SUNDANCE 2025: BEST OF FEST
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival has officially come to a close and while I didn’t get to take in as many films as I generally do, there was plenty to get excited about. Here’s a look at my 5 favorite films from the recent independent film showcase;
1. TRAIN DREAMS
From writer/director Clint Bentley (“Jockey”) comes this lyrical and often dreamlike look at Robert Grainer (beautifully played by Joel Edgerton), a soft-spoken, hard-working man of an early 1900s American West looking to navigate a world that is quickly changing around him. Bolstered by outstanding performances, breathtaking cinematography, authentic production design, and a stirring score, “Train Dreams” is a beautiful tribute of an average man in an extraordinary time and for all its accomplishments, it’s a film that manages to remain hopeful even when it’s lead character is challenged by emotionally devastating trials.
2. DJ AHMET
In this irresistibly charming North Macedonian import, a Yurok teen from a small village finds himself drawn to house music in an area that frowns upon it. An awkward situation is made even more awkward when Ahmet eventually finds himself drawn to a teen girl who has already been promised to another man and as expected, this doesn’t go over particularly well with her stern father. With its universal themes , “DJ Ahmet” is certainly familiar (the proceedings essentially play as a coming of age underdog story) but it’s incredibly entertaining. The characters are endearing and the story of brotherly love at the center of the movie is sweet and moving. Also, if you don’t laugh at the brightly colored screaming sheep, you simply have no sense of humor. Yeah, “DJ Ahmet” is quite the lovable gem and I greatly look forward to revisiting it.
3. TWINLESS
James Sweeney’s dark comedy, “Twinless,” puts an interesting spin on the traditional bromance movie. It’s the kind of high concept stuff you might see in a sitcom but Sweeney subverts things in a way that will keep viewers on their toes. It’s also a movie that isn’t afraid to show its characters in a flawed light. At the heart of the film is Rocky (Dylan O’Brien,) a grieving man who spends much of his time at a twin loss support group after his brother passes away unexpectedly. While at this support group, Rocky meets Dennis (played by the film’s writer and director), and before long, they’re getting along famously. I’m treading lightly here so as to not spoil what’s really on this movie’s mind only to say that things get complicated. “Twinless” isn’t without its flaws (the graphic sexual content is a bit much) but, it’s well acted and puts an emphasis on character above all else. More importantly, though, it confirms something I’ve felt for over a decade; That Dylan O’Brien (“The Maze Runner,” “Love and Monsters,” “Saturday Night”) is one of our most underappreciated actors. This is quite a breakout role for him and that’s something to be truly excited about.
4. OMAHA
“Omaha” is a quiet, understated little road movie that opens with a broken single father (John Magaro) pulling his kids (Molly Belle Wright and Wyatt Solis) from bed, packing up the car, and hitting the open highway. Why they’re leaving and where they’re headed isn’t entirely clear from the outset but what is clear is how much this man loves his children. This minimalist effort from director Cole Webley and screenwriter Robert Machoian is built up of tiny moments that are so authentic, so genuine, and so powerful (there’s a moment with the family dog that positively wrecked me), that often, “Omaha” doesn’t even really feel like a movie at all. It feels like a slice of real life. Yes, the proceedings tend to be a little mundane and even a bit repetitive but that’s by design. Nothing feels stagey or rehearsed. What’s more, the kids in this picture are absolute naturals but I suppose some of the credit for that has to go to Webley for creating an environment in which these kids are able to shine as brightly as they do. Also, big time props are to DP Paul Meyers for his beautiful cinematography. “Omaha” is positively gorgeous to look at. The only area I really felt this movie faltered is in the ending which I had a hard time buying into. Clearly, though, that’s a case of personal taste. Regardless, what I loved most about “Omaha” is the journey and that’s really what this restrained and emotionally charged road movie is all about.
5. SLY LIVES! (THE BURDEN OF BLACK GENIUS)
I saw a handful of documentaries at Sundance this year (noteworthy docs about Jeff Buckley and Marlee Matlin among them) but of the lot, Sly Lives! was my favorite. This celebration of musical icon Sly Stone was directed by fellow musical icon Questlove. This tribute to a trailblazing genius is so joyful and so utterly in love with this artist and his unforgettable music that by the time the end credits roll, you’ll want to run out and buy every record this man had anything to do with. Questlove affectionately traces Stone’s decades-spanning career and even takes a little time to touch on some of the icons he influenced. Included; Prince and Janet Jackson. Not surprisingly, “Sly Lives!” also delves into some of the darker aspects of the industry and success in general, but again, this is mostly a celebration of Sly and his epic catalogue of songs. So much joy was on display, in fact, that the sold out crowd at Sundance’s Eccles Theater (which holds a whopping 1200 people) found plenty of time to groove in their seats, sing along, and cheer following the film’s many dynamic live performance sequences. “Sly Lives! (The Burden of Black Genius)” will make its debut on Hulu in mid-February. Be sure to check it out!
