The Best of Sundance 2025

ANDRE IS AN IDIOT

Andre Ricciardi is shown to be many things by his friends and family at the beginning of this very funny and engaging documentary. They hail him as a smart, innovative and unique individual who is responsible for some of the best advertising campaigns of the last few decades. But they also think he’s an idiot for not getting a recommended colonoscopy and instead letting nature take its course. The fallout of that decision is what drives “Andre is an Idiot” and we are thrust into the deep end of Andre’s diagnosis, for better or worse, seeing how those closest to him deal with a very passionate decision. Some support him and others scold him for not taking proper action sooner but what Andre actually uses to back up his life-altering choice will surprise many. Deliberately funny and soulful all at once, “Andre is an Idiot” will move you to tears and will absolutely remind those who need it to stay on top of their doctor’s visits.

IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU

Writer-director Mary Bronstein starts escalating the tension within the first few minutes of her new film and it’s a welcome heads-up to slowly digest what’s about to happen over the next two hours. All we see is an obstructed view of Linda (Rose Byrne) dealing with the medical needs of her young daughter but something’s not right. Her maternal choices only get worse as the film progresses and we’re introduced to outside characters that both help and hinder the situation, making the film a tough watch, especially for parents. It’s no surprise Bronstein has brought along producer Josh Safdie (“Uncut Gems”), since he knows a few things about building a tense and engaging narrative around a tough subject. But lead actress Byrne is more than up to the challenge, delivering the best performance of her career as the over-stressed and spiraling Linda, a mother who despite good intentions is only making things worse for her family the more she tries to make them right.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN

An update of the original 1985 film and stage production, this version of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” comes to life through the direction of Bill Condon (“Gods and Monsters”) and its stellar cast. Set in 1980’s Argentina, Valentin (Diego Luna) is a political prisoner and Molina (newcomer Tonatiuh) has just been arrested for lewd crimes. Together they form a bond that reaches past prison walls and into a world of fantasy that showcases extravagant musical numbers as a form of escape and rebellion. The men share a love for famed musical actress Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez) so when they’re not arguing inside their cell about political injustice, they use her as a means to travel outside their current isolation. Condon deftly juggles big musical numbers with turbulent political commentary inside the men’s prison and that balancing act is what drives this version of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” into a true standout and not just another retread.

OMAHA

After the passing of his spouse, a dad wakes up his two young children and announces a last-minute road trip complete with all of their belongings and the family dog. We soon realize this journey is not what it appears to be as piece by piece, the façade climaxes to a heartbreaking reality. John Magaro (“Past Lives”) stars as the father at the center of this difficult tale and this is the finest performance he has ever given. To see him wrestle with so much emotion and difficult parenting will inspire debate among many and that’s also due to Robert Machoian’s (“The Killing of Two Lovers”) unflinching screenplay. The film’s title may seem plain at first glance but the story’s final moments make it a true gut punch and one of the best revelations of this year’s festival.

SORRY, BABY

Agnes is in a mental rut but seems to be just fine with it. At least that appears to be the case at first glance. When the curtain is pulled back we see that despite her cushy academic position and supportive friends there is real grief and unresolved trauma holding her back. How much this will impede any future progress is completely up to her and the tough decisions to forge the road ahead will dig up skeletons she’d rather keep buried. Writer-director Eva Victor stuns with her debut feature as she also completes the film’s trifecta by starring as Agnes. To do all three and make it feel so effortless and accomplished is a true rarity, bolstering the film as a true standout that will resonate with many looking to find their own personal purpose.

TOGETHER

Tim and Millie have decided to move away from the big city and to a new, reclusive countryside home to strengthen their relationship. He’s jobless and she just got a new teaching position closer to the new place so the change is meant to be a positive step forward. What follows is anything but as the already floundering duo are tested with a supernatural presence that could be the best or worst thing to ever happen to them. Real life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie star as the film’s estranged pair and their natural chemistry is what holds the film, well, together. They sell the eccentric and cringe aspects in equal measure, making the finished product a fun and escapist thrill ride. Seeing this one with a crowd will enhance the gruesome and fantastical elements.

TWINLESS

When Roman (Dylan O’Brien) loses his twin brother Rocky (also played by Dylan O’Brien) in the film’s opening scene, he’s crushed with nowhere to turn for solace. But after finding a twin bereavement group, it’s the bond he forms with fellow griever Dennis (James Sweeney) that gives him a chance at starting over. That is until the other shoe starts to drop and we quickly realize there’s more to this chance encounter than either twin initially suspected. Sweeney also wrote and directed “Twinless,” making it a worthy follow-up to his equally engaging “Straight Up” from a few years back. Additionally, Dylan O’Brien is a true standout in the dual role of Roman and Rocky, playing two very different characters in equally hysterical ways. His comedic timing flip-flopping between the withdrawn Roman and the eccentric Rocky is the film’s secret weapon and a showcase for the underrated actor.

All photos courtesy of Sundance Institute.