Sundance 2021: 20 Films You Need To Know About
Keep your eye on these upcoming 2021 releases.
With the world and the movie landscape still far away from returning to anything close to "normal," the traditional film festival circuit has had to pivot considerably, such that even the prestigious Sundance Film Festival - a bastion of the latest and greatest in independent film - opted for a virtual edition this year.
Though a digital festival can't ever begin to replicate the euphoric buzz of an actual in-person festival experience, the flip-side is that it allowed more critics and general audiences than ever access to some of the most anticipated films of the entire year.
And despite the obvious challenges that come with hosting a digital festival, Sundance 2021 was a rousing success, making a passionate argument for the wealth of quality independent film due for release over the next year.
From subtle, character-driven dramas to Oscar-worthy documentaries and even the occasional slice of grindhouse-inspired mayhem, Sundance basically had something for everyone, confirming the festival's enduring worth in even these trying times.
From the 70+ films that premiered at the fest, these are 20 that above all else you need to keep your eye on...
20. Jockey
Widely compared to both The Wrestler and Chloé Zhao's The Rider by critics, Clint Bentley's directorial debut follows a veteran jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.) forced to come to terms with both his own deteriorating health and the possibility that a young fellow jockey (Moisés Arias) might be his son.
Though built from familiar parts, Jockey is a stellar showcase for talented character actor Collins, who is given the floor to demonstrate the full range of his acting prowess while aided by solid supporting turns from Arias and Molly Parker.
Its story is far from surprising, but when a film delivers satisfying, well-acted character drama, it really doesn't need to be.
Jockey will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.