Taking residence in the O2 Arena for its third sucessive year, Sundance London is back in the capital on April 25th-27th with a hugely impressive line-up. Taking in panel discussions, gigs and free events, the big draw, however, is the film festival. With the original Sundance Festival in Utah dating back in 1978, it’s fair to say the festival producers have honed their selection, and while there isn’t a bad film on the board, here are our top picks for the coming weekend:
The Voices
Director Marjane Satrapi’s (Persepolis) English language debut stars Ryan Reynolds as your average factory worker, only Jerry’s evil talking cat and benevolent talking dog steer him off course as this black comedy comes close to horror.
Hits
Set in upstate New York, Hits stars Matt Walsh as a family man who finds unexpected fame when a video of his rants at City Hall goes viral. The directorial debut from David Cross, the Arrested Development actor has called in a few favours with a supporting cast including Michael Cera and Meredith Hagner.
The One I Love
Fresh from her huge success leading Top of the Lake, Elisabeth Moss plays against Mark Duplass as a couple who escape the city in an attempt to save their marriage. The romantic drama is said to pack a powerful finish too.
Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter
Winning the Special Jury Award for Musical Score at Sundance Utah 2014, the intriguingly titled Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter tells the story of a Tokyo-dweller who abandons her life in Japan to look for treasure in Minnesota after becoming convinced that a satchel of money buried in a fictional film is, in fact, real.
Fruitvale Station
Michael B Jordan changes pace after rom-com That Awkward Moment, playing a young man fatally shot by the police on 1st January 2009. The film charts events leading up to his death, winning the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Awards at Sundance Utah 2013.
Obvious Child
Starring Jenny Slate as a Brooklyn comedian in the midst of the best/worst Valentine’s Day of her life, over the course of 24 hours Donna finds herself, dumped, fired and pregnant, in this rom-com praised for it’s honest and heartfelt story.
Sundance London 2014 runs at the O2 arena from 25th-27th April. For tickets and the full schedule head to the Sundance London site: www.sundance-london.com/