For this next batch, we’re diving into a mix of eerie slow burns, offbeat comedies, and one particularly emotional farewell. Sundance is always full of surprises, and these films prove that whether a movie works or not, you won’t leave without something to talk about.
Pee-Wee as Himself
Paul Reubens gets the final word on his own legacy in Pee-Wee as Himself, a warm and bittersweet documentary that blends nostalgia and vulnerability. Director Matt Wolf spent over 40 hours interviewing Reubens in 2023, capturing his reflections on a career defined by childlike wonder and boundary-pushing absurdity. The film takes us from his early days in comedy to his final months, never shying away from the struggles he kept private. For those of us who grew up with Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, this is a touching farewell.
East of Wall
Blurring the line between documentary and fiction, East of Wall follows horse trainer Tabitha Zimiga and her unconventional family as they navigate life in the Badlands. With a cast made up largely of real-life ranch kids (including Zimiga’s daughter), every moment feels lived-in rather than performed, and the film smacks of authenticity. There are stretches where East of Wall loses momentum, but the raw honesty and gorgeous cinematography make up for it. This is the kind of quietly powerful story that lingers long after the credits roll.
Rabbit Trap
There’s eerie, and then there’s Rabbit Trap eerie. Set in 1970s Wales, this folklore-infused horror film follows a couple — sound engineer Darcy and musician Daphne — as they relocate to a remote cottage for their latest project. But after accidentally disturbing a fairy ring, they attract the attention of something ancient and malevolent. Director Bryn Chainey excels at building an atmosphere of creeping dread, using sound design to unsettling effect. Unfortunately, the third act fumbles a bit, losing the quiet terror that made the first two-thirds so gripping. Still, for fans of slow-burn horror with folkloric roots, Rabbit Trap is worth a watch.
Atropia
Equal parts satire and absurdist comedy, Atropia is set inside a bizarre, hyper-realistic war simulation just outside Hollywood. Here, actors play insurgents, civilians, and soldiers in an immersive training ground for the military. But for some of these performers, like aspiring actress Fayruz (Alia Shawkat), it’s also a proving ground for a real Hollywood career. The film walks a fine line between hilarious and unsettling, poking at the strange intersection of war and entertainment. Shawkat is fantastic, and while a surprise cameo early on nearly steals the show, Atropia holds its own as a strange and surprisingly funny festival standout.
Find more of our Sundance 2025 coverage at this link.