Sundance 2025: Olivia Colman, Jennifer Lopez, and Josh O'Connor Shine in Star-Studded Lineup

Sundance 2025: A Cinematic Extravaganza Featuring Top Talent

Leading the roster are much-anticipated world premieres starring Olivia Colman, Jennifer Lopez, Josh O’Connor, and other celebrated names.

Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman stars in Jimpa, a heartfelt drama by Sophie Hyde, known for Animals and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Colman plays a mother journeying with her non-binary teenager to visit their gay grandfather, portrayed by John Lithgow.

Jennifer Lopez returns to Sundance with a bold new interpretation of Kiss of the Spider-Woman, based on the 1992 musical by Terrence McNally. Lopez describes the project as her most “challenging” role yet. “It’s a dark story about love, survival, and helping each other through adversity,” she told Variety.

Fresh off his standout performance in Challengers, Josh O’Connor stars in Rebuilding, a poignant tale about a rancher grappling with the aftermath of a devastating wildfire. The film also features White Lotus breakout Meghann Fahy.

Benedict Cumberbatch headlines The Thing with Feathers, a gripping grief drama based on Max Porter’s acclaimed novel. Cumberbatch portrays a father haunted by a sinister presence following his wife’s death.

Rebecca Hall and Ben Whishaw join forces in Peter Hujar’s Day, directed by Ira Sachs. The film delves into the life of iconic photographer Peter Hujar, with Hall portraying writer Linda Rosenkrantz.

Diverse Documentaries and Cutting-Edge Stories

The festival’s documentary slate tackles timely issues, including The Librarians (book banning in Texas), Heightened Scrutiny (anti-trans legislation in the US), and Mr. Nobody Against Putin (a Russian teacher opposing propaganda). Additional features spotlight Jeff Buckley, the Zodiac Killer, Jacinda Ardern, Selena Quintanilla, Marlee Matlin, and the controversial To Catch a Predator.

Main Dramatic Competition and Other Highlights

Notable entries in the dramatic competition include Atropia, a Luca Guadagnino-produced military drama starring Alia Shawkat and Callum Turner, and Bubble & Squeak, a comedic take on cabbage smuggling featuring Himesh Patel. Films like Plainclothes explore 90s undercover police work, while Ricky navigates post-incarceration life.

Other premieres include a remake of Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet starring Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang, the A24 thriller Opus with Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich, and Rabbit Trap, a folk horror feature led by Dev Patel. The Safdie brothers bring comedy-drama flair with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, starring Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky.

Adding to the eclectic mix, Juliette Lewis stars in By Design, a surreal comedy about a woman swapping bodies with a chair.

A Celebration of Diversity and Discovery

Sundance 2025 proudly continues its commitment to diversity, with 47% of films directed by women and 45% by filmmakers of color. Festival director Eugene Hernandez highlighted the program’s relevance: “These works reflect the global questions of our time and will inspire meaningful dialogue and connection.”

The festival runs from January 23 to February 2, 2025, offering audiences an exciting blend of discovery, artistry, and entertainment.