Sundance 2023 Watchlist Picks
Here are some of the buzziest titles to come out of Park City at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Add these to your Watchlist now!
List activity
80K views
• 7 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
20 titles
- DirectorA.V. RockwellStarsTeyana TaylorAaron Kingsley AdetolaAven CourtneyAfter unapologetic and fiercely loyal Inez kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.Writer-director A.V. Rockwell's directorial debut won the Grand Jury prize in the U.S. dramatic category. The film follows the repercussions of a New York City mother’s decision to kidnap her son from foster care.
- DirectorNida ManzoorStarsPriya KansaraRitu AryaRenu BrindleRia Khan believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting her friends' help, she attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.Writer-director Nida Manzoor (creator of British sitcom "We Are Lady Parts") delivers a wild action-comedy that mashes genres while balancing frenetic, off-the-wall action with heartfelt emotion. Watch the trailer and see why this is an instant "must see."
- DirectorJoe BrewsterMichèle StephensonStarsNikki GiovanniTaraji P. HensonJames BaldwinA look at the life of poet, Nikki Giovanni and the revolutionary historical periods through which she lived, from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson's film took home the Grand Jury prize for U.S. documentaries at this year's fest. Using archival footage and present day interviews with Giovanni, the film gives life to the world-renowned poet’s vision of our future by way of Black liberation.
- DirectorElijah BynumStarsJonathan MajorsHarrison PageHarriet Sansom HarrisA Black amateur bodybuilder struggles to find human connection in this exploration of celebrity and violence.As thrilled as we are to see Jonathan Majors disrupt the Multiverse in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' and take on Michael B. Jordan in 'Creed III,' his all-in performance in director Elijah Bynum’s portrait of obsession and disconnection has reviewers raving.
- DirectorRachel LambertStarsDaisy RidleyDave MerhejeParvesh CheenaFran, who likes to think about dying, makes the new guy at work laugh, which leads to dating and more. Now the only thing standing in their way is Fran herself.Director Rachel Lambert’s quirky rom-com gives audiences another side of 'Star Wars' alum Daisy Ridley—who’s been mostly quiet since 2021's 'Chaos Walking'—as a goofy new coworker shakes her out of her (literally) drab existence.
- DirectorSophie BarthesStarsEmilia ClarkeChiwetel EjioforRosalie CraigIn a not-so-distant future, tech giant Pegazus offers couples the opportunity to share their pregnancies via detachable artificial wombs or pods. And so begins Rachel and Alvy's wild ride to parenthood in this brave new world.Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in this sci-fi comedy as a couple about to become the ultimate detached parents, raising their unborn child in an artificial womb that exists outside the body. Reviews have been mixed, but near-future technology always makes for a fun and compelling hook in movies and TV.
- DirectorBrandon CronenbergStarsAlexander SkarsgårdMia GothCleopatra ColemanJames and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort's perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.Audiences are already drawing comparisons between 'Infinity Pool' — the newest film by Brandon Cronenberg starring Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth — and "The White Lotus." But while the HBO show uses wry satire to make its point, Cronenberg's film aims to horrify with its adult themes and overt violence.
- DirectorSusanna FogelStarsEmilia JonesNicholas BraunGeraldine ViswanathanWhen Margot, a college sophomore, goes on a date with the older Robert, she finds that he doesn't live up to the Robert she has been flirting with over texts. A razor-sharp exploration of the horrors of dating.Based on the viral New Yorker short story by Kristen Roupenian, 'Cat Person' may threaten audiences with permanent muscle damage thanks to its cringe-inducing central sex scene. Starring Nicholas Braun ("Succession") Emilia Jones (one of two trending Sundance 2023 titles for the 'CODA' star), the film’s portrayal of toxic relationships and misogyny may hit close to home for some viewers.
- DirectorWilliam OldroydStarsThomasin McKenzieShea WhighamSam NivolaA woman's friendship with a new co-worker at the prison facility where she works takes a sinister turn.Based on the novel by co-writer Ottessa Moshfegh, Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie are getting critical praise for their intense chemistry in this dark and twisty story of the relationship between a juvenile detention secretary and the new prison psychiatrist who shakes up her life.
- DirectorAndrew DurhamStarsEmilia JonesScoot McNairyNessa DoughertyA young girl recounts growing up in San Francisco in the '70s and '80s with her gay dad.'Fairyland' looks to become one of those rare films based on a memoir that doesn’t dilute the emotional impact of the source material in favor of broad appeal. And the cast is a fascinating ensemble we’re looking forward to seeing together: Emilia Jones (the 'CODA' star with two buzzy titles at Sundance), Scoot McNairy, Geena Davis, Adam Lambert, and Maria Bakalova.
- DirectorChloe DomontStarsPhoebe DynevorAlden EhrenreichEddie MarsanAn unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple's relationship to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement.Chloe Domont’s 'Fair Play' looks to appeal to moviegoers unafraid of watching damaged people damaging each other, as Phoebe Dynevor (of "Bridgerton" fame) and Alden Ehrenreich ('Solo: A Star Wars Story') play out a corporate romance that brings out the worst in everyone. Sure to cause a stir, Netflix saw something it likes, as the streamer is reportedly ponying up $20 million to snag the rights.
- DirectorMolly GordonNick LiebermanStarsBen PlattMolly GordonNoah GalvinThe eccentric staff of a rundown theater camp in upstate New York must band together with the beloved founder's bro-y son to keep the camp afloat.This mockumentary by real-life best friends Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, and Nick Lieberman got a standing ovation when it premiered at Sundance on January 21, 2023, and it's easy to understand why. With a stellar cast (Amy Sedaris, Patti Harrison) and a wholesome plot, 'Theater Camp' looks ready-made to become the feel-good movie of the year. Searchlight must think so — they just purchased worldwide rights to the film for $8 million.
- DirectorAlice EnglertStarsJennifer ConnellyAlice EnglertAna ScotneyA former child actress seeking enlightenment at a retreat led by a spiritual leader navigates the close but turbulent relationship with her daughter.Add this to your Watchlist if you’re drawn to a standout performance of Jennifer Connelly, darkly comic insights into mother-daughter relationships, or are interested to see what director Alice Englert (daughter of Jane Campion) achieves behind the camera.
- DirectorRoger Ross WilliamsStarsGael García BernalRoberta ColindrezPerla De La RosaFollows the true story of Cassandro, the ''exotico'' character created by Saúl Armendáriz, gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.Gael Garcia Bernal lends his veritas to the true story of Saúl Armendáriz, an openly gay Luchadore who transcended the sport’s stereotypical queer-coded rudo personae to become a legend. This is director Roger Ross Williams' ('Life, Animated') second foray into Armendáriz’s life, following his 2016 short film "The Man Without a Mask."
- DirectorJohn CarneyStarsEve HewsonJoseph Gordon-LevittOrén KinlanA single mom at war with her son is trying to find a hobby for him. One day, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster.Writer/director John Carney has launched his two previous musical dramedies at Sundance ('Once' and 'Sing Street'), and both have gone on to please audiences and critics alike, so expect his latest, which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt a as failed musician who becomes an inspiration for Flora (Eve Hewson), who is struggling with her failing marriage and troubled young son, to follow suit. Apple certainly believes in the film, as it has acquired 'Flora and Son' for an impressive $20 million.
- DirectorDavis GuggenheimStarsMichael J. FoxDavis GuggenheimTracy PollanFollows the life of beloved actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, exploring his personal and professional triumphs and travails, and what happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease.Because sometimes you need a good cry and confirmation that a beloved icon is someone you can still admire. At a time when so many profile docs tend to have a promotional edge, it’s refreshing that Michael J. Fox let director Davis Guggenheim have full creative freedom and waived any right to influence the film’s final cut.
- DirectorLisa CortesStarsLittle RichardRalph HarperNewt CollierThe life and career of Little Richard, the one-of-a-kind rock 'n' roll icon who shaped the world of music.Little Richard, often credited as the architect of rock and roll, tended to defy categorization. His inner turmoil – growing up a Black man of faith who had trouble reconciling with his sexuality – is the focus of this documentary from director Lisa Cortes. Reviews have been mixed (some say there isn’t enough of his music to enjoy) though Magnolia/CNN Films picked up worldwide rights.
- DirectorDavina PardoLeah WolchokStarsJudy BlumeMolly RingwaldTayari JonesJudy Blume and the generations of readers who have sparked to her work. Examines her impact on pop culture and the occasional controversies over her frankness about puberty and sex.Suddenly, author Judy Blume is everywhere all at once, with the long-awaited adaptation of her novel 'Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.' being released this April, and large crowds gathering at Sundance to enjoy 'Judy Blume Forever,' a documentary that examines her writing’s impact on generations of readers.
- DirectorMaite AlberdiStarsAugusto GóngoraPaulina UrrutiaGustavo CeratiAugusto and Paulina have been together for 25 years. Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Both fear the day he no longer recognizes her.This tender yet heartbreaking documentary follows Chilean journalist Augusto Góngora and his wife Paulina as they confront the challenges of his battle with Alzheimer’s. The film won the top prize in Sundance’s world documentary category, and was promptly acquired by MTV Documentary Films.
- DirectorCharlotte ReganStarsLola CampbellAlin UzunCary CranksonGeorgie, a dreamy 12-year-old girl, lives happily alone in her London flat, filling it with magic. Suddenly, her estranged father turns up and forces her to confront reality.This Grand Jury prize winner in the world dramatic category could be an indie sleeper this year. Writer-director Charlotte Regan has crafted a small, sweet drama that follows a spirited young 12-year-old as she reunites with her estranged father.