Director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) returns with a surreal, high-stakes drama that pits Joaquin Phoenix against Pedro Pascal in a pandemic-era power struggle in a small desert town. Why go? Swap European boulevards for American mesas. New Mexico’s otherworldly terrain—seen in everything from Breaking Bad to No Country for Old Men—offers red rock canyons, adobe architecture, and surreal sunsets. 

Directed by Hayakawa Chie, Renoir explores the emotional and artistic journey of a young woman navigating identity and art in modern Japan, mirrored against the painter’s legacy. Skip Tokyo’s crowds and opt for Kanazawa, a perfectly preserved city of teahouses, samurai districts and one of Japan’s most celebrated art scenes. With traditional crafts, serene gardens, and elegant ryokans, it’s a soulful alternative to Kyoto—with fewer tour groups.

Julia Ducournau returns with another boundary-breaking exploration of femininity and instinct—this time against the wild, marshy backdrop of southern France’s Camargue region. Think pink flamingos, salt flats, black bulls and wild, windswept beaches. The Camargue is one of France’s most underrated regions—raw, strange, and untamed. Rent a bike and follow the flamingo trails or simply watch the sunset from the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes.

Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, this tender WWI-era romance follows two young men tasked with recording the voices of America before the war. If your idea of heaven is misty forests, lakeside inns and winding roads lined with autumnal gold, New England is calling. Explore charming towns such as Woodstock or Bar Harbor, take in the Appalachian Trail, and sip hot cider in a rocking chair somewhere suitably atmospheric.

If you plan to attend Cannes before making your decision on which of these locations to visit next, be sure not to miss ASMALLWORLD exclusive access to the Global Gift Gala 2025. ASMALLWORLD Members are invited to this unforgettable night of philanthropy, glamour and entertainment, beginning with an exquisite private cocktail and red carpet reception, followed by a gala dinner, live performances and a charity auction.

And if you’re in the region for the film festivities, there’s no better way for our members to round out the Cannes experience than with the ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend in Saint-Tropez from 16–18 May — an unforgettable weekend celebration of Riviera glamour, from seaside lunches to glittering soirées at iconic venues.