The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, starts tomorrow, bringing a new batch of undiscovered independent films. The Times will be there, covering the event with reviews, interviews, and daily updates. Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg, among others, will be showcasing their work. As we prepare for the festival, here are the top 10 movies we are eagerly anticipating.
Better Angels: The Gospel According to Tammy Faye
Dana Adam Shapiro presents a four-part exploration of Tammy Faye Messner’s life. Despite her glamorous appearance, Messner was a complex figure, and this documentary promises to provide a thorough and nuanced account of her fascinating journey.
Freaky Tales
Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, known for “Half Nelson,” return to their indie roots with “Freaky Tales.” The film, set in the Bay Area, weaves interconnected stories of teen punks, Nazi skinheads, rap duos, and NBA ballers, making it their most raucous and crowd-pleasing project yet.
I Saw the TV Glow
Jane Schoenbrun’s reality-bending film, “I Saw the TV Glow,” follows two small-town misfits bonding over a canceled teen show. With a touch of ’90s pop nostalgia and hallucinatory elements, the film is expected to be a conversation starter at the festival.
Love Me
Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun star in this love story set in a postapocalyptic future. With limited details available, the film promises a unique narrative, and Sundance has a history of showcasing potent two-handers, making “Love Me” an intriguing watch.
The Outrun
Saoirse Ronan shines in this recovery drama based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir. Toggling between wild, self-destructive days in London and reflective moments in scenic Orkney, “The Outrun” offers Ronan a wide-ranging showcase, complemented by a talented cast.
Power
Yance Ford, known for “Strong Island,” explores the history of policing in America in “Power.” The documentary raises essential questions about law enforcement’s impact on race, politics, and dominance, pushing for a better understanding and change within affected communities.
Presence
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan, “Presence” is a mysterious horror film about a family moving into a new house. With little information available, the film aims to deliver scares and suspense.
Sasquatch Sunset
Filmmaking brothers David and Nathan Zellner present “Sasquatch Sunset,” a weird and funny yet sincere portrayal of a family of creatures living in the wilderness. With transformative makeup, Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg play members of this unique family.
Seeking Mavis Beacon
Jazmin Renée Jones’ documentary, “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” delves into the famous “Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing” software. Beyond the basics of typing, the film explores the strange disappearance of Renée L’Espérance, the model behind the fictional Mavis Beacon character.
