The 2018 Sundance Film Festival starts today and it is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years. This is the first Sundance post Weinstein era, so it’ll be very interesting to see the types of films to come out and just the overall atmosphere at the festival. The movies being screened this year seem to be very diverse and potentially powerful. Below are my top 5 films premiering at Sundance that you need to keep an eye out for later this year.
5. The Catcher Was a Spy
This one is a biography drama that follows major league baseball player Moe Berg living a double life working at The Office of Strategic Services. Paul Rudd takes the lead role and it’ll be very interesting seeing him in a more dramatic role. With other big names like Mark Strong and Jeff Daniels in the supporting cast, The Catcher Was a Spy has a lot of potential on paper.
4. Come Sunday
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Danny Glover, Come Sunday follows Evangelist Carlton Pearson who is ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell. The subject matter has potential to be slightly controversial, but it is hard to argue that this drama doesn’t sound intriguing. It’ll be an interesting transition for director Joshua Marston, who has a background in directing TV series.
3. The Guilty
The Guilty tells the story of an alarm dispatcher and former police officer who answers an emergency call from a kidnapped woman. When the call is suddenly disconnected, the search for the woman and her kidnapper begins. The premise isn’t anything super original or groundbreaking, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be effective and gripping. The Guilty stars Jakob Cedergren and Jessica Dinnage.
2. Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
When the first image of Joaquin Phoenix surfaced of him in the wheelchair, I was immediately interested. This biography tells the story of John Callahan, who became paralyzed after a car accident at age 21, and turned to drawing as a form of therapy. The cast also includes Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, and Jack Black. The talent is definitely there, but can director Gus Van Sant deliver a clear and concise film? It has been almost 10 years since he knocked one out of the park, so he’s due. Let’s hope we don’t have another movie like The Sea of Trees.
1. Wildlife
My excitement for Wildlife is through the roof. This one stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan and follows their marriage falling apart through their son’s eyes. This is also Paul Dano’s directorial debut, so it’ll be interesting to see how the talented actor translates his skills to the director’s chair. The hype around Wildlife is real, so time will tell how effective it is.