Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer shine bright in first trailer for psychological thriller ‘Luce’

An all-star high school athlete and accomplished debater, Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is a poster boy for the new American Dream. As are his parents (Academy Award nominees Naomi Watts and Tim Roth, who co-starred in the remake of Funny Games), who adopted him from war-torn Eritrea a decade earlier. His African American teacher, Harriet Wilson (Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer), believes he is a symbol of black excellence that sets a positive example for his peers. But when he is assigned to write an essay in the voice of a historical twentieth-century figure, Luce turns in a paper that makes an alarming statement about political violence.
Luce was directed by Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) and written by Onah and J.C. Lee from Lee’s play. It premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Neon will release Luce on August 2nd. Here is the first trailer.
- Gerran Howell on Whitaker’s Growth in Season Two of ‘The Pitt,’ Dr. Robby’s Intentions, and His Go-To Karaoke Song [VIDEO INTERVIEW] - April 21, 2026
- 2026 Cannes: Short Film and La Cinef Titles Announced - April 21, 2026
- 2026 Tribeca Festival TV Lineup Announced: Season Two Premieres of ‘Adults,’ ‘X-Men ’97’ and More - April 21, 2026

Gerran Howell on Whitaker’s Growth in Season Two of ‘The Pitt,’ Dr. Robby’s Intentions, and His Go-To Karaoke Song [VIDEO INTERVIEW]
‘Leviticus’ Review: Adrian Chiarella Conjures a Timely and Biblically Scary Gay Horror Story [A-]
2026 Cannes: Short Film and La Cinef Titles Announced
2026 Tribeca Festival TV Lineup Announced: Season Two Premieres of ‘Adults,’ ‘X-Men ’97’ and More