Best New Films – Quick Links
Australia has been graced with a series of compelling new films that have captivated audiences and critics alike. From powerful documentaries to thrilling action adventures, these movies offer a diverse range of storytelling and cinematic excellence. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated releases this month.
Journey Home, David Gulpilil – 27 May (SBS On Demand)
This poignant documentary captures the emotional journey of David Gulpilil, one of Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous actors, as his family works tirelessly to fulfill his final wish: to be buried on his ancestral homeland, over 4500 kilometers away from where he passed away. The film provides an intimate glimpse into the cultural significance of this request and the challenges faced by the family in making it a reality.
The filmmakers were granted unique access to the Gulpilil family, who have shared their story as a tribute to David’s legacy. His contributions to Australian cinema are immeasurable, having worked with some of the industry’s most renowned directors and actors.
From a 4-star review:
‘Trisha Morton-Thomas and Maggie Miles’ illuminating, elegiac documentary Journey Home, David Gulpilil traces the final voyage of an irreplaceable talent. When Walkabout director Nicholas Roeg first spotted the incandescent presence of late Yolŋu legend mid-traditional dance, he knew instantaneously that he’d found the First Nations lead of his soon-to-be Palme d’Or-nominated film. A star turn that would take the 17-year-old from Gupulul, in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land, to Buckingham Palace to meet the then-queen of England (and The Beatles’ John Lennon) on his way to the Cannes Film Festival. This spectacular emergence began an illustrious career that solidified Gulpilil as one of the most magnetic performers to ever hail from this ancient and sacred land. Working with the likes of Peter Weir, Rolf de Heer, Phillip Noyce and Ivan Sen in seminal films including Storm Boy (x2), The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, Ten Canoes, Rabbit-Proof Fence and Goldstone, Gulpilil was iridescent.’
Read the full review.
Propeller One-Way Night Coach – 29 May (Apple TV)
Directed, written, produced, and narrated by John Travolta, this film follows young airplane enthusiast Jeff (Clark Shotwell) and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) as they embark on a cross-country odyssey to Hollywood during the golden age of aviation. Their journey transforms into a life-changing adventure, blending nostalgia with the thrill of exploration.
The Long Walk – 30 May (HBO Max)
This gripping film follows a group of teenagers participating in a high-stakes contest where they must continuously walk or risk being shot by their military escort. Starring Francis Lawrence, Cooper Hoffman, Ben Wang, and Mark Hamill, the movie offers a tense and thought-provoking narrative.
Bugonia – 21 May (Binge)
In this 2025 release, two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company. Featuring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, the film is described as “incendiary and out of this world” in its review.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War – 20 May (Prime Video)
This latest entry in the Jack Ryan series sees John Krasinski reprise his role as the reluctant hero thrust back into the world of espionage. As a deadly conspiracy unfolds, Jack must confront a rogue black-ops unit while racing against time. The film features a stellar cast, including Michael Kelly, Wendell Pierce, and Sienna Miller.
The Running Man – 19 May (Stan)
Based on Stephen King’s iconic novel, this science-fiction action adaptation explores a near-future America dominated by a media network known as the Network. The highest-rated program, The Running Man, pits contestants against five hunters in a deadly game for survival. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars Glen Powell, William H Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, and Emilia Jones.
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