January may be a slow month for movie theaters, but films fans have the Sundance Film Festival to look forward to. The fest has long been a breeding ground for potential award winners, cult classics, and genre changing cinema. This year looks to be no different as horror, comedy, and true crime are all being represented. From a twisted take on a beloved fairy tale, to creative short films, to body swapping with a chair, this year’s edition sounds like a lot of fun.
By Design
Samantha Mathis, Juliette Lewis and Robin Tunney appear in By Design by Amanda Kramer Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Everyone has days where they wish they could be somewhere else. Occasionally, we wish to be someone else. There are even times people dream of being something else. Juliette Lewis stars as a woman who swaps bodies with a chair resulting in people liking her better as a chair.
Paradise Man (ii)
A still from Paradise Man (ii) by Jordan Michael Blake Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
Paradise Man (ii) is about one person’s quest to find meaning in a crazy universe. This is common in storytelling but filmmaker Jordan Michael Blake tells his story in a different way. In lieu of animation, the entire short was made with stock images.
Predators
A still from Predators by David Osit Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
There was a time when To Catch a Predator was one of the most shocking shows on television. The internet was young and people still did not fully comprehend just how dangerous it could be. Its legacy is still being felt today. This documentary looks at its rise, fall, and lasting influence.
Somebody Cares
Along with feature length films, Sundance also hosts a number of short films. Somebody Cares is a story of kidnapping, extortion, and familial bonds. Barry has been taken hostage by a hitman who is demanding money. Barry must convince his estranged sister to wire him the cash before it is too late.
The Perfect Neighbor
A still from The Perfect Neighbor by Geeta Gandbhir Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
Minor neighborly disputes happen. This documentary looks at one such encounter in Florida. What started as a seemingly small disagreement turned deadly. Bodycam footage and investigative interviews examine the consequences of the state’s “stand your ground” laws.
The Stringer
A still from The Stringer by Bao Nguyen Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
One of the most memorable photographs to come out of the Vietnam War was a picture of a girl screaming and running away from a napalm bombing. The origin of the Pulitzer Prize winning photo is called into question in this controversial documentary. Lawyers are trying to block the Sundance premiere of what sounds like one of the fest’s most interesting releases.
The Ugly Stepsister
This sounds like another addition to the expanding Poohniverse. (Time to rebrand or sell to Pornhub.) There is much more promise here, however. A dark reimagining of Cinderella, this version adheres closely to the grimmest versions of the classic fairy tale. The story follows Elvira who competes against her stunning sister for the prince’s attention.
The Things You Kill
A university professor is haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother. His solution? He coerces his enigmatic gardener to commit a cold blooded act of vengeance. This film promises to explore a number of deep themes.
Touch Me
Olivia Taylor Dudley appears in Touch Me by Addison Heimann Courtesy of Sundance Institute
The Midnight section of Sundance has the fest’s strangest films. Touch Me follows two co-dependent friends who are homeless and out of options. When the two meet an alien whose touch appears to heal past traumas, they quickly become addicted. But is there something more sinister happening?
Zodiac Killer Project
A still from Zodiac Killer Project by Charlie Shackleton, Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
We may have long passed the point where the true crime genre is oversaturated. But as long as there is an audience, it is not going anywhere. Zodiac Killer Project may be about a familiar subject, but it is wholly unique. It is about a failed documentary about the infamous killer and a look at the genre in general.
The Sundance Film Festival takes place from January 23, 2025 through February 2, 2025.
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