Last Updated on August 3, 2021
And so, another edition of the Sundance Film Festival is in the books. Over the ten years I’ve been attending the festival, I’ve seen Sundances that were particularly strong but this year’s edition just might take the cake. So many acquisitions came out of the festival that, for the first time in a few years, there was real excitement in and around Park City as those of us attending knew that our favorite films were all but guaranteed to get their moment in the sun – something that doesn’t always happen.
Here are some of my favorite from what’s proven to be an exceptional year for the fest.
The Nightingale
One thing's for sure, Jennifer Kent's THE NIGHTINGALE will not be to all tastes, with this being an absolutely vicious addition to the revenge genre. Don't go in expecting another THE BABADOOK. This isn't that – not by a long shot. However, on its own merits its an utterly fantastic film.
Blinded by the Light
While you don't have to be a Bruce Springsteen fan to get a lot out of Gurinder Chadha's BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, it certainly helps. Even still, I'd wager anyone who's ever truly been a fan of something, be it a singer, actor, band, franchise, character or anything else will get a lot out of this period comedy/drama. It just might be the best film about true fandom ever made.
The Report
Sundance was host to the world premiere of two heavy-duty, based on fact political dramas this year, and that number might have been one too high given how THE REPORT took the fest by storm, quickly securing a deal with Amazon for an awards season push. It's too bad as OFFICIAL SECRETS is fine in its own right, but alas, it's not THE REPORT, with Adam Driver looking like a surefire best actor oscar candidate next year.
The Lodge
While the Sundance Midnight selection didn't have a major breakout this year on the level of HEREDITARY, Neon still made a tidy deal for THE LODGE, from the directors of GOODNIGHT MOMMY, starring Riley Keough. The less said about the plot, the better. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and I'm usually pretty tough on horror.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
Jillian Bell just might end the year as a legit movie star, with BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON selling to Amazon in one of the richest deals of the fest. Clearly, they believe they have a breakout hit on their hands and I'm inclined to agree. Anyone who's ever struggled with a bad body image of themselves will find a lot to relate to here.
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