2024 Sundance Film Festival Reviews + Recap
2024 Sundance Film Festival Reviews + Recap
Plus my ranking of everything I saw at the festival
The 2024 edition of the Sundance Film Festival is officially in the rearview mirror! Sundance always marks an interesting time on the film release calendar as it serves as the first large festival of the new year. Most people like to use Sundance as a way to check the “pulse” of the industry in regards to how many acquisitions take place at the festival.
Many came into this year fearing that it would be a tough market for acquisitions due to the current economics of Hollywood and streaming. Those fears seemed to be overblown as north of 10 films found buyers at the festival this year. That is far from the most active market we have seen, but also much better than most were anticipating. Of the buyers, Netflix lead the charge with three purchases, but Amazon, Warner Brothers, Neon, Searchlight, and Sony Pictures Classic were also in the mix.
Personally, I was blown away with some of the quality at this year’s festival. The films I saw represented a small percentage of the overall films at the festival, but in covering Sundance for three years now, this was the best one yet. That leads me to think that there will be more acquisitions down the road.
My other big takeaway from the festival is that documentaries remain the strong suit of Sundance. For years now, that was known to be true, but after a weaker than usual documentary line up in 2023, it had many wondering if that was still the case. It isn’t uncommon for two or three Sundance documentaries to go on and be nominated for best documentary at the Oscars. As you will see, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens this year as well. In fact, I saw two of my favorite documentaries ever at this years festival.
Alright, enough talking! Lets get to the movies. I will start with a brief summary/review of the 11 films I saw at this years festival and then close with a ranking of those 11 films.
A Real Pain (Directed by Jesse Eisenberg)
What the film is about - “Two cousins travel to Poland after their grandmother's death to see where they came from and end up joining a Holocaust tour.”
My thoughts - There are many emotions evoked throughout Jesse Eisenberg’s second feature film but the authenticity and sincerity at the heart of it is what really sticks with you. The script is tight and character focused, but gives itself room to breath in all the right spots.
Kieran Culkin steals the show & is utterly remarkable from start to finish. He and Eisenberg balance each other out perfectly on screen. Speaking of Eisenberg, he delivers a monologue at a dinner scene in the middle of the film that is the best scene of 2024 so far. More importantly, he’s shown great growth as a filmmaker and it’s clear that he’s got what it takes to stay behind the camera if he chooses.
There’s not a second wasted in the entirety of the film. Such a perfect way to spend 90 minutes.
Rating - 4/5
Future of the film - Searchlight bought the rights for $10 million after an all night auction. Expect to see this in theaters later this year.
Dìdi (Directed by Sean Wang)
What the film is about - “A 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy discovers skating, flirting, and the true essence of maternal love beyond his family's teachings.”
My thoughts - One of my favorite parts about Sundance is discovering the filmmakers that will be part of our lives for years to come. The past few years have been extra special because more and more of those new voices were from my generation. 2022 gave us Cooper Raiff, 2023 gave us Molly Gordon, and now 2024 gives us Sean Wang.
“Dìdi” is a remarkable portrait of adolescence in 2008 told only as a member of Gen Z could tell it. From capturing messaging friends to growing up with YouTube and Facebook, there is so much there that will allow so many to reminisce on that time. As warm as it all is, there is an uncompromising nature as well to that era - no revisionist history around how people talked, whether that was right or wrong. Loved the essence of the film & can’t wait to watch Sean for years to come.
Rating - 3.5/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution. I think this one will ultimately find a buyer, it just may take some time and need to play a few more festivals.
Seeking Mavis Beacon (Directed by Jazmin Jones)
What the film is about - “Investigates the disappearance and reexamines the legacy of one of the most influential Black women in technology.”
My thoughts - At its heart, Seeking Mavis Beacon asks big questions and wants to take the audience on a wild investigative journey. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough there for a full story. When all of the filler is stripped away, it’s hard to justify what is left.
I sincerely believe the intention of the filmmaker is just, it’s just hard to watch the film slowly start to veer towards an immoral obsession when it becomes clear that the filmmakers aren’t getting what they set out for.
Rating - 2/5
Future of the film - The film came into the festival already owned by NEON, so we may see a release later this year.
Never Look Away (Directed by Lucy Lawless)
What the film is about - “Swashbuckling CNN combat camerawoman, Margaret Moth, risks it all to put the viewer inside the conflict. When a fateful injury gets in the way of her appetite for danger and adrenaline, Moth must find the strength to carry on.”
My thoughts - There isn’t a lot about the way Margaret Moth lived her life that is worth celebrating or trying to replicate. First time director, Lucy Lawless, would be the first to tell you that. Personally, I’m much more interested in raw documentaries like this that explore a real human rather than a puff piece that exists to solely glorify someone.
Gypsy fortune teller, uncompromising, rock n roll 24/7, and defiant are just a few of the words used to describe Margaret Moth by those closest to her. Everyone has their own version of who she was to them. The film isn’t as interested in the individual versions as much as it is the total sum of them all put together & the through lines. That total sum is a woman who was unashamedly herself and utterly fearless.
Loved the portrait that this paints not only of Moth, but of what life looks like as a war journalist. Unfortunately, that leads to some of the most pivotal moments of the doc not having any footage to support it. Comes with the territory with something like this, but I wish Lawless had more resources to work with the bring those moments better to life.
Despite the film feeling a bit scattered at times, I think that Lawless has some real talent as a filmmaker & look forward to anything from her in the future. If nothing else, I’m thankful she told Margaret’s story because it was a story worth telling
Rating - 3/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution in the US (it already has distribution in New Zealand/Australia where Moth is from). Wouldn’t be surprised if this is ultimately bought by Warner to be paired with the CNN audience.
Ibelin (Directed by Benjamin Ree)
What the film is about - “Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life, when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world.”
My thoughts - This is without a doubt one of the most moving and innovative films that I have ever seen. It’s not every day that you literally see something you never could have imagined. Ibelin is a love letter not only to the gaming community, but to those who quietly make their impact on the world in unique ways.
While his physical life seemed pretty routine, thanks to game logs and animators, Mats digital life is brought to life throughout the documentary in incredibly moving ways. In twenty years, there may be dozens of docs like this one, but Ibelin will always be the first.
Major kudos to all involved with this, specifically the animators. Technology shouldn’t be a scary thing if we keep humanity and kindness at the center.
Rating - 4/5
Future of the film - The film was bought by Netflix and will likely be released later this year on the service (look for Netflix to put money behind it for 2025 Oscars as well).
Love Me (Directed by Sam & Andy Zuchero)
What the film is about - “A postapocalyptic romance in which a buoy and a satellite meet online and fall in love after the end of human civilization.”
My thoughts - While I applaud the massive creative swings taken throughout the film, they ultimately didn’t work for me. Particularly, the animated sequences in the second act completely took me out of it. The Walle esque vibe of the first act was really captivating and not only the most grounded part of the film, but the most effective. The performances make the whole thing much more watchable than it should be.
I honestly don’t think there was enough here for a feature film. A short would have perfect.
Rating - 2.5/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution
Good One (Directed by India Donaldson)
What the film is about - “During a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills, 17-year-old Sam navigates the clash of egos between her father and his oldest friend.”
My thoughts - Set against the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, Good One first presents itself as your typical coming of age tale.
Very quickly though our expectations are subverted. The youngest member of the group is far more mature than her age suggests. In fact, she may actually be the most mature of the whole group.
While this all unravels, there is a sense of impeding danger that hangs over the whole film. Whether it is the score or the events on screen, this tone grips your heart in ways not many films do. At times it is so extreme that you almost just want to get it over with so you can relax once again.
The film of course shows the turn, but it is much more interested in what comes after. As characters start to process this moment, it all unfolds in a simply poetic way. The breadcrumbs that have been laid throughout the film all start piling up in your head. One of the best third acts I have seen in quite some time. It is as quiet and nuanced as the mountains themselves, but also just as revelatory.
Hope this gets a theatrical release at some point. What a beautiful work of art.
Rating - 3.5/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution
Little Death (Directed by Jack Begart)
What the film is about - “A middle-aged filmmaker on the verge of a breakthrough. Two kids in search of a lost backpack. A small dog a long way from home.”
My thoughts - This one’s going to be divisive. Little Death is essentially two different movies that have a faint through line. By the time there was some true rhythm to the first half, it moves to the second story. By the time you finally settle into the switch, the film is over.
First time director, Jack Begert, takes dozens of bold creative swings (especially in the first 30 minutes) that flat out just didn’t work for me. The AI sequences in particular were incredibly off putting.
Of the two halves, I really enjoyed the tone and pace of the second half compared to the chaos and lack of clarity in the first half. I actually think there are some great ideas that Begert was attempting to portray. I just wish that they could have been further fleshed out instead of trying to pull tricks out of a bag.
Biggest takeaway for me is that Talia Ryder remains one of the most compelling young actresses in Hollywood. She’s great in this per usual and excited to see where she takes her career.
Rating - 2/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution
Suncoast (Directed by Laura Chinn)
What the film is about - “A teen living with her strong-willed mother must take her brother to a specialized facility. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with an eccentric activist at protests surrounding a landmark medical case.”
My thoughts - This one checks all the boxes of your typical Sundance movie. Unfortunately, it just isn’t as fully fleshed out as it needs to be. Some pretty surface level writing that shys away from giving us rounded out characters or deep, meaningful exploration of its themes.
I love the personal nature that director Laura Chinn brings to the story. It really shines through in the third act, but the rest of the film really misses that same level of authenticity.
Nico Parker is magnetic and lights up the screen every second she fills it. Have loved her in everything so far & excited to see what’s ahead for her.
Rating - 3/5
Future of the film - It will be on Hulu starting February 9th
Rob Peace (Directed by Chiwetel Ejofor)
What the film is about - “The story of an inner-city Newark kid who attends Yale yet ultimately succumbs to harsh economic realities and the demons of his past.”
My thoughts - It’s beyond tragic when a life as remarkable and nuanced as Rob Peace gets told in such a standard, conventional way. There are other ways to tell a biopic on screen! I’m continually confused why filmmakers refuse to push against a precedent that doesn’t work at all. Challenge the norm. Maybe it doesn’t work, but at least you won’t be settling for stale. Just a bummer when a story as rich as this one doesn’t get told in the way that it could.
Filmmaking aside, Camilla Cabello probably needs to just go ahead and stop acting. I don’t like to say things like that, but she’s in a different movie from everyone else. I applaud her for trying, but she’s just consistently shown that she doesn’t have it. Jay Will, who plays the titular Rob Peace is quite good though!
Rating - 2.5/5
Daughters (Directed by Angela Patton & Natalie Rae)
What the film is about - “Four young girls prepare for a special Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, as part of a unique fatherhood program in a Washington, D.C., jail.”
My thoughts - Documentaries are at their best when they shed a light on a problem or event & dive deep into it with meaningful intent. So many docs these days focus on the first part while forgetting the latter. Daughters does both remarkably well. The best documentaries though take it one step further to offer a solution, which Daughters doesn’t shy away from.
The film is just as emotional as you can imagine, if not more so. The filmmakers don’t get in the way of things or try to draw conclusions that aren’t there. They simply shine a light on the young girls that are impacted by their fathers actions. So munch intention is put into highlighting all sides of the subject matter - the perspective of the fathers, the perspective of the daughters, and the perspective of the mothers.
One of the most eye opening documentaries I have ever seen, but more importantly, one that I think will spark some serious positive change.
Rating - 4/5
Future of the film - Still seeking distribution
2024 Sundance Film Festival Rankings (Based on what I saw)
Ibelin (Directed by Benjamin Ree)
Daughters (Directed by Angela Patton & Natalie Rae)
A Real Pain (Directed by Jesse Eisenberg)
Good One (Directed by India Donaldson)
Dìdi (Directed by Sean Wang)
Never Look Away (Directed by Lucy Lawless)
Suncoast (Directed by Laura Chinn)
Rob Peace (Directed by Chiwetel Ejofor)
Love Me (Directed by Sam & Andy Zuchero)
Seeking Mavis Beacon (Directed by Jazmin Jones)
Little Death (Directed by Jack Begart)
That is all for today! I will be back soon to discuss the hidden gems of the first two months of the year.
Until then, enjoy some great films!
Aaron Nolan