53 Sundance Film Festival Movies to Watch

Haunted by a secret family curse, Heather lives isolated near a quiet town. Her relationship with the rebellious Jonny stirs up hidden desires, threatening to awaken a primal side of herself.

Margot, a college sophomore, goes on a date with Robert, who is older than her. She discovers that the person she's been chatting with online isn't quite the same as the man in real life.

When his girlfriend departs for a three-month internship in New York City, a Berkeley arthouse cinema manager with strong opinions begins navigating life as a single man.

In a neglected Mexican border town marred by corruption and violence, a discouraged teacher attempts a unique approach to engage his students. He hopes to overcome their disinterest and ignite their curiosity, revealing their hidden abilities—and possibly, their exceptional talents.

A casual online encounter takes an unexpected and unsettling turn.

Muhammad travels back to Detroit for his stepfather's funeral and finds himself burdened with the task of sorting through his stepfather's affairs. However, Muhammad's ongoing battles with depression and addiction threaten to overwhelm him before he can complete the work.

In a family where sons are highly valued, the youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and develops feelings for the theater's transgender star.

Killian Maddox, an ambitious bodybuilder, searches for connection while pursuing his dream of fame. The relentless pursuit of superstardom takes a physical toll, ignoring doctors' warnings about the lasting damage he inflicts on his body.

Lucy, a former child star, attends a retreat led by spiritual leader Elon in search of inner peace. There, she grapples with her complicated relationship with her daughter, Dylan, who works as a stunt performer.

In the harsh winter of 1964 Massachusetts, a young secretary named Eileen is drawn to Rebecca, a captivating new counselor at the local prison. Their friendship deepens, but it takes a disturbing turn when Rebecca shares a shocking secret, leading…

In Australia, Shayda, an Iranian woman, seeks safety for herself and her 6-year-old daughter, Mona, at a women's shelter after leaving her husband, Hossein, and initiating a divorce. Shayda strives to provide a sense of normalcy for Mona as they…

Seventeen-year-old Jem Starling feels like an outsider in her strict Christian community. Her world shifts when her charismatic youth pastor, Owen, unexpectedly returns to their church.

Fran often contemplates death, finding a strange vibrancy in it amidst her otherwise uneventful existence. A shared laugh with a new coworker sparks a series of events: a date, a piece of pie, conversation, and a growing connection. However, Fran's…

This is the true story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who achieves international fame as Cassandro, the "Liberace of Lucha Libre." His journey transforms not only the traditionally macho world of wrestling but also his…

In 1970s Rome, Clara and Felice face the challenges of raising their three children. Their oldest, Andrea, is transgender and longs for a life where he can live authentically as a boy. Clara instinctively tries to shield Andrea from difficult…

Two people in their twenties, both recovering from difficult breakups, form a connection during a busy day in South London. They support each other in navigating their troublesome exes, and may rediscover their belief in love.

One chaotic day in New York City brings three figures from Feña's past back into his life: his father, who is from another country; his former boyfriend; and his 13-year-old half-sister. Feña, who has transitioned from female to male and…

A group of friends stumble upon a way to summon spirits using a preserved hand, and become obsessed with the dangerous excitement it offers. Their fascination turns perilous when one friend pushes the boundaries, unleashing frightening supernatural powers.

Fertility doctor Sarah understands the natural progression of life. But when her young daughter Mia begins acting strangely, Sarah is forced to reconsider everything she believes and face a painful memory.

Fleeing the civil war in Liberia, a woman who once enjoyed privilege now struggles to survive as a refugee in Greece. She forms an unlikely friendship with a free-spirited tour guide who doesn't seem to have any roots.

In 1968, art students Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell created a psychedelic photo collage for their musician friends Syd Barrett, David Gilmour, and Roger Waters. The artwork for their album, *A Saucerful of Secrets*, proved pivotal, launching both Pink…

A devoted father struggles to shield his daughter-in-law after learning his son is having an affair, in a heartfelt exploration of a Southern family's complexities.

While picking up a passenger, an elderly Vietnamese taxi driver is kidnapped by three convicts who have recently escaped from jail in Orange County. This is based on a true story.

After her sister vanishes, Jax and her niece Roki rely on each other. Determined to preserve their remaining family bond, Jax and Roki break the law and embark on a road trip to the Grand Nation Powwow in Oklahoma City.

Two brothers crash-land on Earth with a mission: to stop a ruthless capitalist from producing an immortality serum. The serum is created through unethical processes and is contributing to a growing global infertility crisis.

A large Iranian-American family comes together in New York City for the patriarch's heart transplant. The gathering unearths a family secret, forcing the estranged mother and daughter to confront their shared history.

The film follows a father and daughter as their relationship changes over two decades. It begins in the free-spirited 1970s San Francisco, amidst a culture of artistic indulgence. Then, it shifts to the difficult 1980s, marked by the somber reality…

Humanity has lived under a peaceful alien rule for years, but the shift has been difficult. The aliens' advanced technology promised a better world, but it also eliminated most jobs. Two teenagers discover the aliens are intensely interested in human…

Ria Khan, a martial arts student, is determined to prevent her sister Lena from entering an unwanted marriage. With the support of her friends, Ria plans a daring wedding heist, motivated by a desire for independence and loyalty to her…

In Fremont, California, Donya, an Afghan refugee and former translator in her twenties, navigates a difficult life. She works writing fortunes for a fortune cookie factory and sees a therapist, struggling with insomnia and the pain of leaving loved ones…

Cruz, a grandmother who hasn't experienced an orgasm in decades, has never considered it a priority. But a chance encounter online reignites long-dormant desires. Suddenly, she must grapple with a conflict: how to reconcile this unexpected resurgence of sensuality with…

Set in the near future, a new technology allows couples to share the experience of pregnancy using artificial wombs. Botanist Alvy is skeptical of this development, but for the sake of his relationship with Rachel, he decides to try it.

Brandon, a high school senior overwhelmed by life's demands, has his world shattered when the girl he loves robs him at gunpoint.

A single mother and a childless morgue technician form an unexpected connection through their shared secret: they've brought a little girl back to life.

Onyx joins a group of occultists for a ritual at the mansion of Bartok, their idol. When Onyx begins to suspect Bartok has sinister plans, they are unexpectedly drawn into a world of monsters, mystery, and chaos.

James and Em are having an idyllic vacation at a secluded island resort, enjoying beautiful beaches and attentive service. However, drawn by the alluring Gabi, they leave the resort and enter a world of violence, indulgence, and shocking darkness. A…

Theater Camp, a comedy starring Tony winner Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, satirizes the world of arts education. Platt is Angelo, an acting coach with a history of career disappointments. Galvin plays Bradley “Baby” Bjorn, a dance instructor known for…

Facing the progression of her cancer, Noelia chooses to return to Vieques, Puerto Rico, seeking autonomy over her life. There, she reconnects with loved ones grappling with the lasting effects of decades of U.S. Navy military activities and contamination.

Two freediving enthusiasts – a world record holder and a dedicated safety diver – prepare for a daring attempt at a historic dive, willing to push their limits.

A successful rapper chooses a new US manager and record label, succeeding his father who previously ran the business.

Blueback, based on the bestselling novel by Tim Winton, tells a story about the ocean, a remarkable marine creature, and a young girl who has the potential to make a difference.

In the mid-1990s, Inez navigates the difficulties of life while fiercely staying true to herself, moving between shelters in New York City. With her 6-year-old son Terry in foster care, she makes the desperate decision to take him, so they…

For years, the U.S. Focus on producing inexpensive food has made it nearly impossible for small farmers, ranchers, and chefs to thrive. Concerned about their future, influential food writer Ruth Reichl bridges divides to expose the flaws in the nation's…

A clever 12-year-old lives secretly alone in her London flat, earning money by stealing bikes with her friend Ali. She avoids social services by pretending to live with an uncle. But her life is upended when her father unexpectedly appears,…

During World War II, a young girl in the Philippines must care for her ailing mother. Her desperate search for help leads her to a captivating fairy, but her reliance on the creature puts her in a dangerous situation.

A novelist's marriage is thrown into turmoil when she accidentally hears her husband's candid assessment of her newest book.

In the coastal village of Iyi, Mama Efe is a respected link between the community and the powerful water spirit, Mami Wata. When a young boy falls ill and dies, Efe’s daughter Zinwe and her student Prisca caution her about…

A sudden promotion for one partner at a competitive hedge fund puts a strain on a young couple's relationship, jeopardizing their engagement and their future together.

Rachel is content with her life: her job, her friends, her past relationship, her music. When she begins a relationship with Ali, she also develops a close bond with his four-year-old daughter, Leila. Rachel cares for Leila, comforting her and…

Tomas and Martin, a gay couple married in Paris, face a crisis when Tomas impulsively starts an affair with a young teacher named Agathe. This triggers Martin to have an affair of his own, forcing Tomas to confront difficult choices…

The Eight Mountains is a sweeping story of friendship and finding oneself, unfolding over four decades in the stunning Italian Alps. It explores the deep and intricate bond between Pietro and Bruno.

A boy from Burkina Faso journeys to Italy, but later experiences heartbreak and becomes haunted by memories of his homeland. Driven by a desire to reclaim what he's lost, he begins traveling through time.

Years after a disastrous summer, Eva returns to her childhood village with a block of ice. In the depths of winter, she confronts her past and those who tormented her.