The Sundance Film Festival will be rolling back into Park City, Utah in January 2025. The cultural touchstone promises buzz for independent films and original stories. Helming beloved, iconic films such as “Whiplash” (2014), “500 Days of Summer“ (2009), “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004), “Hereditary” (2018), “Memento” (2000) and more. The 2025 edition looks to be another exciting chapter in the festival’s storied history, so here are some projects to look out for from Sundance’s impending stop. 

Rabbit Trap

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film focuses on  “When a musician and her husband move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives.” Set in 1973, the film looks to invoke the eerie spirit of British folk horror, conjuring supernatural dread in a fecund Welsh forest. This will be writer-director Bryn Chainey’s debut feature. Dev Patel, known for his performances in films like “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), The “Green Knight” (2021), and “Monkey Man” (2024) is starring in this project. Alongside Rosy McEwen, who was in films like “The Feast” (2021) and “How to Build a Girl” (2019). The film explores love, marriage, and creativity in the realm of a fable. 

The Thing with Feathers

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film focuses on “Struggling to process the sudden and unexpected death of his wife, a young father loses his hold on reality as a seemingly malign presence begins to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of the apartment he shares with his two young sons.” The film is being helmed by two-time festival alum Dylan Southern known for “Shut Up and Play the Hits” (2012) and “Meet Me in the Bathroom” (2022). It is an adaptation of the acclaimed Max Porter novella Grief Is the Thing with Feathers. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, who’s a two-time festival alum as well. His first appearance was in 2014 when he attended to promote the film “The Fifth Estate.” Where he played WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Again in 2022, Cumberbatch appeared for the premiere of “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain” where he starred as the British artist Louis Wain, known for his distinctive cat illustrations. This film explores grief and altered realities with a sinister undertone. 

Kiss of the Spider Woman

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film focuses on  “Valentín, a political prisoner, who shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna.” Director Bill Condon is a one-time alum of the festival (Gods and Monsters, 1998) alongside stars Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna. Lopez is making her second festival appearance after “Selena” (1997) and “Hustlers” (2019). Luna is most known for playing Cassian Andor in “Star Wars: Rogue One” and the DisneyPlus series “Andor.” And has been a part of the festival as both an actor and director numerous times. The films themselves were, “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001), “Frida” (2002), “The Night Buffalo” (2007), “Aningaaq” (2013) and “César Chávez” (2014). The film’s reimagined interpretation of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” which came out in 1985 eventually became a Tony-winning musical. Set in Argentina’s Dirty War of the 1980s, the film is a mix of historical and political drama with the style of an old Hollywood musical. 

Twinless

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film surrounds “Two young men meet in a twin bereavement support group and form an unlikely bromance.” The film is directed by James Sweeney, making his Sundance debut and who last directed “The Six” (2024). The film stars Dylan O’Brien, who is making back-to-back appearances at the festival after last year’s “Ponyboi.” The film confronts themes such as loss and loneliness, with sharp comedy and a bittersweet tone. 

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film portrays “With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.” Produced by A24, this will mark the second feature film from writer-director Mary Bronstein, who last made “Yeast” (2008). The film stars Rose Byrne, who can be seen in the series “Damages” (2007-2012), and movies including “X-Men: First Class and Bridesmaids” (2011). With supporting roles from comedian Conan O’Brien and rapper A$AP Rocky. The film explores overwhelming anxiety and motherhood. 

Opus

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film surrounds “A young writer is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago. Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.” The film is directed by Mark Anthony Green, best known for “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (2019). It also stars Ayo Edebiri, best known for her role in “The Bear” (2022-), alongside the renowned John Malkovich who was in a movie called “Being John Malkovich” (1999). The film promises to be a symphonic, psychological cat-and-mouse game centered around the craziness of celebrity. 

Didn’t Die

According to the official Sundance website, the plot of this film surrounds  “A podcast host desperately clings to an ever-shrinking audience in the zombie apocalypse.” The film is directed by Meera Menson, who last directed “Equity” (2016) and stars Kiran Deol who you may know from “Parks and Recreation.” Set to be a black-and-white film that explores post-pandemic fears with a moody soundtrack and levity in all the darkness. 

If Sundance teaches moviegoers anything, it is that some of the best gems come from unexpected pieces. These films listed are just a few that stand out, but there’s bound to be more that affect audiences and create memorable experiences for those who watch. The Sundance 2025 lineup is full of exciting projects told by incredible and bold voices.