It’s that time of year again.Sundance Film Festivalhas come and gone, publicly presenting a proud collection of films for the first time to an eager audience. Whether you attended the event in person or online, chances are you already know a good deal about the films on offer at this year’s festival. Alternatively, let’s present a hypothetical. Let’s say that you were stuck at home, unable or unwilling to examine just about everything there is to know about such an exciting festival. You may find yourself asking questions like:
And so on and so forth. Luckily, if you were unable to take a deeper dive into what Sundance had to offer this year, we’ve assembled a collection of 20 films we’re most excited about. From documentaries to dramas, here’s an exhaustive recap of thebest movies at Sundance 2024.
Question: Are they not men? Answer: They areDEVO! A new wave band originally founded in the early 1970s, this eclectic group of talented musicians ascended to pop history with their hit single, “Whip It,” with their extensive back catalog serving as an influence for dozens upon dozens of industrial, electronica, and rock artists throughout the ensuing decades. Of course, the band is also partially recognized for being one of the progenitors of the “music video,” having created one for their cover of The Rolling Stones' “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” This would be more than three years prior to the official creation of MTV. They were innovators in more ways than one, and their titular documentary will chronicle their eclectic style via the medium of film.
DEVO Is a Stylish Documentary
Directed by Chris Smith ofFyreand100 Foot Wavefame,DEVOpromises to present the eponymous band in a way that captures their frenetic energy and artistic sensibilities. Plenty of archival footage and the method of the band’s madness will be featured here, with personal anecdotes behind the band’s creation and inspirations on full display. For rock fans of all sorts, you owe it to yourself to see where the genre truly began to expand and experiment.
2Will & Harper
Will Ferrell is well-known for his prominence in the comedy genre, to say the least. However,Ferrell’s latest documentary at Sundance,Will & Harper, promises to be one of the most intriguing premieres yet. Harper Steele, a longtime friend of Ferrell’s for over 30 years, has come out as a trans woman. The two opt to go on a sprawling road trip together to better understand this new stage in each other’s relationship, exploring the American countryside just as they explore new feelings and ideas. Ferrell, having little knowledge of the trans community prior to this adventure, may gain a better understanding of not just his friend, but of the community as a whole.
Josh Greenbaum and Will Ferrel Team Up
Josh Greenbaum is in the director’s chair here, having previously directed the infectiously-uplifting filmBarb & Star Go to Vista Del Marin 2021. Those who saw 2023’sStraysmay also recognize Greenbaum’s work as well, with Ferrell lending his voice to the character of Reggie.Will & Harperwill be a particularly interesting film for the two creatives, not only because of its personal subject, but because of its presentation. Greenbaum’s previous documentaries,Too Funny to FailandBecoming Bond, took a more traditional documentary format compared to what’s being promised here.
From director Richard Linklater comes Hit Man, a 2023 action comedy film based on aTexas Monthlyarticle of the same name. Undercover and trying to catch a group of criminals, a Houston police officer poses as a hitman until he falls for a woman on assignment. Finding himself diving deeper into the world of crime, the Houston officer finds it increasingly difficult to escape his new undercover persona.
Hit Manis more than just your average assassination espionage story. In fact, the selling point here is that our eponymous killer isn’t really a hitman at all. Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick,Scream Queens) plays the role of Gary Johnson, a seemingly-honest professor on the surface who moonlights as a fake hitman, leading to the arrest of those who attempt to hire him. However, when a prospective client is in genuine danger, a case of mistaken identity may lead to a deeper hole being dug for both parties. The film is notable for beingbased on a true story.
Richard Linklater’s Dramatic Return
Co-written by both Glen Powell and Richard Linklater, this action-comedy film marks the latter’s return to the big screen followingApollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood. Similarly, Glen Powell’s lead role is one of a handful he has received in his filmography so far, having previously led 2023’sAnyone But Youand 2022’sDevotion. Adria Arjona (Andor), Austin Amelio (The Walking Dead), and Retta (Parks and Recreation) are also attached to the film’s cast. Knowing Linklater’s pension for melding genres into a cohesive whole,Hit Manis sure to be one heck of an impressive outing.Hit Manwill be released on Netflix on Jun 05, 2025.
4Handling the Undead
There isn’t much to do when it comes to handling the undead. By now, even the youngest of children know that a zombie is quickly dispatched by destroying its brain. But what happens when you take a step back and analyze “why” the undead are even here?Handling the Undeadtakes this a step further, with the recently-deceased rising from their graves in the middle of Oslo. Instead of reacting with abject horror, however, the undead’s grieving families are left wondering if this is a sign of something else, and that their loved ones may actually be back above ground.
A Horrifying Twist on an Established Idea
Director Thea Hvistendahl carved a name for herself between the worlds of short film and music videos. Her previous feature-length project,The Monkey and the Mouth, was released in 2017, and featured a unique mishmash of several core ideas that brought Karpe Diem, a popular Norwegian band, to life on the big screen. Her sense of style is sure to be found withinHandling the Undeadas well, bringing a sentimental twist to one of the most iconic movie monsters in history.Handling the Undeadwill premiere internationally on Aug 17, 2025.
5I Saw the TV Glow
Late-night television is a staple of many a contemporary adult’s youth. But what happens when the idiot box opens up something beyond our understanding?Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paineplay the leading duo of Owen and Maddy, respectively, as they unveil a world beyond their own through the lens of their television. Of course, being witness to such a discovery doesn’t necessarily bode well for either teen.
I Saw the TV Glow Is a Terrifying Time
One of the few horror offerings at Sundance this year,I Saw the TV Glowcomes to you from the same director of the polarizingWe’re All Going to the World’s Fair, which originally released in 2021. While the two films share a love of colorful lighting, it’s safe to suggest that director Jane Schoenbrun has used this thematic follow-up to improve their craft substantially. Those who enjoyed Schoenbrun’s previous film will likely find themselves right at home with this feature, especially with its focus on ambiguity and surreal horror.
6Thelma (2024)
Thelma is a 2024 comedy film written and directed by Josh Margolin. Thelma Post finds herself duped out of money and more when a scam caller pretends to be her grandson. Unwilling to sit back and let herself be a victim, she sets off into the city to find the perpetrator and take back what is hers.
Thelma Review:June Squibb Could be the Next Tom Cruise
Telemarketing scams are all too common nowadays, especially those targeting the elderly. When 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) falls victim to one such scam, she takes it upon herself to reclaim what was stolen from her by any means necessary. What follows is an action comedy story in a similar vein toMission: Impossible, albeit done in a way that respectfully addresses Thelma’s age instead of poking fun at it.
Thelma Is an Elderly Action Hero
Led by the marvelous June Squibb, whose numerous performances stretch all the way back to the 1990s,Thelmalooks to be a particularly engaging action film due to its unique subject and charming presentation. Josh Margolin both wrote and directed this feature film as his full-length debut, with additional cast members consisting of Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, and Clark Gregg. You’ll find yourself rooting for Thelma as she goes on her steadfast journey, never giving in despite the concerns of her surrounding family.
Sundance’s international offerings are often the most engaging, with films likeMalubeing a prime example of the kinds of stories they can offer. An intergenerational tale,Malusees the titular former actress living in a multi-generational household in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. With relationships strained between her mother and her adult daughter, Malu tries to live her days as best as she can, left with only a memory of her creative past.
Malu Will Make You Cry
A tearjerker dramaat its core,Maluis a film that brings its toxic relationships to the forefront, presenting an examination of generational trauma and its negative side effects. However, the film additionally examines the unconditional love that these family members have for each other, and how the two sides form a heart-wrenching division in Malu’s life. Yara de Novaes, who portrays the titular Malu, delivers a performance that is sure to take your breath away.
8Stress Positions
Stress Positionsis a time capsule, hearkening back to the panic-driven days of the pandemic while taking this widespread paranoia and cranking it to a hilarious extreme. The film follows Terry Goon (John Early), a man strictly adhering to quarantine procedures in the middle of Brooklyn. Unfortunately, there are two major complications at play, not including the advent of a global pandemic. The first is that Terry isn’t actually in his own home: he’s in the home of his ex-husband. The second is that he’s currently tending to his young adult nephew, Bahlul, who is a popular model from Morocco. With his nephew being bedbound after a gnarly leg injury, Terry is left to defend the boy when just about everyone tries to get an audience with Bahlul.
Stress Positions Is Hilariously Funny
A comedy at its core, one directed by Theda Hammel,Stress Positionsbalances the real-world tension of the globe at the time with charming humor. There’s a distinction to be made aboutfilms that “take place” during the pandemicand those that are “about” the pandemic, with the latter uniquely applying toStress Positions. Specifically, it’s a film less about the disease itself, and more about the psychological impact it had on the millions of people it affected. Thankfully, it aims to explore this idea through humor instead of malice.
One Must-See Movie Release for Each Month of 2024
2024 is bringing a plethora of exciting films for fans of all genres. Here is one movie from each month of this year that should get your attention.
9A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg returns to Sundance once more with yet another exciting entry in his filmography. Co-starring alongside Kieran Culkin, Eisenberg tells a dramatic story in the confines ofA Real Pain, where two distant cousins — David and Benji — come together in remembrance of their grandmother. However, their isolated journey across the roads of Poland may reopen old wounds. Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, and Kurt Egyiawan are also attached to the cast, with Emma Stone producing.
Jesse Eisenberg’s Anticipated Follow-Up
Though most will recognize Eisenberg for his on-screen talent, some may not be aware of his behind-the-scenes ventures as well. He previously directed the 2022 A24 film,When You Finish Saving the World, which saw Julianne More and Finn Wolfhard as its leads. At just under 90 minutes,A Real Painpromises to condense years upon years of tension into a stunning drama film, tackling themes such as intergenerational trauma and unconditional love.
10Rob Peace
Chiwetel Ejiofor, theacclaimed actor behind impressive performancesin films like12 Years a SlaveandDoctor Strange, has arrived at Sundance with his second feature-length directorial venture. After previously directingThe Boy Who Harnassed the Windin 2019, Ejiofor is now helmingRob Peace, a biographical film based on the life of the titular Robert Peace. An impoverished boy in his youth, Rob Peace (Jay Will) manages to climb the economic ladder via his success in academia. However, few knew that his success was bankrolled via his lucrative side business — selling marijuana.
An Examination of a Tragic Life
Being an adaptation of author Jeff Hobbs' impressive biography,Rob Peacewill provide an intriguing examination of a life tragically cut short, with mounting pressures both at home and in Peace’s particular line of business slowly enveloping his life. The film will also examine how Peace’s family life connects to his drive for success, as the conflicting influences from both his mother (Mary J. Bilge) and father (Chiwetel Ejiofor) form his character. Areturning Camila Cabello, Michael Kelly, and Mare Winngham will also be attached to the cast.
