THR Critics Pick the 15 Best Films of Sundance 2025

The Alabama Solution

Based on substantial footage secretly recorded by inmates using contraband cellphones, Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman’s compelling documentary is difficult to watch yet essential. This film shines a light on the corrupt practices and misuse of power within Alabama’s prisons, while also highlighting the bravery of the men who have managed to grow amidst a system that shows no concern for their rehabilitation and consistently denies their basic human dignity. — REPHRASED BY AI

BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions

In 1963, scholar W.E.B. Du Bois was nearing the end of his lifelong pursuit to publish an encyclopedia focused on people of African descent. Kahlil Joseph’s captivating debut film, “Blurryedgeofmemory,” draws inspiration from this mission, creating a dynamic video essay that serves as a visual timeline of Black culture over the past five decades. The movie combines Afro-futurist storytelling, archival footage, and personal memoir in a way that echoes the styles of filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and Garrett Bradley. Kahlil Joseph narrates the fictional tale of a journalist documenting a transatlantic curatorial project using voiceovers, captions, and various visual techniques. — REPHRASED BY ASSISTANT

The Librarians

Despite the current flurry of executive orders curtailing rights under the new presidency, which may have pushed book bannings in school libraries – particularly those dealing with LGBTQ or racial themes – off the front pages, the practice persists. This meticulously compiled documentary by Kim A. Snyder, titled “US Kids,” is therefore especially timely. The film skillfully blends vintage movie clips with archival and contemporary footage to depict a group of educators, predominantly women, resisting these bans. It’s a vital account that captures both the drama and despair, as well as pockets of hope in this struggle. — REVIEWER’S NAME

Pee-Wee as Himself

Drawing from 40 hours of interviews and extensive archival footage, Matt Wolf’s HBO two-part series sheds a posthumous light on Paul Reubens. By maintaining an authentic tone in his interactions with Reubens and avoiding any attempt to sugarcoat their conversations, Wolf has crafted an illuminating and intriguingly complex portrait of an artist who was himself complex and puzzling. This work holds its own against HBO’s recent series of documentaries about challenging comedians, such as Garry Shandling and George Carlin. – Rewritten by AI

The Perfect Neighbor

In June 2023, Susan Lorincz, a resident of Florida, fatally shot her Black neighbor Ajike Owens, a mother of four, when she approached Lorincz’s house. Using footage from police body cameras, filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir recounts the series of events that culminated in this tragic incident, highlighting a peaceful community grappling with a long-standing dispute. The narrative is gripping, shedding light on racial prejudice, police indifference, and the impact of America’s Stand Your Ground legislation. — Rewritten by AI

Peter Hujar’s Day

A remarkable movie, “Ira Sachs’ character study” is based on old recordings from a conversation between gay photographer Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw) and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall) for a book project in 1974. The film, led by Whishaw’s captivating performance, seamlessly weaves together moments from the past into something fluid and expansive, creating a heartfelt and thought-provoking experience with subtle finesse. David Rooney’s review.

Plainclothes

In a movie that resonates deeply with those who recall the decades marked by embarrassment, terror, and concealment, first-time director Carmen Emmi’s ’90s-era thriller tells the story of a police officer tasked with an undercover operation aimed at apprehending gay men seeking intimacy in a Syracuse shopping mall. However, his readiness to act as bait fades when he encounters challenges related to his own sexual identity and becomes increasingly fixated on a closeted companion. Performances by Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey are captivating, making this drama both steamy and poignant, with an authentic grittiness that keeps you engaged. — Rewritten by AI

Prime Minister

The documentary by directors Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe, titled “Jacinda Ardern,” is a compelling and strikingly personal account of a woman in authority, delving into the professional and private life decisions made by New Zealand’s progressive prime minister during her five-year tenure as the country’s dynamic leader. Skilfully pieced together from home videos, candid contemporary interviews, and historical news footage, this film provides an unusual behind-the-scenes view of the pressures and challenges faced by politicians when unexpected crises arise. – REPHRASED BY AI

Rebuilding

In his home state of Colorado, Max Walker-Silverman once more creates a powerful visual narrative from the scenery, similar to how he did in his first work, “A Love Song.” However, this time, the scene is marred by a destructive wildfire that leaves a rancher named Dusty homeless. The emotional core of this subdued drama, Dusty is portrayed with subtle grace by Josh O’Connor, adding another impressive performance to an already remarkable collection — one that is skillfully mirrored by the other actors in the cast.

– SHERI LINDEN

Sally

Cristina Costantini’s captivating documentary on astronaut Sally Ride skillfully combines her partner’s personal narrative (who was with her for 27 years) and a candid depiction of the appalling sexism she faced as the first American woman in orbit. The film is both moving and socially significant, offering a rare portrayal that sympathizes deeply with its subject while not shying away from highlighting her complex personality traits at times. – R.P.

Seeds

Brittany Shyne’s thoughtful and striking documentary focuses on two Black farmers in modern-day America’s South, painting a heartfelt picture of rural living while also highlighting the challenges to its continuation. The film uses a black-and-white color scheme to powerful impact – a scene depicting tractors tilling cotton fields evokes past struggles due to its similarity to historical photographs. This isn’t an investigative piece but rather a poetic reflection reminiscent of Garrett Bradley’s unforgettable work, “Time.” – Rewritten by AI

Sorry, Baby

As I step into my first big-screen role, I, the gamer, take on the challenge of portraying a young academic from New England, grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic sexual experience. This film offers a raw, personal perspective on the genre often referred to as “traumedy,” blending humor, wit, and heartfelt moments. The captivating performances by Naomi Ackie, playing my best friend, and Lucas Hedges, as my neighbor-turned-suitor, add depth and emotion to the story. Through my character’s journey, I aim to showcase my versatility as a triple threat, using a unique blend of irony and sincerity to create an engaging narrative.

The Stringer

How do you untangle truth from lies, especially when they’re enshrouded in an established narrative? This is the central dilemma explored in Bao Nguyen’s compelling documentary. At its heart lies a well-known 1972 photograph (often referred to as “Napalm Girl”) that echoed around the globe during the Vietnam War, and a group of investigative journalists who, five decades later, seek to uncover if it was incorrectly credited to its original photographer. This film is a captivating account of international detective work, more about office politics than global politics, ultimately delving into the complex relationship between the two. – R.R.

Train Dreams

Clint Bentley’s poignant drama, based on Denis Johnson’s novella, masterfully portrays a logger in the early 20th century Pacific Northwest. The narrative, unrestricted by pages, is skillfully crafted through exceptional acting and vivid characters – Joel Edgerton delivers one of his finest performances, while Felicity Jones shines brightly. The characters appear as if they’ve been plucked from a time long past, their visages reminiscent of Walker Evans photographs. This film, with its breathtaking beauty, is flawlessly constructed and propels Bentley (known for Jockey) into the ranks of significant American filmmakers. – R.D.

Twinless

James Sweeney’s heartfelt comedy-drama, “The Unusual Friendship,” skillfully balances humor and empathy. It follows two young men (portrayed by Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney) who develop an unlikely bond within a twin loss support group. In a remarkable performance, O’Brien plays both the rebellious main character and, in flashbacks, his outgoing gay sibling. The powerful script is peppered with poignant insights on sorrow and solitude, as well as a few clever plot twists. – Rewritten by AI

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2025-02-01 17:55