PARK CITY, Utah — The Sundance Film Festival, established by Robert Redford, offers an expansive selection of approximately 90 feature films over the course of 11 days, making the exploration of its catalogue both exciting and daunting. This year’s festival presents a diverse lineup that caters to a variety of tastes, featuring everything from comedies and dramas to documentaries and experimental films. Among the more unusual titles are “Bubble & Squeak,” which revolves around cabbage smuggling, and “By Design,” a narrative about a woman who transforms into a chair and finds herself more accepted in that form.
Highlights of the festival include films like “Atropia,” where Alia Shawkat portrays an actress in a military training environment who finds herself romantically involved with a soldier pretending to be an insurgent. This intriguing tale comes from the mind of Hailey Gates, who serves as both writer and director, with Luca Guadagnino also on board as a producer. Gates humorously categorizes the story as a “military industrial complex romantic comedy.”
Another anticipated film, “Bunnylovr,” charts the journey of a Chinese-American cam girl who grapples with the complexities of a toxic relationship with a client while trying to mend her bond with her ailing father. Katarina Zhu, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, shares the screen with Rachel Sennott.
Pulitzer Prize-winning filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov returns with “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” following his impactful documentary “20 Days in Mariupol.” This new work focuses on Ukrainian soldiers striving to recapture a village amidst the ongoing conflict, portraying a stark and poignant view of war’s futility, as noted by Kim Yutani, the festival’s programming director.
Produced by Steven Soderbergh, “Love, Brooklyn” is penned by first-time filmmaker Rachael Abigail Holder and follows the intertwined lives of three residents in Brooklyn navigating the intricacies of love and the evolution of their city. The cast includes André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise.
Delving into the realm of true crime, “The Zodiac Killer Project” by Charlie Shackleton offers a meta-taking on the puzzling Zodiac Killer case, exploring the project that fell through and unraveling the exhausting narrative surrounding true crime media. Shackleton’s commentary presents a critical lens on the allure of unsolved mysteries.
In a visually stunning adaptation, “Train Dreams,” directed by Clint Bentley, presents the story of a day laborer as he navigates the challenges of life along the early 20th-century railroads, highlighting themes of loss and love. Featuring performances by Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, Bentley emphasizes the impact of industrialization on the natural world and on personal relationships.
“Seeds,” a black-and-white documentary from debut filmmaker Brittany Shayne, focuses on generational farmers in rural Georgia who strive to retain their land against systemic discrimination, offering a heartfelt look into their ongoing challenges.
Emilie Blichfeldt’s Norwegian film, “The Ugly Stepsister,” provides a fresh take on a fairy tale with several layers of humor, comparing it to a blend of “The Substance” and “Bridgerton.” The film reflects on beauty standards through the lens of two stepsisters vying for the prince’s favor.
Meanwhile, “The Perfect Neighbor” by Geeta Gandbhir uses police bodycam footage to unearth the fatal consequences of a neighborhood dispute in Florida, raising questions about the implications of the state’s “stand your ground laws.”
In “Sorry, Baby,” writer-director Eva Victor teams up with producer Barry Jenkins to explore unique storytelling techniques that depict trauma through innovative narratives. Yutani praises its originality, noting impactful scenes viewers have yet to witness.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson debuts “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” focusing on the life and cultural significance of Sly Stone, while examining the struggles tied to Black artistry. Accompanying it is Elegance Bratton’s related documentary, “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House.”
The festival also highlights several music documentaries, including Amy Berg’s “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” and Isabel Castro’s “Selena y Los Dinos,” which portrays the life of beloved singer Selena Quintanilla.
Another compelling narrative is “Ricky,” directed by Rashad Frett, which chronicles the life of a man re-entering society post-incarceration. The film illustrates the emotional challenges Ricky faces as he seeks to rebuild his relationships and find his place.
Lastly, “Jimpa” features Olivia Colman and John Lithgow as a father and daughter whose journey to Amsterdam unfolds themes of identity and familial love through the lens of LGBTQ experiences. Director Sophie Hyde leverages the talents of both actors to portray complex and deeply felt connections between their characters.
This year’s Sundance showcases an eclectic mix of films that promise to captivate audiences with their storytelling and unique perspectives.
