Sundance 2025 Film Festival Preview: 7 Major Movies Poised to Take Over the Year

The Sundance Film Festival continues to be a premier event for cinephiles, showcasing standout films from both the United States and around the globe. This year’s festival not only celebrates smaller, independent films but also unveils promising titles set to captivate audiences in 2025. Historically, many Sundance premieres evolve into cultural phenomena, holding the spotlight throughout the year.

At last year’s festival, “A Real Pain,”featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, made ripples as Culkin’s performance has garnered award nominations, positioning him as a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Additionally, Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw The TV Glow”debuted to critical acclaim, establishing itself as one of the year’s most haunting horror-dramas.

The 2024 festival introduced several other notable films, including “Love Lies Bleeding,””A Different Man,””My Old Ass,”and “Presence.”These titles generated significant buzz post-premiere, showcasing the festival’s commitment to presenting a diverse selection of cinematic works. Below, we spotlight a few films from Sundance that are likely to maintain their relevance well into 2025, whether through festival circuits or theatrical releases.

7. Opus

Ayo Edebiri sits at a table and looks around in fear in Opus

A24 returns to Park City with “Opus,”marking the feature film debut of director Mark Anthony Green. This horror film stars Ayo Edebiri as Ariel Acton, a writer invited to the enigmatic home of pop star Alfred Moretti, played by John Malkovich, who vanished thirty years ago. The narrative unfolds around Moretti’s unsettling comeback, intriguing audiences with a “twisted”plan involving a cult-like following that surrounds Acton. Edebiri’s charisma paired with Malkovich’s seasoned performance promises to make “Opus”a must-see when it releases in theaters this March.

6. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Close up of Rose Byrne's face as she lays in the sand looking like she's in pain in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Another intriguing A24 release, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,”stars Rose Byrne as Linda, a woman grappling with multiple challenges, including her child’s mysterious illness, a missing person case, and marital strife, all while her therapist becomes more of a foe than a friend. Directed and written by Mary Bronstein, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Conan O’Brien and Danielle Macdonald. Byrne’s distinctive wit and depth, as established in roles like “Spy,”enhances the film’s unique premise, positioning it as a potential breakout success for A24.

5. Plainclothes

Tom Blyth looks in the mirror and catches the eye of Russell Tovey in Plainclothes

“Plainclothes”features Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey, set against the backdrop of 1990s New York and inspired by real-life events linked to anti-LGBTQ legislation. Blyth plays a police officer embroiled in entrapment tactics who ultimately becomes romantically involved with one of his targets, portrayed by Tovey. This film not only allows Blyth to showcase his dramatic talents but also revisits a sobering tribute to a troubling chapter of LGBTQ history.

4. Together

Dave Franco and Alison Brie are terrified while looking down at the camera in Together

Following their prior collaboration in the horror film “The Rental,”real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie reunite for “Together,”a psychological thriller. The story centers on their characters, who relocate to the countryside, only to experience life-altering supernatural occurrences. Initial imagery hints at terror interwoven with themes of body horror and relational dynamics. Helmed by Michael Shanks, this film marks his entry into major feature directing, promising to deliver intense storytelling.

3. Jimpa

John Lithgow hugs Olivia Colman from behind in Jimpa

“Jimpa,”a poignant exploration of identity and family dynamics, stars Olivia Colman with John Lithgow. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sophie Hyde, the narrative follows a mother taking her nonbinary child to visit their grandfather in Amsterdam. The character Jimpa, portrayed by Lithgow, adds depth to the narrative, and with both actors’ impressive talent, the film is anticipated to resonate deeply with viewers.

2. Kiss Of The Spider Woman

Tonatiuh feeds Diego Luna an apple in Kiss of the Spider Woman

Starring Jennifer Lopez, “Kiss Of The Spider Woman”reinterprets a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical based on Manuel Puig’s remarkable novel. The film chronicles the emotional journey of two prisoners in Argentina, bonding over their love for a legendary diva. With Diego Luna and Tonatiuh joining Lopez, the film promises vibrant musical performances and compelling storytelling. This project could offer Lopez a chance for redemption after her prior Academy Award snub for “Hustlers.”

1. The Wedding Banquet

Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang dance with friends in The Wedding Banquet

This new take on Ang Lee’s 1993 classic “The Wedding Banquet”stars Bowen Yang, who displayed his rom-com chops in “Fire Island.”Alongside him are Lily Gladstone, fresh from her Best Actress nomination for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and Joan Chen. Directed by Andrew Ahn, who also helmed “Fire Island,”this romantic comedy has all the ingredients to become a noteworthy hit.

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