An ambitious American immigrant saga, Nicole Kidman’s steamy erotic thriller, an intimate John Lennon doc and a trippy Luca Guadagnino-Daniel Craig collaboration are among our reviewers’ 15 faves out of Venice, Telluride and Toronto.

Venice, Telluride

Venice, Toronto

Venice, Toronto 

A spectacular Nicole Kidman (winner of Venice’s best actress prize) leads Halina Reijn’s erotic drama about a middle-aged businesswoman finding liberation in a game of seduction with a younger intern (Harris Dickinson). Though the setup recalls the sexual stalker thrillers of the ’90s, Reijn upends expectations with her fearless refusal of judgment and rigid moral codes. It’s perverse, juicy fun. — DAVID ROONEY

Venice, Toronto

Telluride, Toronto

Adapted from the book by Robert Harris, Edward Berger’s drama offers a peek behind the curtains of power as Catholic leaders gather in the Vatican to choose the next pope. Ralph Fiennes is superb as the cardinal overseeing the election who begins to have doubts about his faith as a result of recent Church scandals. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini are among the expert supporting ensemble in a riveting and timely thriller. — STEPHEN FARBER

Telluride, Toronto