With plenty to choose from, here are 7 films to watch at this year’s Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival Kicks off Friday with 80 official feature films slated to screen over the next 10 days. Originally planned as a hybrid fest, Sundance recently announced that in-person screenings and events would not be happening.

That said, all of the festival’s fare will be streamed online for ticketholders. It’s not too late to get your tickets as the first set of premieres roll out on January 20.

Sundance always comes through with an exceptional line-up of must-see films, and this year is no exception. There are plenty of films on our list we plan to see. Here are seven, in no particular order, that we’ll be watching.

2nd Chance

If you don’t know Ramin Bahrani’s name as a filmmaker, you’ve almost certainly heard of his 2021 hit, “The White Tiger” playing on Netflix.

In his documentary debut, Bahrani turns the lens on Richard Davis, the inventor of the modern day bulletproof vest. From there Davis launched Second Chance, one of the largest body armor companies in the world. Once championed by the law and order crowd, Davis’ past catches up to him after the death of a police officer wearing a Second Chance vest.

892

Based on a true story, filmmaker Abi Damaris Corbin highlights the extenuating circumstances and mental scars suffered by a U.S. Marine veteran who robs a bank and takes hostages.

A gripping and humanizing drama, John Boega plays Marine vet Brian Easley. “892” also features Michael K. Williams in his final screen role.

The Janes

A timely tale. “The Janes” takes a look at the seven women who in 1972 were arrested for being part of a network that helped women seeking safe, affordable and illegal abortions.

Archival footage of Chicago in the late 60s and early 70s are mixed with current day interviews with the Janes themselves.

When you Finish Saving the World

Jesse Eisenberg makes his first appearance behind the camera in this debut film. Based on his audio project of the same name, this mother/son story works through understanding the values of the current generation (internet fame, etc.) with those of the past.

Julianne Moore plays the cautious mom with Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) as the musician/activist son.

Sharp Stick

What has Lena Dunham been up to lately?  We’re about to find out.

Her company Good Thing Going has a full slate of upcoming projects, including this film. With “Sharp Stick” Dunham is said to “make a bold statement about body and sex positivity.” This marks Dunham’s return to feature filmmaking 11 years after Tiny Furniture, which helped usher in mumblecore.

Resurrection

We can’t pass up a psychological thriller. So, Andrew Semans’ film about unfinished business and an inescapable past seems right up our alley.

Add Tim Roth to the mix as one of the fiendish foes to Rebecca Hall’s character, and we’re all in for the 100 minute ride.

Jeen-Yuhs: A Kayne Trilogy (Part 1)

Oh, how we miss the days of public access TV. Wacky at times, public access could also unearth some raw talent.

Such was the case for Clarence “Coodie” Simmons when he interviewed a relatively unknown 21-year-old, Kanye West. He went on to follow and record West for years. Now, Coodie, along with Chike Ozah, have combined decades of footage to tell an all encompassing three-part story of Kanye West.

Sundance screens Part 1. The full doc will get its run on Netflix.