Sundance 2021: 20 Films You Need To Know About

Splitting critics straight down the middle, John and the Hole was one of Sundance's most fiercely debated films, some deeming it an undercooked realisation of a fascinating premise, others feeling it a disarmingly off-kilter darkly comic drama.

Pascual Sisto's directorial debut revolves around a 13-year-old boy, John (Charlie Shotwell), who discovers a hole in the ground near his home, and without explanation decides to drug his family (Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Ehle, Taissa Farmiga) and put them in the hole.

Its often impenetrable narrative and general refusal to explain John's actions are sure to infuriate many, but Sisto's methodical, off-center direction earns justified comparisons to the work of Yorgos Lanthimos, and a phenomenal performance from Shotwell keeps it fascinating during even its most frustrating moments.

John and the Hole is awaiting distribution.