Sundance 2010: Diverse Stories Shaping Human Experience
61 titles
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AbelMovie · 2010 · 83mWhen nine-year-old Abel steps up to be the head of his household in his father's absence, he earns his family's admiration, and their lives settle into a peaceful routine. This is disrupted when a stranger appears, identifying himself as Abel's missing father.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 2
Seven DaysMovie · 2010 · 105m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerBruno Hamel is living a peaceful life until his daughter is raped and killed. After the perpetrator is caught, a dark plan takes root in Bruno's mind. He decides to capture the murderer and make him suffer for the crime.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 3
Bilal's StandMovie · 2010 · 99mBilal, a Muslim high school senior, helps his family run "The Stand," their taxi business, which has sustained them for six decades. It seems Bilal is destined to continue the family tradition. He secretly applies to college and begins ice carving to earn a scholarship. Now he must choose between staying with the familiar life of the Stand or pursuing a different future.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.7 - 4
Sympathy for DeliciousMovie · 2010 · 96m · DramaA DJ who has recently become paralyzed explores faith healing, finding unexpected results.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.7 - 5
Daddy LonglegsMovie · 2010 · 99m · Drama, ComedyLenny, 34, has spent months alone. He picks up his sons, Sage, 9, and Frey, 7, from school. Each year, he spends a couple of weeks with them in his midtown New York studio apartment. During these visits, Lenny struggles to decide whether to be a father or a friend. Their family trip upstate descends into utter chaos.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 6
Space TouristsMovie · 2009 · 98mChristian Frei's latest film explores humanity's long-held desire to travel into space as an ordinary person. Anousheh Ansari, an American who paid $20 million to realize her childhood dream, becomes the subject of this documentary. It chronicles her journey to the International Space Station and depicts the reality of daily life aboard.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.4 - 7
CyrusMovie · 2010 · 91m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceJohn's life is stagnant, and his ex-wife is remarrying. A struggling divorcé finally meets the woman he's been dreaming of, but she's already involved with someone – her son. Soon, John and the woman find themselves competing for her affection, and it seems only one of them will ultimately prevail.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9 - 8His & HersMovie · 2009 · 80mThis documentary explores a love story spanning nine decades, told through the shared memories of seventy women.IMDb 7.2TMDB 8.8
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Bran Nue DaeMovie · 2009 · 82mSummer 1965. A young man enjoys a carefree life in Broome, Australia, fishing and spending time with friends and his girlfriend. His mother sends him back to a religious mission for more schooling. Following a punishment for a rebellious act, he escapes the mission and begins a journey that eventually brings him back home.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.4 - 10
TwelveMovie · 2010 · 93m · Thriller, Drama, ActionA young drug dealer's privileged world crumbles after his cousin is killed and his closest friend is arrested for the crime.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.7 - 11
RestrepoMovie · 2010 · 93m · War, DocumentaryDirectors Hetherington and Junger spent a year with the 2nd Battalion of the U.S. Army in a dangerous valley in Afghanistan. The documentary offers insight into the unit's approach to overcoming the Taliban, focusing on their dedication, intense combat, and the bonds of friendship forged within the group.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 12
Waiting for "Superman"Movie · 2010 · 111m · DocumentaryDavis Guggenheim, director of *An Inconvenient Truth*, delivers a powerful and moving film in *Waiting for Superman*. It's a sharp critique of the American education system, but with an underlying sense of optimism.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 13
The Perfect HostMovie · 2010 · 93m · Comedy, Thriller, CrimeWarwick Wilson is the perfect host, meticulously planning a dinner party with everything precisely scheduled. John Taylor, a criminal trying to escape his life, needs a place to stay. He claims to be a newcomer to Los Angeles, a friend of a friend who recently had his luggage stolen after being mugged, and seeks refuge at Warwick's home.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 14
BuriedMovie · 2010 · 95m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryIn Iraq, a U.S. truck driver is attacked by Iraqis. He then awakens buried alive in a coffin. Armed with only a lighter and a cell phone, he must desperately try to escape the confined space before it's too late.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 15
A Film UnfinishedMovie · 2010 · 89m · History, DocumentaryYael Hersonski's documentary examines a controversial film made by the Nazis about the Warsaw Ghetto. Found after the war, the incomplete film, lacking a soundtrack, was initially considered a valuable historical record, despite its propaganda. The discovery of a lost reel later revealed how the filmmakers manipulated scenes depicting ordinary life. Scenes of well-dressed Jews at dinners and theater – seemingly oblivious to the deaths of their fellow citizens – now appear as evidence of their fear and denial in the face of impending doom, suggesting they were unwillingly complicit.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.4 - 16
I Am LoveMovie · 2010 · 120m · Drama, RomanceEmma moved from Russia to Italy to be with her husband. She is now a respected mother of three in a prominent industrial family, but feels a lack of satisfaction. Her world begins to change when Antonio, a gifted chef and her son's friend, sparks a new awareness within her.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 17
The Man Next DoorMovie · 2009 · 103m · Drama, Thriller, ComedyA dispute between two neighbors escalates beyond a simple disagreement about construction plans, revealing a deeper conflict rooted in class and social standing. The source of their conflict is a remarkable Le Corbusier-designed house, the sole example of its kind in Latin America, which intensifies their opposing viewpoints.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 18
Bass AckwardsMovie · 2010 · 103mFollowing a painful breakup with a married woman, a man embarks on a whimsical, unconventional road trip across the country in a customized VW bus.IMDb 5.8TMDB 4.9 - 19
One Too Many MorningsMovie · 2010 · 90mFischer rarely wakes up without a hangover. He lives in a church – a working one, where baptisms, weddings, prayers, and funerals happen. It’s perfect for him: a young man with no goals who can sleep in the back free of charge if he locks up. Tuesday morning, 6:00 AM. Fischer's old high school friend, Peter, unexpectedly arrives. They haven’t seen each other in years, but Peter drove ten hours straight after his five-year girlfriend cheated on him. He needs a place to hide and drink – what better than Fischer’s church? After leaving fifty unanswered messages, the girlfriend, Rudy, shows up four days later. She didn’t cheat on Peter; she did something far worse.IMDb 6.1TMDB 4.2 - 20
The Red ChapelMovie · 2010 · 88mTwo Danish comedians accompany a director on a journey to North Korea. They have been granted access under the guise of performing a vaudeville show.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 21
The Shock DoctrineMovie · 2009 · 82m · DocumentaryThis film examines the concept of "disaster capitalism," inspired by Naomi Klein's theory that modern capitalism thrives on crises like natural disasters, wars, and terrorism to gain power.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 22
LourdesMovie · 2009 · 95m · DramaSeeking respite from her isolation, Christine, who uses a wheelchair, embarks on a transformative trip to Lourdes, the renowned pilgrimage destination in the Pyrenees.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 23
Southern DistrictMovie · 2009 · 108mIn La Paz, unlike many cities, the wealthy reside in the Southern District. A comfortable, idyllic life unfolds within a large house and its garden, encompassing the mother, her three children, and the Aymara people who live there. The story develops gradually, depicting everyday routines until internal and external pressures disrupt their peaceful existence. The film chronicles the final days of this upper-class family as the country experiences significant social upheaval.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 24
The Killer Inside MeMovie · 2010 · 109m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerDeputy Sheriff Lou Ford is a respected and seemingly mild-mannered figure in his quiet West Texas town. While some find him a bit slow or dull, few have any real criticism. However, Lou harbors a dark secret: he suffers from what he calls a "sickness." In reality, he is a brilliant but deeply disturbed sociopath with sadistic tendencies.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8 - 25
Jack Goes BoatingMovie · 2010 · 91m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceA limo driver's blind date sets in motion a story about love, betrayal, friendship, and resilience, focusing on two working-class couples in New York City.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 26
The FreebieMovie · 2010 · 78mAnnie and Darren have been married for seven years and still deeply love each other. They are affectionate, enjoy each other's company, and share playful activities like crossword puzzle races. Their relationship appears idyllic, except for a recent lack of intimacy. Despite their efforts, they've lost all spark in the bedroom. Seeking to revitalize their connection, Annie and Darren devise a plan: each is granted one night of freedom to find someone and have sex without consequence. But will this risky experiment strengthen their bond, or will it escalate their existing difficulties?IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.0 - 27
Smash His CameraMovie · 2010 · 87mThis film chronicles the life and career of Ron Galella, a photographer who relentlessly pursued celebrity images. It explores the impact of paparazzi culture and the often contentious relationship between photographers and their subjects.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 28
Get LowMovie · 2010 · 103m · Drama, Mystery, ComedyThis film draws from folk tale, fable, and real-life legend to tell the story of a reclusive man living in Tennessee during the 1930s. He became known for famously holding a lively funeral celebration for himself while he was still alive.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 29
The LocksmithMovie · 2010 · 88mMike is trying to stay out of trouble while on work release, but his locksmith job complicates things when a demanding woman named Margo asks for his help. Mike agrees to investigate whether her fiancé is cheating on her, and this decision quickly leads him into a complicated and unpredictable mess.IMDb 5.3TMDB 4.8 - 30
Joan Rivers: A Piece of WorkMovie · 2010 · 84m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles the life and career of Joan Rivers, created to celebrate the comedienne's 75th birthday.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 31
The OathMovie · 2010 · 90mThe film follows the intertwined stories of Abu Jandal and Salim Ahmed Hamdan. Their chance meeting in 1996 sets in motion a series of events that ultimately lead them to Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden, the 9/11 attacks, Guantanamo Bay, and the U.S. Supreme Court.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 32
Please GiveMovie · 2010 · 90m · Comedy, DramaIn New York City, a married couple clashes with the granddaughters of the elderly woman who lives in the apartment they own.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 33
Enemies of the PeopleMovie · 2009 · 93mIn the late 1970s, the Khmer Rouge regime murdered nearly two million people in Cambodia. The full story of the Killing Fields has long remained hidden. Now, investigative journalist Thet Sambath embarks on a decade-long mission to uncover the truth. He gains the trust of those who carried out the atrocities – from soldiers to Pol Pot's top lieutenant, "Brother Number Two" – recording previously unheard testimonies. This personal quest to understand the deaths of his own family comes at a cost, but reveals, for the first time, the true story behind Cambodia's devastating tragedy.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 34
3 BackyardsMovie · 2010 · 88mOn a peculiar autumn afternoon in their Long Island suburb, an executive, a housewife, and a young person experience a shared day.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.3 - 35
Grown Up Movie StarMovie · 2009 · 95mRuby, 13, tries to mature quickly when her mother leaves home to pursue a career in Hollywood, leaving her in the care of her father in the countryside.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.1 - 36
UndertowMovie · 2009 · 100m · Drama, RomanceA married fisherman grapples with the conflict between his love for his husband and his feelings for another man, all within the constraints of his community's deeply held customs.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 37
High SchoolMovie · 2010 · 99m · ComedyThe top student in his class accidentally takes marijuana with a local stoner and subsequently fails a drug test. Determined to make his graduating class share his misfortune, he devises a complex plan that ultimately backfires.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 38
The RunawaysMovie · 2010 · 107m · Music, Drama, HistoryIn 1970s Southern California, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, two fiercely independent teenagers, form the band The Runaways. With the guidance of manager Kim Fowley, the all-female group quickly achieves widespread fame, becoming pioneers for women in rock music.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 39
It's a Wonderful AfterlifeMovie · 2010 · 100mMrs. Sethi, an Indian mother determined to marry off her daughter, becomes dangerously fixated on the task. The film is a darkly humorous, farcical comedy filled with awkward jokes and silly physical humor, but surprisingly manages to be effective.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.8 - 40
FrozenMovie · 2010 · 94m · ThrillerThree skiers are stranded on a chairlift at a New England ski resort after it unexpectedly closes for the week. Facing freezing temperatures, they must make difficult decisions to survive, which turn out to be more dangerous than waiting for rescue.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 41
ObselidiaMovie · 2010 · 103mGeorge, a solitary librarian, has come to believe that love is no longer relevant. However, a journey to Death Valley with Sophie, a film projectionist, challenges his perspective and shows him a different way.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.2 - 42
SpliceMovie · 2010 · 104m · Horror, Science FictionElsa and Clive, two young scientists, push the limits of science with a risky experiment: combining human and animal DNA to create a new life form. They call it "Dren." The creature quickly grows from a deformed infant into a stunning but dangerous winged human-chimera. Dren develops close bonds with Elsa and Clive, but those bonds become deadly.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 43
New LowMovie · 2010 · 82mWendell, a young man plagued by anxiety and lacking direction, grapples with his feelings for two women: Joanna, who represents the best of him, and Vicky, who embodies his worst impulses. With the help of his friend Dave, Wendell begins to understand not only which woman is right for him, but also his own true identity, hidden beneath his insecurities.IMDb 6.6TMDB 4.4 - 44
The Violent KindMovie · 2010 · 89m · HorrorIn a remote Northern California farmhouse, a group of young bikers and their partners are terrorized when one of the women is violently possessed. A gang of people dressed as 1950s Rockabillies appears, intent on retrieving whatever is developing within her.IMDb 4.7TMDB 4.7 - 45
The RomanticsMovie · 2010 · 97m · Drama, RomanceSeven friends from college gather for a seaside wedding, but old tensions resurface. The maid of honor and the groom have a complicated past, leaving everyone questioning whether their history is truly behind them.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.9 - 46
Animal KingdomMovie · 2010 · 113m · Crime, DramaFollowing his mother's overdose, Joshua "J" finds himself living with his extended family. This close-knit group, led by his manipulative grandmother, is deeply involved in criminal enterprises, and J quickly becomes immersed in their world. However, an opportunity for a different future arises when a police officer offers him assistance.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 47
Enter the VoidMovie · 2010 · 161m · Fantasy, DramaA young American drug dealer and addict named Oscar lives in Tokyo with his prostitute sister, Linda. The film follows Oscar's spirit as it journeys through life after death. He relives memories of his parents before they died, witnesses his own autopsy in the present, and observes his sister from beyond the grave in the future. This is all experienced from Oscar’s perspective.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 48
Mother and ChildMovie · 2009 · 125m · Drama, RomanceThree women are connected by their experiences with adoption. Karen, a physical therapist, has long regretted placing her daughter up for adoption as a teenager. Elizabeth, adopted as a child, is a successful lawyer but finds her personal life emotionally distant. Lucy and her husband are hoping to adopt a child, having been unable to conceive of their own.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 49
Cane Toads: The ConquestMovie · 2010 · 85mCane Toads: The Conquest, from filmmaker Mark Lewis, is a humorous and thought-provoking look at Australia's infamous environmental disaster. Filmed in the striking landscapes of northern Australia, the film follows the relentless spread of the cane toad across the continent. Director Mark Lewis (known for Cane Toads: An Unnatural History and The Natural History of the Chicken) uses his signature wit to explore the human impact, strange customs, and unusual encounters surrounding the toad. Shot in innovative 3D, Cane Toads offers a uniquely immersive experience, allowing viewers unprecedented close views of these fascinating creatures.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 50
AIBOU: Tokyo Detective DuoMovie · 2010 · 107m · DocumentaryAcross America, rural landowners are suddenly offered lucrative deals from energy companies to lease their land. The companies are eager to tap into a vast natural gas supply, often called the "Saudi Arabia of natural gas." Using a new hydraulic drilling technique called "fracking," developed by Halliburton, America is poised to become a major energy producer.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 51
The Company MenMovie · 2010 · 104m · DramaBobby Walker enjoys a comfortable life – a good job, a loving family, and a nice car. But when his company restructures and he loses his job along with two colleagues, Bobby and his friends must figure out who they are beyond their careers as providers.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 52
Waste LandMovie · 2010 · 90m · DocumentaryThis inspiring documentary follows acclaimed artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from the world's largest landfill in Rio de Janeiro to international fame. Muniz collaborates with the "catadores," the landfill's waste pickers – resourceful individuals who offer a unique perspective on life and recycling. Through their stories, the film explores the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 53
Winter's BoneMovie · 2010 · 101m · Drama, MysteryWhen Ree Dolly learns her father mortgaged their home for his bail and vanished, the 17-year-old is forced to navigate the dangerous world of local criminals and the unforgiving Ozark landscape. She must find her father and protect her family.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 54
The Kids Are All RightMovie · 2010 · 106m · Comedy, DramaNic and Jules have a son and a daughter via artificial insemination. When their children are old enough, both secretly seek out the donor. Unexpectedly, the donor begins to form attachments to the two mothers and their children, changing their lives in profound ways.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 55
Nowhere BoyMovie · 2009 · 98m · DramaIn 1950s Liverpool, England, a restless teenager named John Lennon lives with his Aunt Mimi. When Mimi's husband passes away, John sees his mother, Julia, at the funeral. Against Mimi’s wishes, John wants to connect with Julia. Julia shares her love of music, introducing John to the banjo and sparking his ambition to form a band, even as family tensions rise.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 56
ArmlessMovie · 2010 · 86mThis quirky comedy follows a woman as she grapples with a bizarre revelation about her husband: he has an uncontrollable urge to amputate his own arms.IMDb 5.1TMDB 3.8 - 57
The TaqwacoresMovie · 2010 · 83mYusef, a Pakistani engineering student living away from home for the first time, finds himself living with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. They introduce him to Taqwacore, a fiercely unconventional Muslim punk rock subculture largely unknown in the East. As the year progresses, Taqwacore’s influence grows within the house, blurring the lines between prayer and rebellion. Yusef himself is profoundly affected, questioning his own beliefs and identity. "The Taqwacores" explores the challenges of navigating faith and belonging as a young Muslim in America today.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.0 - 58
The Extra ManMovie · 2010 · 108m · ComedyIn New York City's upscale Upper East Side, a man who provides companionship to affluent widows takes a promising young playwright under his guidance.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.8 - 59
HappythankyoumorepleaseMovie · 2011 · 100m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceThis film explores a pivotal time for a group of young New Yorkers as they navigate the complexities of adulthood, questioning their cynicism and searching for connection and love. Six friends grapple with relationships, friendships, and the challenges of growing up. Struggling writer Sam Wexler's day takes an unexpected turn when he takes in a lost child from the subway, forging a rewarding but complicated friendship. Sam’s life is intertwined with his friends: Annie, who struggles with commitment; Charlie and Mary Catherine, whose potential move to Los Angeles threatens their relationship; and Mississippi, a captivating cabaret singer who sparks Sam's interest.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 60
Tucker and Dale vs. EvilMovie · 2010 · 89m · Comedy, HorrorA group of anxious college students camping near a remote cabin in West Virginia become convinced two local men are killers. As the number of bodies found increases, the students' fear and confusion grow, fueling their desire for revenge against the pair.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 61
Women Without MenMovie · 2009 · 100m · DramaIn 1953 Iran, amidst the upheaval of the CIA-backed coup, four women find refuge and friendship in a peaceful orchard. There, they discover a sense of freedom and support.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3
