Written by Kianna Best on Jan 23, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Sundance 2025 gets scary with Horror lineup

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival kicks of today, running through to 2 February in Park City, Utah. This year, the festival sets a lineup reflective of a recent horror resurgence. From unsettling shorts to feature debuts, the scary slate welcomes a blend of psychological thrillers, supernatural tales, and dark comedies.

Ayo Edebiri appears in Opus by Mark Anthony Green, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by A24

Michael Shanks directs Together, starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie. The story delves into the complexities of a long-term relationship as Tim and Millie move to the countryside, only to encounter a mysterious and unnatural force that tests their bond. The film explores themes of codependency and transformation, both emotional and physical, providing a visceral horror experience intertwined with an intimate portrayal of love and fear.

Bryn Chainey marks her feature debut with Rabbit Trap, starring Dev Patel and Rosy McEwen. Set in 1973, the film follows a married couple who relocate to an isolated cabin in Wales. Their lives take a dark turn as they become entangled with ancient local folklore, leading to unsettling and supernatural events. "Rabbit Trap" is praised for its atmospheric tension and its homage to British folk horror traditions.

Kiran Deol appears in Didn't Die by Meera Menon, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Paul Gleason

The Ugly Stepsister is a darkly twisted reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. The film centers on Elvira, who competes against her beautiful stepsister in a bloody battle for beauty to win the prince's attention. Incorporating elements of body horror and satire, the film critiques societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. "The Ugly Stepsister" is set to premiere in the Midnight section of the festival.

A24  takes to the stage with Opus, directed by Mark Anthony Green, and  featuring Ayo Edebiri as Ariel, a magazine writer investigating a celebrity cult. Invited to the secluded compound of pop singer Moretti (John Malkovich), Ariel uncovers bizarre and sinister occurrences, including strict cult-like rules and eerie encounters. The film blends horror with a critique of celebrity culture and is scheduled to premiere on 27 January.

A still from Dead Lover by Grace Glowicki, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Rhayne Vermette

Bringing a light-hearted nature to the lineup is Canadian horror-comedy Dead Lover. The film stars director Grace Glowicki as a lonely gravedigger, who, after meeting her dream man, finds her relationship tragically cut short when he drowns at sea. Grief-stricken, she embarks on madcap scientific experiments to resurrect him, leading to grave consequences and an exploration of love beyond death.

Meera Menon directs Didn’t Die, focusing on Vinita (Kiran Deol), a podcast host striving to maintain her audience during a zombie apocalypse. Presented in black-and-white cinematography, the film offers a commentary on the emotional toll of societal crises and the quest for connection in isolated times.