friendship that brings these three together.
If previous Disney/Pixar movies are any indication, Luca is sure to be impeccably animated with a tidy screenplay, creating a truly compelling story that tugs on the heartstrings. With their willingness to explore the fantastical in the mundane -- childhood toys that come alive, a rat who can cook, human emotions with their own personalities -- they're sure to bring a sense of whimsy and relatability to the Italian sea creatures as well.
Directed by Enrico Casarosa, Luca stars Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli and Jim Gaffigan. The film arrives on Disney+ June 18.
Werewolves Within
Based on a popular video game of the same name, which in turn is based on the social/party game Werewolf, Werewolves Within tells the story of a group of small-town residents trapped at a local inn while a creature attacks the town. The movie -- and the games -- focus on figuring out who or what the monster is while accusations and hidden knowledge drive the group to desperate actions.
Werewolves Within is a genre-mashup, a hodgepodge of horror, comedy, whodunit and video game adaptation that all work together to promise a wildly entertaining movie. Drawing on these fantastical creatures to drive its human drama (and comedy), Werewolves Within promises laughs, jumps and a return of the incomparable Harvey Guillén, making it the perfect summer paranormal watch.
Directed by Josh Ruben, written by Mishna Wolff and staring Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall, Harvey Guillén, Rebecca Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaella Watkins and Glenn Fleshler, Werewolves Within is coming to theaters June 25.