Sundance Film Festival Standouts
13 films that made an impression during the festival!
From January 19 through January 29, the Sundance Film Festival in Utah premiered a series of independent and documentary feature films. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular titles and recommendations.
After a few years of online exclusivity, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival has merged to a combination of in-person and online premieres. Despite the adjustments, it’s a return to the in-person festival that all film fans and critics have become accustomed to.
Beyond Utopia :
Sundance is one of the foremost precursors (or in this case, festivals) of the documentary category. In 2022, four of the five Oscar nominees premiered at Sundance: Navalny, Fire of Love, All that Breathes & A House Made of Splinters. Beyond Utopia received very favorable reviews. The general consensus is that we will certainly hear about its award prospects later in the 2023 calendar year.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“Over the past decade, Pastor Seungeun Kim helped over 1,000 North Koreans escape to freedom — a jaw-droppingly impressive feat that should make every single person who watches “Beyond Utopia” question what they’ve done with their lives.” — Christian Zilko (IndieWire)
Eileen :
Eileen, a beloved novel with stars such as Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie, was among the most hotly anticipated titles of the festival week. On the other side of its premiere, William Oldroyd’s film wasn’t at all unanimous. Its critical reception differs depending on who you talk to about the movie adaptation.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“Sundance 2023 #Review: Eileen — Creates a haunting atmosphere that hangs in the air like the forest mist.” — Phil Edwards
Fair Play :
Just recently purchased by Netflix for $20 million after screening at the Sundance Film Festival, Fair Play is currently a booming title. The psychological aspect is intertwined with a particular look at gender roles. The lead actors’ performances in the film by Chloe Domont, a newcomer who writes and directs the picture, have been praised.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“TURNABOUT is indeed “FAIR PLAY” in this riveting relationship drama featuring excellent performances from PHOEBE DYNEVOR & ALDEN EHRENREICH! It’s a slow boil of sexual politics & role reversal that grabs you & builds to an explosive climax! My #1 of #Sundance2023 so far! SO GOOD!” — Scott Mantz
Flora and Son :
Flora and Son is probably the crowdpleaser of Sundance. As we expect from John Carney, the film is about connecting people through music in the best possible fashion. The comedy-drama stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bono’s daughter, Eve Hewson. Apple recently acquired the rights to the musical for worldwide distribution.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“FLORA AND SON is a total blast, another crowdpleaser from director John Carney (Once, Sing Street) that celebrates music and how it brings people together. Eve Hewson gives a spectacular, awards-worthy lead performance. A sweet, funny, and charming film all the way through.” — Brian Rowe (GoldDerby)
Magazine Dreams :
Best Actor buzz in January is always a good sign! Jonathan Majors has garnered some serious praise for his role in Magazine Dreams. The leading man’s enormous 2023 credits (including Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Creed III, Magazine Dreams) could be crowned with a first Oscar nomination. It should be noted that this bodybuilder’s character study is divisive and not for everyone. The main protagonist is allegedly a madman.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“MAGAZINE DREAMS is a dark & intense character study with career best work from Jonathan Majors. Eliciting sympathy one moment, then fear the next, his obsessively committed performance will leave you in shock & awe. A terrifying look at toxic masculinity & mental illness.” — Matt Neglia (Next Best Picture)
Past Lives :
Past Lives is probably the crown jewel of Sundance. With a 95% rating on Metacritic, A24’s picture is easily the best-received film of the festival. It seems to be universally loved and could compete for the Oscars as an independent film from A24. Above the Line awards like Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay could be undeniable. It is already being talked about as a year-end favorite and will hold a lasting impact!
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“Past Lives is a deeply personal film & one hell of directorial debut by Celine Song. A raw, thought provoking & profound story about relationships & the tough decisions we make. Greta Lee, Teo Yoo & John Magaro are all PHENOMENAL. Such a brilliant film!” — Scott Menzel
Rye Lane :
The next film to stand out is one that will debut on Hulu in March, Rye Lane. Another one that was praised at the festival for its unpredictability from start to finish. Universally hailed as a romantic comedy unlike any other, this Searchlight film set in South London will keep you smiling throughout.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“RYE LANE is an absolute gem and one of the best directorial debuts I’ve seen. It’s energetic, stylish, romantic, funny, colorful… it just loves life. I am going to make you see this movie I’ll do whatever it takes I swear.” — The Oscar Expert
Sometimes I Think about Dying :
In Sometimes I Think about Dying, Daisy Ridley plays an introverted woman who bonds with a man at work. A role unlike anything we’ve seen from the actress known for her role in Star Wars. The film has no distributor attached. This should change as the film has a premise that brings an original touch to a typical romantic comedy.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“Sometimes I Think About Dying— A gentle and often very funny slice of life dramedy, the film offers both a wonderful look at cast range and directing skill. We’re surprised no one has snapped it up yet. That should change soon, though.” — Kate Erbland (IndieWire)
Stephen Curry : Underrated
Stephen Curry is now widely recognized as the greatest shooter of all time, including holding the record for most 3-point shots in a career. Yet his career did not start so easily, with many doubting his abilities. The ultimate underdog story will be the subject of a compelling documentary from Apple, Stephen Curry : Underrated.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“At the risk of facing the wrath of Gonzaga fans upon my return to Washington, as Curry beat them in college, I liked Peter Nicks’ new documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated. While primarily for his fans, it still cuts a bit deeper.” — Chase Hutchinson
STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie :
Michael J. Fox has occupied a space in Hollywood for a very long time. In 2023, the camera casts a different light on Fox. A look at his life through a documentary. Critics seem to agree that STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie is heartfelt and worth investing in. Currently, it holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes with 33 reviews.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“A raw and powerful look at one of our most beloved actors. Never failing to bring humor and inspiration, Michael J. Fox’s journey is a recipe for one of the year’s most fascinating documentaries” — David Gonzalez (The Cinematic Reel)
Theater Camp :
Searchlight’s latest acquisition is Theater Camp. Immaculate vibes were present in the screening room during and after the film, according to those in attendance. The movie is billed as a comedy musical with an emphasis on improvisation that theater lovers will adore.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“I could watch a whole other “season” with these people, especially with the spirited audience with at my Sundance screening. It seemed like all of us were having such a good time laughing that none of us wanted this lovely experience to be over.” — Alex Billington
You Hurt my Feelings :
Not only does You Hurt my Feelings herald the return of Julia Louis-Dreyfus to the big screen, but it marks the reunion between the lead star and Nicole Holofcener. As we’ve seen with Past Lives and other films, A24, as usual, has had many successful Sundance premieres. This comedy is in the top tier of this list and will surely receive a boost from the studio.
Here is the official Sundance logline :
“It’s tender, terrifically funny, and endlessly thought-provoking, and it sends you out on a heartfelt high with new knowledge to apply to your own life, so you learn from Beth and Don’s miscommunications instead of repeating their mistakes yourself.” — Zoë Rose Bryant
