As the European Film Market kicks off on February 13 in Berlin, led by new market head Tanja Meissner, this year’s buzziest titles signal a shift towards tried-and-true genre fare and prominent star-driven packages to mitigate the winter chill. With bankable stars expected to ignite interest in Berlin, noteworthy projects include Ari Aster and A24’s “Eddington” featuring an all-star cast of Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. Additionally, there is Ernest Dickerson’s untitled hitman thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson alongside Daveed Diggs, showcasing how marquee names remain a reliable investment amid the uncertainty reigning in the theatrical market.
On the genre side, horror films are anticipated to generate sales with a variety of compelling options. Isabelle Huppert’s 16th-century vampire mystery, “The Blood Countess,” and Jacob Chase’s “Bad Boy,” which stars Ke Huy Quan and Lili Reinhart, are examples of this trend. Moreover, comedies are poised for a comeback, with projects such as Neon’s “Old Pals” featuring Henry Winkler and Brian Cox, the road-trip comedy “The Shitheads” with Dave Franco and Peter Dinklage, and the psychedelic stoner comedy “Toad,” directed by Adam Rifkin and starring Tiffany Haddish and James Franco. After a quiet Sundance Film Festival, where sales surged in Park City, it’s hoped that the EFM will witness a revival of previous spending sprees.
Among the most talked-about films at EFM is “500 Miles,” directed by Morgan Matthews and featuring Roman Griffin Davis, Bill Nighy, and Maisie Williams. This warm-hearted adventure-comedy follows two young brothers on a 500-mile journey across Ireland to connect with their estranged grandfather. Another title demanding attention is “A New Dawn,” directed by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya. This film focuses on a young man’s quest for his father inside a dilapidated fireworks factory and marks Shinomiya’s debut as a feature filmmaker.
Jacob Chase’s “Bad Boy,” based on a popular Black List-topping script, explores the tale of a woman striving to escape from a serial killer through the eyes of the killer’s loyal dog. Other highlights include “The Birthday Party,” directed by Miguel Angel Jimenez, featuring Willem Dafoe. Set against the backdrop of an opulent birthday celebration on a private island in the Mediterranean, the film navigates complex family dynamics.
In the realm of horror, Ulrike Ottinger’s “The Blood Countess” presents a chilling vampire mystery starring Isabelle Huppert as Countess Elizabeth Báthory, a historical figure notorious for her brutal acts. This film is based on a script co-written by Nobel Prize-winning author Elfriede Jelinek. Meanwhile, the erotic thriller “Blurred,” directed by Ben Cookson, keeps its plot details under wraps, relying on intrigue to capture interest in the New York fashion world, featuring Guy Pearce and Alex Pettyfer.
On the thriller front, James Kermack’s “Breathe Deep” promises terrifying twists, where a woman revisits the scene of her father’s shark-related death, leading to shocking encounters. Tom Edmunds’ “The Butler” showcases Jean Reno in a gripping story about a retired World War I commando forced back into his violent past when the mob comes calling.
Among the newer narratives, Kantemir Balagov’s “Butterfly Jam” features an emotionally layered story of a U.S. community of Circassian immigrants. The film is notable as Balagov’s English-language debut, furthering his acclaimed reputation following “Beanpole.” Other projects include Alice Winocour’s “Couture,” a Parisian drama about three women navigating personal crises during Fashion Week, with Executive Producer Angelina Jolie adding star power.
“Die By Night,” directed by Rod Blackhurst, plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic world, captivating with its suspenseful portrayal of survival as a group battles the night’s horrors. Paul Greengrass’ “The Rage,” featuring Matthew McConaughey, depicts a historical uprising during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 England, spotlighting visceral themes of resistance.
The unveiling of Samuel L. Jackson’s untitled hitman thriller is particularly significant, as it depicts a former hitman drawn back into his former life by a glowing family connection, amplifying the stakes surrounding loyalty and crime. The film is co-starring Daveed Diggs, and its development adds to the dynamic narrative roster at EFM.
The festival not only displays familiar faces but also brings fresh narratives in “Wild Game,” directed by Jason Hall. It tells the gripping tale of a government officer and a renegade, showcasing how the themes of justice intersect with personal journeys.
Overall, the European Film Market of 2025 is set to be a crucible of creativity and collaboration, drawing attention not only to blockbuster projects but also to diverse genres and fresh voices. Highlights include a balance of well-known star-driven tales and exhilarating new talent. Amid the excitement of these premieres, the film community is keenly aware of the evolving landscape of cinema, making this year especially vital for crafting stories that resonate across audiences.
As such, the market serves as more than a platform for sales; it’s a vibrant space for filmmakers, actors, and audiences to engage in dialogue about the potential future of film. Whether through Samuel L. Jackson’s riveting performance as a hitman or other diverse offerings, EFM 2025 showcases considerable promise and is poised to leave its mark on the cinematic landscape.
