The 34 Most-Anticipated Summer Movies For 2024

summer movies 2024 pixar inside out 2

Things are a little bit more relaxed on the new TV show front this summer, which means all my energy can go towards watching as many movies as I can. Here are all the best 2024 movies to watch after a long day on vacation. From June movies to July movies, and the upcoming August movies, you won't want to miss these flicks.

While the summer of 2023 (AKA the summer of Barbie and The Summer I Turned Pretty and Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, hello!) is over, there is still plenty to look forward to! And after you've seen all these new movies, check out these 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Despicable Me 4 — In Theaters July 3, 2024

Image via Illumination

This is one animated sequel I cannot wait to watch in theaters — even if we can't partake in the Gentleminion TikTok trend anymore. Gru and his family are up against a new villain, voiced by Will Ferrell (who played a not-quite-cutthroat villain in Barbie). The whole gang is back together, including a new baby Gru Jr.! Watch the Despicable Me 4 trailer here.

Despicable Me 4 hits theaters July 3 and stars Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Steve Coogan, Miranda Cosgrove, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, and Kristen Wiig.

Space Cadet — On Prime Video July 4, 2024

Image via Prime Video

Rex has always dreamed about going to space, in this summer movie. When her "doctored" application gets her into NASA's astronaut training program, she has to figure out how to make it through the program without any of her peers, or directors, figuring out her secret.

Space Cadet is on Prime Video July 4 and stars Emma Roberts, Tom Hopper, Poppy Liu, Gabrielle Union, Kuhoo Verma, Desi Lydic, Sebastián Yatra, Yasha Jackson, Andrew Call, Troy Iwata, Josephine Huang, Dave Foley, Sam Robards, and Joshua Harto.

MaXXXine — In Theaters July 5, 2024

Image via A24

Mia Goth is back for another stint as Maxine and I'm happy to report that, after the clip of Maxine screaming "I'm a star" went viral across social media, she FINALLY gets her big break. But when Hollywood's newest stars begin turning up dead, Maxine's future is threatened by her past secrets.

MaXXXine hits theaters July 5 and stars Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.

Fly Me To The Moon — In Theaters July 12, 2024

Image via Apple TV+

If you loved the vintage style of Lessons in Chemistry, you'll definitely want to press play on Fly Me To The Moon. Set during the Apollo 11 moon landing, the new movie follows Kelly Jones, a marketing expert tasked with fixing NASA's public image, while launch director Cole Davis is just trying to get the mission off the ground (literally).

Fly Me To The Moon hits theaters July 12 and stars Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Nick Dillenburg, and Anna Garcia.

Descendants: Rise of Red — On Disney+ July 12, 2024

Image via Disney+

'90s kids, rejoice — Brandy's back! After starring in Best. Christmas. Ever!, the singer and actress is reprising her iconic role as Cinderella in this new Descendants installment. Uma is now headmaster of Auradon Prep, and when she invites the Queen of Heart's daughter Red to join her, the Queen uses it as an opportunity to get revenge on Cinderella.

Descendants: Rise of Red hits Disney+ July 12 and stars Brandy, Rita Ora, Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, China Anne McClain, Jeremy Swift, Dara Reneé, Ruby Rose Turner.

Longlegs — In Theaters July 12, 2024

Image via NEON

FBI Agent Lee Harker is an FBI Agent who's assigned to a serial killer case that's never been solved. When the case takes an unexpected turn — and shows evidence of occult activity — Harker is horrified to learn he has a personal connection to the killer. Watch the Longlegs trailer here.

Longlegs hits theaters July 12 and stars Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood.

Twisters — In Theaters July 19, 2024

Image via Universal Pictures/Warner Bros.

Glen Powell returns to our screens again in Twisters with a star-studded cast. This summer movie seems to serve as a sequel to the original 1996 film, with just as much disaster and pure terror to help it stand on its own. Hold on folks, we're in for a bumpy ride. Watch the Twisters trailer here.

Twisters hits theaters July 19, 2024 and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sasha Lane, Brandon Perea, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and Maura Tierney.

Deadpool 3 (Deadpool & Wolverine) — In Theaters July 26, 2024

Image via Marvel Studios/Disney

The MCU is in for a wild ride with Ryan Reynolds'Deadpool & Wolverine. Not only is the TVA involved and Hugh Jackman is bringing the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we might also see Taylor Swift make an appearance as a brand new character. (Yes, please!). Watch the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer here.

Deadpool 3 hits theaters July 26, 2024 and stars Morena Baccarin, Emma Corrin, Brianna Hildebrand, Hugh Jackman, Stefan Kapičić, Matthew Macfadyen, and Ryan Reynolds.

Harold And The Purple Crayon — In Theaters August 2, 2024

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The Harold we all knew as kids has grown up and drawn himself right off the pages of his book. Now, he's got to figure out how to operate in the real world — especially once the power of unlimited imagination (AKA his purple crayon) gets into the wrong hands.

Harold And The Purple Crayon hits theaters August 2 and stars Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, Jemaine Clement, Tanya Reynolds, Alfred Molina, and Zooey Deschanel.

Borderlands — In Theaters August 9, 2024

Image via Lionsgate

Fans of The Last of Us will want to strap in for this video game adaptation (and not just because it's written by TLOU showrunner Craig Mazin!). The movie follows treasure hunter Lilith, who returns to her home planet of Pandora to find a missing girl, and the rag-tag team she puts together along the way. Watch the Borderlands trailer here.

Borderlands hits theaters August 9, 2024 and stars Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Ariana Greenblatt, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gina Gerson, Florian Munteanu, and Edgar Ramierez.

It Ends With Us — In Theaters August 9, 2024

Sony Pictures Releasing

When Lily Bloom falls in love with Ryle, she's excited to start their life together. But she never expects her first love, Atlas, to reenter the picture — or for all the consequences that come with them reconnecting.

It Ends With Us premieres August 9 and stars Blake Lively, Jenny Slate, Brandon Sklenar, Justin Baldoni, and Hasan Minhaj.

Daughters — On Netflix August 14, 2024

Image via Netflix

Filmmaker Natalie Rae and advocate Angela Patton chronicle an eight-year journey for Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana. They're preparing for an important Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, and as the girls age, they navigate heartbreak, coming-of-age, and family bonds.

Daughters hits Netflix August 14.

Jackpot! — On Prime Video August 15, 2024

Image via Prime Video

This new summer movie follows Katie, who accidentally wins the lottery. But in this world, anyone who kills her wins her money. Katie teams up with lottery protection agent Noel who promises to keep her alive — if he can beat his slick rival Louis.

Jackpot! is on Prime Video August 15 and stars Awkwafina, John Cena, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Sam Asghari, Murray Hill, and Simu Liu.

The Union — On Netflix August 16, 2024

Netflix

Mike is shocked when his high school sweetheart Roxanne turns up out of the blue...and even more shocked when she ropes him into her top secret spy mission in London.

The Union hits Netflix August 16, 2024 and stars Halle Berry, Mark Wahlberg, Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, and J.K. Simmons.

Alien: Romulus — In Theaters August 16, 2024

Image via 20th Century Studios

This follow-up to the iconic Alien franchise is for sci-fi and action lovers! The summer movie follows a group of young space colonizers on a mission to explore an abandoned space station. But the deeper the go, they closer they get to the most terrifying life form in the whole universe.

Alien: Romulus hits theaters August 16, 2024 and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Blink Twice — In Theaters August 23, 2024

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Frida is a cocktail waitress who gets whisked away from her regular life to philanthropist Slater King's private island. But the more time she spends on the intoxicating island, the more she realizes just how unsettling — and horrifying — it really is.

Blink Twice hits theaters August 23 and stars Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat, Geena Davis, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa, Simon Rex, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters August 30, 2024

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

You've never seen a super-hero flick quite like this. Consider this summer movie the origin story of the titular Kraven the Hunter, and discover why he becomes the feared figure we all know so well.

Kraven the Hunter premieres August 30, and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe.

Am I Ok? — On Max Now

Image via Max

Lucy is overwhelmed by the fact she's in her 30s and has never had romantic success. But when she realizes it's because she's a lesbian, Lucy's best friend Jane helps her navigate coming out.

Am I Ok? hits Max June 6 and stars Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, Sean Hayes, and Tig Notaro.

Hit Man — On Netflix Now

Image via Netflix

Glen Powell isn't slowing down after Anyone But You, and his first movie of 2024 is Hit Man, where he stars as a Houston, Texas undercover cop posing as a hitman. When he meets a woman stuck in an abusive marriage, and then falls for her, he decides to break protocol to help her. Watch the Hit Man trailer here.

Hit Man premieres June 7 and stars Austin Amelio, Adria Arjona, Glen Powell, and Retta.

The Crow — In Theaters Now

Image via Lionsgate

Eric and Shelly are soulmates in this modern adaptation of James O’Barr's graphic novel. But when Shelly's past catches up to them, and the couple is murdered, Eric has an opportunity: save his one true love by sacrificing himself. What follows is a merciless quest for revenge, and the desire to bring their murderers to justice.

The Crow hits theaters June 7 and stars Bill Skarsgård, FKA twigs, and Danny Huston.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die — In Theaters Now

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Following 2020's Bad Boys For Life, this new summer movie has the action and hilarious comedy that you expect from the franchise. This time, Mike and Marcus are on the run themselves, which is sure to add even more chaos than before.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die hits theaters June 7 and stars Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano.

The Watchers — In Theaters Now

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

Dakota Fanning is back in this new horror thriller that follows Mina, an artist who gets stranded in a huge, untouched Irish forest. Things take a turn for the better when Mina finds shelter with three strangers — until she learns they're being watched by mysterious creatures every single night. Check out our coverage of the world premiere here!

The Watchers hits theaters June 14, and stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere.

Black Barbie — On Netflix Now

Image via Netflix

This documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie was created at Mattell in 1980, thanks to three Black women at the company who changed the brand for the better.

Black Barbie is coming to Netflix June 19.

The Bikeriders — In Theaters Now

Image via Focus Features

Your favorite actors like Austin Butler, Mike Faist, and Jodie Comer are back in this edgy summer movie, which follows a Chicago motorcycle club for over a decade. While the story is fictional, it was inspired by the real 1967 photobook by Danny Lyon! Watch The Bikeriders trailer here.

The Bikeriders hits theaters June 21, 2024 and stars Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Mike Faist, Tom Hardy, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus, and Michael Shannon.

Janet Planet — In Theaters June 21, 2024

Image via A24

It's the summer of 1991 and 11-year-old Lacy has nothing but her imagination and her mother to keep her company — neither of which she minds. That is, until they get three visitors who pull her mother's attention away. This summer movie holds incredible tension between a deep mother-daughter relationship and figuring out pre-teen independence.

Janet Planet will release on June 21 and stars Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, and Sophie Okonedo.

Kinds of Kindness — In Theaters Now

Image via Searchlight Pictures

After the success of Poor Things, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos are reuniting for a brand new summer movie. Kinds of Kindness is an anthology movie, tying together three different stories full of memorable characters. Knowing Yorgos, the movie will be wild, wacky, and absolutely memorable.

Kinds of Kindness hits theaters June 21 and stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.

Trigger Warning — On Netflix Now

Image via Netflix

Jessica Alba is back as a Special Forces commando, who inherits her late father's bar. But when she comes face-to-face with a local gang, she has to protect herself and her legacy.

Trigger Warning hits Netflix June 21 and stars Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Anthony Michael Hall, Tone Bell, Gabriel Basso, Jake Weary, Kaiwi Lyman, and Hari Dhillon.

​Inside Out 2 — In Theaters Now

Image via Disney/Pixar

Like all Pixar sequels, Inside Out 2 has evolved with its main character Riley as she grows into a teenager. But that means there's a new emotion in town — Anxiety — and she's not going anywhere (don't I know it). This summer movie promises to be just as colorful and emotional as the first one, and I can't wait to cry in my chair at the theater. Watch the Inside Out 2 trailer here.

Inside Out 2 hits theaters June 14, 2024 and stars Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Liza Lapira, Diane Lane Amy Poehler, and Phyllis Smith.

Firebrand — In Theaters Now

Image via Roadside Attractions/Vertical

History lovers won't be able to get enough of this summer movie, which follows Katherine Parr as she fights to survive the final months of Henry VIII's life. It's a realistic and brutal take on Tudor England, but promises to be more than compelling.

Firebrand hits theaters June 21 and stars Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Simon Russell Beale, and Erin Doherty.

I Am: Celine Dion — On Prime Video Now

Image via Amazon MGM

This brand new documentary follows the iconic superstar and her struggle with her life-altering illness, stiff person syndrome. Her resilience will inspire you and her love of music — and her fans — might just move you to tears.

I Am: Celine Dion is coming to Prime Video June 25 and stars Celine Dion.

A Family Affair — On Netflix Now

Image via Netflix

Summer rom-coms are back and better than ever thanks to A Family Affair ! The summer movie follows Zara (Joey King), who's left reeling when her mother (Nicole Kidman) strikes up a relationship with her famous actor boss (Zac Efron). And, as expected, hilarity unfolds from there.

A Family Affair hits Netflix June 28 and stars Joey King, Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, Liza Koshy, and Kathy Bates.

A Quiet Place: Day One — In Theaters Now

Image via Paramount Pictures

While we got a glimpse of A Quiet Place: Day One at CinemaCon, we'll finally get to see the whole story when it hits theaters at the end of June! The movie will open on the first day the alien Death Angels came to earth (which we briefly saw in A Quiet Place 2). Watch our coverage from the A Quiet Place: Day One New York City premiere here!

A Quiet Place: Day One hits theaters June 28, 2024. The movie stars Djimon Hounsou, Lupita Nyong’o, Denis O’Hare Joseph Quinn, and Alex Wolff.

Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 — In Theaters Now

Image via Warner Bros.

You're going to want to add this summer movie to your list of favorite Westerns. The film covers 1861 to 1865 during the Civil War, and explores themes of family, identity, and good and evil as the United States goes to war. Chapter 2 will premiere August 16.

Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 hits theaters June 28. The movie stars Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Ella Hunt, Isabelle Fuhrman, and Jamie Campbell Bower.

A Sacrifice — In Theaters Now

Image via Vertical

Social psychologist Ben is living in Berlin, balancing his cult investigation with raising his teenage daughter Mazzy. While everything Ben uncovers disturbs him, nothing rattles him like realizing Mazzy's been sucked into the cult herself.

A Sacrifice premieres June 28 and stars Eric Bana, Sadie Sink, Sylvia Hoeks, Jonas Dassler, Sophie Rois, Stephan Kampwirth, and Lara Feith.

Which 2024 summer movie are you looking forward to this year? I cannot wait for Inside Out 2! Follow us on Facebook for more movie news and check out this year's Most-Anticipated Fall Movies.

Lead image via Pixar/Disney

This post has been updated.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

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Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

A Complete Unknown finally rolls into theaters on Christmas Day (you know..like a rolling stone?) but the cast is already generating serious buzz. Timothée Chalamet snagged a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, while Monica Barbaro just won the Astra Film Awards' Breakthrough Performer Award. But when I sat down with the actress, I couldn't help but go all the way back to the first day of filming the December movie.

Here's what A Complete Unknown's Monica Barbaro had to say about meeting Timothée Chalamet and learning guitar for the role of Joan Baez.

Monica Barbaro loved working with Timothée Chalamet on 'A Complete Unknown.'

Monica revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that she met Timothée Chalamet a week before filming — and that he was already more-or-less in character. "The first time we met was a music rehearsal," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "So we just really launched right into it, which was nice because I admired his work so much from afar and any level of intimidation that I may have had, I could just sort of funnel into music prep, which was great."

"It was a beautiful experience of getting to hear our voices harmonize as these characters and hear the accompaniment of our guitars," she continues. "And we were able to kind of like anchor ourselves in the music and have sort of a meeting of minds that was maybe a little more similar to Joan and Bob because they met in the music scene as already very proficient musicians. So that was a beautiful magical day. And then we like launched right into filming."

Monica Barbaro (who you'll recognize from Top Gun2) stars as musician Joan Baez, and even though Monica had to learn how to play guitar for the role, you'd never guess just by watching the film. She carries herself with such confidence and ease that I'd have believed she'd been playing her whole life. And the fact her voice sounds like a Disney princess is just the cherry on top.

"I'm not a singer, I didn't play guitar," she says. "So there was sort of this introductory level thing going on where I just had to figure out how to form my hands and in some way, I thought about how she might have done that at like 14, I think, when she first picked up guitar. But that was just like an overhaul of everything — I mean, all my time just poured into that training."

She was doing her own research, but also worked with vocal coach Eric Vetro, who's also worked with Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Shawn Mendes. "He encouraged me to consider what the lyrics of songs meant to her," Monica says. "Because the best musicians are storytellers and that's one of the best things about he renditions of these folk songs is you feel the story of the song."

And because of that, focusing on the lyrics "was also a part of the character development. So there were sort of siloed things like voice, guitar research, and then her speaking voice," she says. "And then all of those things started to just kind of like meld, you know. You have to play and sing at the same time and tell a story and do it from the perspective of Joan. And so so they just sort of over time kind of like bridged."

But no matter how much prep Monica, Timothée, and Elle Fanning (who stars as Sylvie Russo) did for the film, they still had to film in the middle of New York City, which came with its own set of 2024-specific challenges. "It was interesting to be filming and have people sneaking videos and posting them on the internet," she says, admitting that she "really just tried to turn all of that off to the best of my ability."

The film highlights the tension between celebrity and fame, considering we meet Bob Dylan right before he becomes, well, Bob Dylan. "It's a privilege to have to have so much attention and excitement on a project and I appreciate the intent, but you kind of just sort of turn it off a little bit and disengage," Monica says, "especially when you're talking about just a very different kind of fame in the sixties."

Read up on 23 Hilarious Tweets About The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest That Timothée Crashed for a good laugh.

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

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Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.