16 Films Poised for Bidding Frenzy
Hollywood heads to Park City this week, braving snowy conditions and high altitudes in pursuit of indie gems, potential Oscar nominees, and sought-after horror flicks.
Sundance is back in full force, nestled in the mountains, bringing with it hopes that persistence and hefty investments could secure films like "Little Miss Sunshine," "Brooklyn," "Manchester by the Sea," or "The Big Sick," all past festival hits that ignited fierce bidding wars.
However, not all Sundance sensations translate to box office triumphs or Oscar wins, as seen with "Hamlet 2" and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." Some 2023 films with big deals, like John Carney's "Flora and Son" or "Eileen" featuring Anne Hathaway, received lukewarm receptions.
Today's independent film market faces unprecedented challenges. Although streaming has eased box office pressures, the sheer volume of available content makes standing out difficult. So, these anticipated sales come with a cautionary note.
Nevertheless, here are 16 films at this year's Sundance that appear promising:
A Real Pain
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, Daniel Oreskes
Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Sales Agent: CAA/WME Appeal: Eisenberg and Culkin, known for their nuanced portrayals, star in a story about cousins clashing during a tour in Poland to honor their grandmother, promising an engaging family drama.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Directors: Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui
Sales Agent: Cinetic Media
Appeal: This documentary, blessed by Reeve's family and rich in personal archives, offers a comprehensive look at his inspiring life, from his Superman fame to his activism after a paralyzing accident. It's anticipated to be a major festival draw with significant award potential.
Between the Temples
Cast: Carol Kane, Jason Schwartzman, Dolly De Leon, Robert Smigel
Director: Nathan Silver
Sales Agent: CAA/Anonymous Content
Appeal: Kane and Schwartzman's comedic chemistry shines in this tale of a cantor and his older bat mitzvah student, offering both actors a rare chance to lead.
Daughters
Directors: Natalie Rae and Angela Patton
Sales Agent: CAA/ Submarine
Appeal: This touching documentary follows girls preparing to dance with their incarcerated fathers, balancing emotional depth with lighter moments.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Cast: André Holland, John Earl Jelks, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Director: Titus Kaphar
Sales Agent: UTA
Appeal: Holland, acclaimed for "Moonlight," stars in this tale of an artist confronting his past, directed by Titus Kaphar.
Eno
Director: Gary Hustwit
Sales Agent: Submarine
Appeal: This documentary on musician Brian Eno, featuring AI-generated visuals, presents a unique viewing experience, appealing to unconventional buyers.
Freaky Tales
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani Kordei Hamilton, Dominique Thorne, Ben Mendelsohn, Angus Cloud
Directors: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Sales Agent: WME
Appeal: Directed by the duo behind "Half Nelson" and "Captain Marvel," this film tells four interlinked stories set in Oakland, featuring a stellar cast.
Gaucho Gaucho
Directors: Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw
Sales Agent: Submarine
Appeal: From the makers of "The Truffle Hunters," this film explores the lives of Argentine Gauchos, promising breathtaking visuals and deep cultural insights.
Little Death
Cast: David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffmann, Dominic Fike, Talia Ryder, Jena Malone
Director: Jack Begert
Sales Agent: CAA
Appeal: A dark Hollywood satire featuring Schwimmer as a screenwriter in crisis, produced by Darren Aronofsky and directed by music video sensation Jack Begert.
Love Me
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Steven Yeun
Directors: Sam and Andy Zuchero
Sales Agent: WME/ 2AM
Appeal: Stewart and Yeun star in this sci-fi romance about a buoy and a satellite falling in love, directed by promising filmmakers Sam and Andy Zuchero.
My Old Ass
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Maddie Ziegler
Director: Megan Park
Sales Agent: CAA
Appeal: Plaza stars in this quirky coming-of-age comedy about a girl meeting her older self, supported by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap.
Presence
Cast: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Lang
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Sales Agent: Sugar 23
Appeal: Soderbergh returns with a twisty haunted house thriller, promising another innovative narrative experience.
Thelma
Cast: June Squibb, Richard Roundtree, Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg
Director: Josh Margolin
Sales Agent: CAA
Appeal: Squibb leads this revenge comedy about a grandmother confronting phone scammers, offering a starring role for the Oscar-nominated actress.
The Outrun
Cast: Saoirse Ronan
Director: Nora Fingscheidt
Sales Agent: CAA/ Protagonist
Appeal: Ronan stars in this adaptation of Amy Liptrot's memoir, a departure from her usual period dramas, portraying a recovering alcoholic returning to Scotland.
Will & Harper
Cast: Will Ferrell, Harper Steele
Director: Josh Greenbaum
Sales Agent: Submarine/ UTA
Appeal: Ferrell reveals a personal side in this intimate documentary about a cross-country road trip with his trans best friend, directed by Josh Greenbaum.
Veni Vidi Vici
Cast: Laurence Rupp, Ursina Lardi, Olivia Goschler, Markus Schleinzer
Directors: Daniel Hoesl and Julia Niemann
Sales Agent: Magnify
Appeal: A satirical take on the ultra-rich, this film promises controversy and a compelling narrative.