Asteroid City

The annual Junior Stargazer convention in a remote desert town brings together gifted students and their parents from across the country for scholarly competition, bonding, and a bit of stargazing. However, the event is dramatically interrupted by world-changing events. The film also frames the main narrative as a play being written and staged.

Wes Anderson's distinctive visual style and ensemble cast were generally praised, but critical reception was divided. Some critics found the film to be a masterful exploration of grief, existentialism, and the nature of storytelling, appreciating its unique structure and emotional depth. Others felt it was overly stylized, emotionally distant, and suffered from an excess of characters and a convoluted narrative.

• Praised for Wes Anderson's signature aesthetic and ambitious meta-narrative.
• Criticized for its emotional detachment and an overly crowded ensemble.
• The film's unique structure and thematic depth were divisive among reviewers.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's visual style and the director's unique touch. Some found the meta-narrative engaging, while others felt the film lacked a strong emotional core and was too self-indulgent.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

The film was shot entirely in Spain, with the desert landscapes of Spain's Chinchón region standing in for the American desert.