While I didn't see as many movies as previous years, I still saw a wide range of films at this year's Sundance Film Festival. All of them were phenomenal in different ways and are worthy of being seen. Some have already been bought and some are still waiting for news on their future.
Regardless, here are nine movies you should be looking out for in 2018:
1. RBG
The one and only Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the subject of a film this year. It has already been acquired as a CNN film so you'll definitely be hearing about it in the next few months. It is truly an inspiring documentary. It was better for me personally because I knew little to nothing about her before watching the film. Ginsburg herself was also at the festival to promote the film, which was a unique addition to the festival this year.
2. Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
Everyone sadly knows how Robin Williams' story ends. However, much like "RBG," I knew little to nothing about his life story and the type of person he really was behind his comedic personality. By the end of the film, if you're not in tears or close to it, I will be incredibly surprised. This is the story of a man who contributed something no one else has or ever will to the industry. HBO has already acquired the film, so be sure to look out for it in upcoming months.
3. Assassination Nation
One of the biggest movie deals of the festival this year was for this film, selling for over $10 million. This movie literally has everything you could want in a topical film about American society and the millennial generation. Sex. Gore. Violence. Drugs. Alcohol. Feminism. Guns. 'Merica. You name it. Not only is it a wild ride perfect for the midnight category but it's a well-done homage to horror and thriller films.
4. You Were Never Really Here
This film premiered at Cannes last year and has already been acquired by Amazon, so it is yet another film you'll be seeing in your streaming queue. Joaquin Phoenix essentially plays a hitman and that's all you really need to know. Like most films I see at Sundance, I knew little to nothing going into it. This is another film that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster, where characters get blown away by a bullet with no warning.
5. The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Probably one of my favorites this year, "Miseducation" is based on the book by the same name and won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize Dramatic. Chloe Grace-Moretz plays Cameron, who is a teenager sent away to a gay conversion therapy center after being caught by her boyfriend fooling around with another girl. Not only is the film still relevant, gay conversion therapy only being illegal in nine states as of 2018, but it tells an honest story of young adults trying to accept themselves for who they are and asking society to do the same.
6. The Tale
Probably the most topical movie of the festival, "The Tale" tells the story of a woman played by Laura Dern, who in her 40's is reminded of a relationship she had with her running coach at 13. The movie makes you incredibly uncomfortable but that's the point. I don't remember the last time I had such a raw, authentic experience from a film and shared it with so many other people in the theater. You'll be hearing something about this movie this year with the rise of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements.
7. Blindspotting
This was the opening film of the festival, with this year's program being full of topical films filled with societal issues. This is another film that forces you to be uncomfortable and there are scenes in the movie where you're going to be on the edge of your seat waiting for things to get worse.
It's a thrilling cinematic experience. From the poetic screenplay to the engaging cinematography that sometimes plays out like a music video, you'll be leaving with an entirely different perspective on what it's like to be a member of the black community in America today.
8. Time Share
This was the only foreign film I saw this year and it was an enjoyable one. The film contrasts two families. One, a father whose wife slowly succumbs to the grasp that the timeshare company has on her and the other, a man who has already lost his wife to the illusion of the company. The film explores several different themes such as loneliness and filling your life with things that essentially don't make you any happier. Again, I knew nothing going into it, which I think made me enjoy it even more.
9. Hereditary
Last but not least, there's "Hereditary," which has already been generating buzz. The film stars Toni Collette, who's no stranger to horror. It has already been bought by A24, who distributed "The Witch," which was also at Sundance three years ago.
"Hereditary" is a horror film you've likely never experienced before. The film focuses on a family whose grandmother has passed away, supposedly passing on a genetic trait dealing with possession and it's already being compared to "The Exorcist." If you're a horror fan, you're going to want to keep this on your radar.
