CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH

One of the most popular titles from this year’s lineup is “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” a movie that is as engrossing as its title is unique. Following in the footsteps of his previously eccentrically-named film “Shithouse,” writer-director Cooper Raiff crafts a different story of love and melancholy, told through the eyes of a young male with no true sense of direction. Raiff stars as the aimless Andrew, who befriends a no-nonsense single mom (Dakota Johnson) and immediately forms a unique bond that will test their limits of attraction. The quick-paced dialogue is the true standout of “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” with Cooper Raiff continuing to prove that he is a gifted and emerging talent. His co-star Dakota Johnson matches him beat for beat in their scenes together, and as one of the producers on this eccentric film, her taste in projects keeps maturing and impressing.

GOD’S COUNTRY

Sandra (Thandiwe Newton) has just lost her mother after a long health battle. Add to that the constant political struggles at her teaching job and the end result makes for a ticking time bomb. That emotional powder keg is set in motion with the arrival of unwanted hunters trespassing on her property, leading to a bloody and chaotic finale. A classic revenge tale in structure but with a modern twist, “God’s Country” is one of the best films in this year’s lineup and a tour de force performance by Thandiwe Newton. She has never been better, flexing acting muscles that will be a welcome surprise to most who see this tightly structured tale.

HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL.

The Wander to Greater Paths megachurch has seen better days. Dwindling attendance and a scandal against one of its founding members have caused Trinitie (Regina Hall) and Lee (Sterling K. Brown) to rethink their approach and reopen under a new mandate. Told in a documentary-style fashion, what follows is a hilarious and bold commentary on religion and the bonds of family. Written and directed by Adamma and Adanne Ebo, “Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul.” dares you not to laugh at its morally complicated central figures. Regina Hall in particular steals the show as the tired and optimistic Trinitie, giving a lengthy and emotionally bare monologue toward the end of the film that showcases her greatest strengths as a performer.

RESURRECTION

The last time a Rebecca Hall film scared audiences at Sundance was 2020’s “The Night House,” and now the talented chameleon has upped the ante with her latest performance. She commands the screen as Margaret, a tense and controlling mother who starts to notice a dangerous ex from her past (Tim Roth) follows her every move. When the encounters turn more sinister, a dark and twisted game is revealed, culminating in one of the best and psychologically twisted finales you’ll see all year. Genre fans will be in heaven with “Resurrection’s” diabolical twists and turns, while Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth proudly continue to commit to dark material in a way that few actors do. Their scenes together are chilling and creepy enough to make you want to see “Resurrection” with the lights on.

All photos courtesy of Sundance Institute