Both “RBG” and “The Tale” easily make my top list at Sundance and I wouldn’t be surprised if they remained in that position when we begin talking about Oscar films in 2019. Here are more female written and/or directed films that make Sundance shine more brightly:
“The Kindergarten Teacher,” stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a teacher who discovers a young poetic prodigy, Jimmy (Parker Sevak) and takes nurturing and protecting him too far. It’s a tension-filled introspective look at society, morals, and values that leaves you breathless with that shocking final sentence uttered.
Looking back in time, we discover the true story of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette in the film “Colette” starring Kiera Knightley and Dominic West. This period piece unearths the untold story of one of the most revolutionary women of the early 1900’s in France as she pushes the gender and sexual boundaries, fighting for her rights in her marriage and career as a writer. Co-written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Wash Westmoreland, and Richard Glatzner, the film is filled with surprises and is as captivating as it is entertaining. “Colette” never loses its pace as it intersperses humor with drama right through to the unexpected end.
Debra Granik who brought us the Academy Award nominated “Winter’s Bone”, which also launched Jennifer Lawrence’s career, is back at the festival with “Leave No Trace.” Her signature style of capturing visual atmosphere to elicit emotion tells the story of Will (Ben Foster), suffering from PTSD as he raises his teenage daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie) off the grid in lush forests of Oregon. Plunged back into society, the two struggle with acclimating as they attempt to regain their disrupted lives. It’s beautifully powerful in its message with standout performances from both actors.
On a lighter note, “Juliet, Naked,” co-written by Tamara Jenkins, Evgenia Peretz, Jim Taylor, and Phil Alden Robinson, is a laugh-out-loud funny and charming romantic comedy that will entertain any and all age groups. Told from Annie’s (Rose Byrne) point of view, we see a woman dissatisfied with her live-in boyfriend who is obsessed with a rock legend, Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke). Unintentionally, Crowe and Annie meet and fall in love creating hilarious and frequently thoughtful situations. It’s the best rom-com since “When Harry Met Sally.” Now, that’s saying something!
Sundance this year may have been different, but from a female’s point of view, it’s added an overdue value---excellence in filmmaking from females.
To see a full list of recommended films at Sundance and Slamdance, go to www.reelhonestreviews.com, where you will also find interviews with filmmakers, actors, and producers.