The Sundance Film Festival is basically my Superbowl, and I was so insanely committed to catching as many movies as possible. There’s just something so amazing about being surrounded by filmmakers, creatives, and directors; it is so worth discussing movies in the cold and grabbing last-minute wait list tickets. I saw four incredible films this year, met some amazing people, and fully immersed myself in the festival. Here’s a rundown of my thoughts on the movies I saw:

Serious People
First and foremost, I cannot get over the fact that they cast a Drake look-alike just to absolutely roast him for the whole 104 minutes. The movie had some deep themes about pushing yourself too far and the struggles of balancing work and life, but I’m gonna be so honest: I was there for the Drake Slander, and it delivered. I wonder if the filmmakers were on Kendrick’s side.

Visually, it has this natural “use what you have” filmmaking style that makes it feel almost like a documentary at times. Wide shots, minimal cuts, and dialogue that felt so real and improvised. It made all the crazy situations feel even more grounded. And you could tell that everyone involved in making the movie was having the time of their lives.

Fun Fact from the Q&A: The director’s wife was pregnant during filming, and some of their scenes together were real moments. There’s one scene where she’s mad at her husband in the movie, and in real life, she was mad about how much time he was spending working on the film instead of focusing on their family. That scene alone made this whole movie feel even more lived-in.

Come See Me in the Good Light
Come See Me in the Good Light probably was one of the biggest movies from the festival, excluding Twinless, and I honestly understand why. At every panel and event, at least one person would mention it to me. The movie follows two poets named Andrea and Megan as they navigate life, love, and an incurable diagnosis. It’s one of those rare documentaries that somehow make you cry but also laugh at the same time. I found the mix of humor and heartbreak refreshing because cancer and comedy aren’t things you usually see together, but in this film, it works really well.

I’ll be honest: I don’t usually love documentaries, but this one was amazing. The connection between Andrea and Megan is beautiful, and by the end of the movie, it felt like I’d known them for a couple of years. If you get the chance, absolutely watch this movie!

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
If you’re a Jeff Buckley fan, this one’s for you; and if you’re not, well you might be by the time this movie is over. Amy Berg’s documentary is a touching and well-crafted look at Buckley’s life and music. It’s got that classic music documentary structure (childhood, rise to fame, tragic loss) but what stood out to me was how deeply it captured Buckley’s passion and artistry.

With that being said, there were moments when it felt a little slow, and I found myself checking my watch. But overall, it’s a great tribute to an artist who left us way too soon.

Prime Minister
This was honestly such a cool movie. Prime Minister follows Jacinda Ardern’s journey from a public servant to the leader of New Zealand. It’s part behind-the-scenes political documentary, part personal story, and a reminder of what good leadership should look like. It’s got a bit of a “political piece” feel, but that doesn’t make the movie any less interesting. It captures the weight of leadership, the anxieties of imposter syndrome, and the challenges of balancing a political career with a personal life. Jacinda comes across as a leader who genuinely cares, and seeing her in such an unfiltered way made me respect her even more.

Final Thoughts:
Sundance 2025 was everything I was hoping it would be. Every movie I was able to watch had some incredible storytelling. With that being said, there have been major talks about the festival potentially moving out of Utah by 2027, and I really hope that doesn’t happen. There’s something so special about the festival being here and the way Park City transforms into this hub of creativity every January. It wouldn’t feel the same anywhere else. Hopefully, the festival organizers see that too, and keep it right where it belongs.