It’s that time of year where journalists and members of the press gather the warmest pieces of their wardrobe and head down to Park City, UT. However, the annual Sundance Film Festival – usually able to stand against cold weather and snowy backdrops – was no match for Covid-19. The festival was given no exception to the adjustments everyone had to make this year due to the pandemic. The Sundance Institute has made due in an impressive way for the unforeseen circumstances of 2020 that have inconveniently crossed over into 2021 by offering the experience virtually for those who want to attend. Alex’s Sundance 2021 Watchlist
With that said, lucky for me (insert clear sarcasm), this is my first year attending Sundance and I have been provided the opportunity to catch some of the buzz worthy, award contending, and mind bending films of the season from the comfort of my home. Here at BlackFilm.com we were all called to pick out categories in the festival that spoke to us most, and me being a self-proclaimed horror and what-the-hell-did-I-just-watch film lover, I jumped at my chance to review the films in the Next and Midnight categories. While the categories combined have six films in its repertoire, there are three that include a black cast member or have a black director. So as a gift from me to you – I’m going to list the movies I’m covering for BlackFilm.com this year and a few extras outside of my category I simply think would be worth the watch (and because I like you so much). Here’s my Sundance 2021 watchlist.
Ma Belle, My Beauty
Described as “a tipsy, moody dive into polyamory that holds all of the gravity and complexity of sexual fluidity and triangulation, while maintaining the buoyant atmosphere of a hot summer adventure through the fields of Europe.” I knew this would be my winter rendezvous to the French countryside provided in full color via my laptop. Written and directed by a woman – first time director Marion Hill – Ma Belle features a black lead actress Idella Johnson as Bertie, a newlywed struggling with her new life. Read the sites description below.
Newlywed musicians Bertie and Fred are adjusting to their new life in the beautiful countryside of France. It’s an easy transition for Fred, the son of French and Spanish parents, but New Orleans native Bertie grapples with a nagging depression that is affecting her singing. Lane—the quirky ex who disappeared from their three-way relationship years ago—suddenly shows up for a surprise visit, bringing new energy and baggage of her own. Alex’s Sundance 2021 Watchlist
R#J
Romeo, Romeo – you don’t need me to finish the rest because it’s a tale as old as time. Director Carey Williams, however, has put a Gen Z spin on the romance with his feature debut R#J. Telling the story solely through social media and smartphone screens while mixing Shakespearean dialogue with text messages; Carey makes R#J even more relevant by centering black and brown youth at the middle if his new adaptation. I’m excited to see a color filled cast – hello Black Romeo (Cameron Engels) – recount the centuries old romance through something I can relate to while showcasing the power of social media. Read the synopsis below to get an idea of what Carey is trying to bring with R#J.
In fair Verona, a war as old as time is brewing between rival houses—but it’s being captured in a new way. Montague and Capulet Gen Z’ers are using their cell phones to document the eruptions of violence plaguing their communities. In the middle of it all, Romeo discovers Juliet’s artwork at a party, and the two inevitably fall in love. As tensions between their families escalate, the two plead for peace and desperately search for a way to escape their star-crossed destiny.
First Date
Dubbed as a dark comedy and coming-of-age-thriller, First Date, is one that I’m pretty amped to see. It’s rare that you can see a Black male at the center of a fun coming-of-age story and they mess around and add some thrills in there?? Count me all the way in. Tyson Brown, plays Mike, a high school boy willing to go through some pretty extreme measures to go on a date with his crush. I’m not sure how it ends, but the dating world would be a better place with more guys like Mike. Keep reading for a synopsis of First Date.
Mike, a high school kid with a crush, finally summons the courage to ask Kelsey out on a date. With a date but no wheels, Mike borrows money and gets duped into buying a clunker ’65 Chrysler. Although many a first date goes awry, Mike’s swiftly descends into a surreal misadventure that finds him inexplicably targeted by a pair of cops, a criminal gang, and a vengeful cat lady—with all roads leading to a showdown.
Honorable Mentions
Passing – Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga in a psychological thriller about two women who can “pass” as white, but do so in two different ways. Sign me up.
On the Count of Three – Jerrod Carmichael directs and stars in this dark comedy about about hopelessness, true friendship, and not always feeling in control. Cameras must have been following me in 2020. Tiffany Haddish makes an appearance also.
Night of the Kings – A film from Philippe Lacôte tells a story of a young man sent to La Maca, a prison on the Ivory Coast in the middle of the forest ruled by its prisoners. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman” and must tell a story to the other prisoners.
That was a taste of what I will be covering for Sundance 2021; A love triangle, a romance told through social media (aren’t they all nowadays?), and a boy who will risk it all to go on a date. I didn’t think my line up would be filled with all love stories (I was thinking more gore and spooks), but maybe this is the universe speaking to me through film. Isn’t that the point anyway?
Stay tuned for my reviews of the above three movies as I make my virtual way through my Sundance 2021 watchlist. In the mean time, catch my other reviews here and here.
Alex’s Sundance 2021 Watchlist
Loading…