Movies

Our 6 favorite films at this year’s Sundance

BBG News

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Each year, I eagerly anticipate our journey to the prestigious showcase for independent cinema in America – a festival that holds a special place in our hearts, even as it prepares to relocate to a new city in 2027. Despite the occasional dramatic proclamations suggesting its demise and some notable letdowns, this year was no exception. I returned with a collection of cinematic marvels, films that would have easily made their mark in any previous year’s lineup. Here are the titles that will undoubtedly be on everyone’s lips in the coming months.

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‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’

Occasionally, during the frosty atmosphere of festivals, what one craves is a film that provides a comforting embrace – like the 2007 short film “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” directed by James Griffiths and written and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key. This under-the-radar crowd-pleaser overflows with charm and emotional depth. A solitary lottery winner residing on a secluded island hires his favorite musical duo for a secret performance, neglecting to reveal certain details. The comedic chemistry between Key and Basden is remarkable as they humorously navigate the stereotypes of the quirky Brit and the grouchy artist. Their performances are anchored by Carey Mulligan’s raw authenticity. With music composed by Basden and moving vocals from Basden and Mulligan, “Wallis Island” is a tale about learning to let go that avoids becoming overly sentimental. – Mark Olsen

Entertainment & Arts

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‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’

Originally withdrawn from the Sundance lineup due to a disagreement between director Kahlil Joseph and the project’s original financier, the captivating “BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions” was reinstated following the arrival of a new investor. This film, a unique blend of essay and noirish sci-fi-fantasy, is set on a ship and serves as a chapter in an ongoing project exploring Black history. Structured like an album with distinct movements, the film is less academically rigorous than it may seem, building a hypnotic rhythm and unrestrained energy by combining found footage with material specifically created for the project. In particular, Peter Jay Anderson’s portrayal of W.E.B. DuBois evokes a powerful emotional resonance that binds everything together. As Okwui Enwezor, a late art curator, once described an exhibition as “a thinking machine” that allows us to examine the current state of things, there may be no better description for the thought-provoking and distinctly individualistic “BLKNWS.” — Mark Olsen

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‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can confidently say that Linda’s day is turning out to be one heck of a rough ride. Her heart-wrenching daughter’s cries echo from the backseat, while her husband, seemingly absent amidst phone calls, only adds to her troubles. But it’s when the ceiling in her bedroom collapses with a chilling, disconcerting noise that surpasses any sound one would expect in a comedy, that you understand this film is heading to some seriously ominous territory. With echoes of “Uncut Gems” and the guiding hand of a Safdie brother as co-producer, writer-director Mary Bronstein boldly establishes her unique take on personal calamity, clearly standing by the doomed. At Sundance, I yearned for a film to captivate me. This one didn’t just charm me; it dragged me into an abyss and held me there for days. The legacy of David Lynch lives on through his devoted followers. — Joshua Rothkopf

Entertainment & Arts

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‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

Bill Condon’s heartfelt rendition of the Tony-winning musical set in a prison, titled “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” masterfully explores the dynamic tension between opposites. In 1983 Argentina, an effervescent window dresser named Luis (portrayed by Tonatiuh) finds himself incarcerated alongside a serious political activist, Valentin (Diego Luna). Struggling to find a shared language, Luis shares the storyline of his favorite classic film with Valentin, and through their collective imagination, they both dance with its leading lady, Ingrid (Jennifer Lopez). The narrative is filled with tender and brutal moments, lighthearted and somber scenes, all while maintaining a sense of romance and cunning. “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is a tale that underscores the power of empathy and self-expression against oppression, reflected beautifully in its captivating choreography that is artfully captured by long, expansive shots. Luis believes that a single question can reveal everything about a person: What’s your favorite movie? At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” was one of my top picks — Amy Nicholson.

Entertainment & Arts

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‘Lurker’

Lurker” – A Gritty and Humorous Thriller following Los Angeles-based emo singer Oliver (Archie Madekwe), climbing his way from a small fanbase to stardom. Easygoing and impulsive, he thrives on positive energy. However, his peaceful life is disrupted by Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), a Melrose streetwear store employee who infiltrates Oliver’s circle like a parasite. Real-life rappers Zack Fox and Felix add humor to the story as the friends who set up tests to prove that Matthew isn’t cool enough to associate with them. First-time director Alex Russell, known for his sharp cringe comedy style, delves into the complexities of modern fame, where a celebrity might have more social media followers than actual money in their bank account. The events surrounding Oliver are so confusing that within a single day, Matthew manages to go from emptying the trash bin to filming a low-budget documentary. “I’m just happy to be here,” he says with a smile. And so is the audience. – Amy Nicholson

Movies

Once again, we find ourselves on Main Street capturing the key figures – actors, scriptwriters, directors, and topics – driving the cultural discourse. Don’t miss out on stunning photos from our Sundance Portrait Gallery collection!

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‘The Wedding Banquet’

Upon watching Andrew Ahn’s modern take on “The Wedding Banquet,” I find myself momentarily suspending my complaints about Hollywood’s lack of innovation. The revamp of the 1993 Ang Lee original introduces Han Gi-chan, a charming yet clueless heir to a significant South Korean company, who secretly dates Bowen Yang while hiding from his traditional grandparents and imminent visa expiration. His friends, Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran, portray a lesbian couple grappling with multiple IVF attempts and financial struggles. The plot of this romantic comedy-mock wedding is predictable, but it’s enlivened by clever and humorous writing, as well as noteworthy performances from Joan Chen, who plays Tran’s overbearing yet eventually proud mother, and Youn Yuh-jung, who excels as Gi-chan’s silent grandmother. Given the current attacks on LGBTQ+ rights at the highest levels of the U.S. government, this film carries a profound significance with its exploration of love and acceptance, making it all the more impactful. — Vanessa Franko

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2025-02-01 02:31

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