[Sundance ’23] The best films from the Sundance Film Festival and where they are headed

After a week and a half of world premieres, shocking horror, and inspiring documentaries, the Sundance Film Festival has come to an end. From disgusting Midnight offerings to family friendly fare, the fest had something for everybody. Here are the best movies we saw and what we know about their futures. All reviews from Sundance can be found here.

Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out 

Silly, corny, and filled with great characters this family friendly offering was one of Sundance’s more pleasant surprises. The film follows a student named Itsy (Emma Tremblay, Supergirl) who is new to town. When she meets a a local named Calvin (Jacob Buster, Let the Right One In) who claims his parents were kidnapped by extraterrestrials, it sets up a seemingly too predictable plot. Instead, it is a lighthearted and fun watch.

Infinity Pool (In theaters now)

Brandon Cronenberg’s latest mindfuck is about a couple who are vacationing at a posh resort. When they are involved in a tragic accident, they are faced with the consequences of the island’s zero tolerance justice system. Mia Goth steals every scene she is in, while the story is simultaneously straightforward and deeply nuanced. Arguably, Brandon Cronenberg’s most well rounded film.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (AppleTV+ has distribution rights)

A still from Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, by Davis Guggenheim an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

Not just limited to fans of the Canadian actor, this film was the most heartwarming and inspirational to screen at Sundance. Fox shows off the wit and charm that made him so popular as audiences are given access to his life and past. The documentary refuses to accept any pity or sadness and will make anyone who watches it smile.

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) (Utopia is planning for a summer release)

A still from Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) by Anton Corbijn, an official selection of the Spotlight program at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

There was a time when album art was just was important as the music. This documentary is the tale of some of the most iconic album covers of all time. Hipgnosis was a design studio comprised of two men who wanted to put their unique creative stamp on music. Interviews include Paul McCartney and members of Led Zeppelin.

You Hurt My Feelings (A24 has U.S. distribution rights)

A still from You Hurt My Feelings by Nicole Holofcener, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus reaffirms her place as one of the funniest actors on the planet in this touching comedy about trust and family. The excellent cast includes Tobias Menzies (The Crown) and hilarious appearances from David Cross (Arrested Development) and Amber Tamblyn (Community). The plot follows a woman who is enjoying her happy marriage until she overhears her husband say he does not like the new book she is working on.