Initial Thoughts:
Let’s face it: calling a film directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson a hidden gem is a bit of a stretch, but it’s hard not to be excited. Sure, it’s been delayed five times (not the most promising sign), but there’s just something about this concept that keeps me intrigued.

The movie follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), an “Expendable” who’s cloned after each death, tasked with colonizing an ice planet. Throw in a stellar supporting cast—Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo—and you’ve got a project with all the ingredients for something truly memorable.

Initial Thoughts:
Sundance is bringing us a lot of exciting films this year, and Bunnylovr is already making waves in some film circles. The film tells the story of a Chinese American cam girl, portrayed by Katarina Zhu, who also takes on the role of director. The narrative intertwines her attempts to reconnect with her dying father while grappling with a dangerously toxic client relationship.

Of course, there’s also the incredible Rachel Sennott in the cast. Anyone who knows me knows how much I admire her work, and I have no doubt she’ll deliver yet another compelling performance here. This film has all the makings of a must-watch.

Initial Thoughts:
I sometimes wonder if we’re in a Twilight Zone where every year brings us another collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone—or maybe we’re already living inside one of his twisted films. Either way, I’m not complaining. While I didn’t connect with Kindness the way I adored Poor Things, I’ll never pass up a chance to see this iconic pairing in action.

Bugonia is a remake of the 2003 Korean film Save the Green Planet, centering on two young men who kidnap a CEO, believing she’s an alien plotting to destroy Earth. It promises all the absurdity and dark humor you’d expect from Lanthimos. Count me in.

Initial Thoughts:
It seems we’re not leaving the realm of absurdism behind just yet. While this film might not exactly be “under the radar” anymore—its trailer amassed an impressive 8 million views in a single week—it’s been on my radar for a few years, ever since I first heard about its premise.

The story stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo who accidentally crash into a unicorn on their way to a crisis management summit. What follows is a wild exploration of conflicting opinions and consequences. It’s a bizarre and intriguing concept, and I can see this film going in one of two very distinct directions.

Initial Thoughts:
In contrast to some of the more energetic entries on this list, Peter Hujar’s Day is a subdued and intimate biographical drama. Set over the course of a single afternoon, it explores the life of photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. Directed by Ira Sachs, whose most recent film was Passages, it stars Ben Whishaw (also from Passages) and Rebecca Hall.

I’ve always been drawn to films that rely on simple yet powerful conversations in a single location—there’s a reason the Before Trilogy holds such a special place in my heart. However, these types of films require a deft touch to truly resonate on screen, so I’m hopeful that this creative team can capture something magical.

Initial Thoughts:
Sorry, Baby comes from writer-director Eva Victor, who brings her experience from Reductress and The New Yorker to her first feature film. She also stars in the project, sharing the screen with Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges.

The logline is cryptic—”Something bad happened to Agnes, but life goes on for everyone around her, at least.” Despite the limited details, early discussions suggest a powerful debut exploring themes of sexual violence, trauma, and grief. With Barry Jenkins in a producer role reminiscent of his work on Aftersun, this film could deliver an emotionally resonant experience.

Initial Thoughts: For better or worse, Kristen Stewart often sparks strong reactions. Personally, I’m excited to see her directorial debut, which adapts Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. The story explores Yuknavitch’s journey as she escapes an abusive household, grapples with addiction, and ultimately finds her voice through writing.

At its heart, the film is about resilience and self-discovery. Yuknavitch dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer, but those ambitions are derailed by struggles with drugs and alcohol. Along the way, she delves into repressed aspects of her identity and sexuality. It’s a deeply personal story that seems like a perfect match for Kristen Stewart’s sensibilities.

Initial Thoughts:Bubble & Squeak sounds like an absolute blast. This script, which earned a coveted spot on The Black List, has been on my radar for a while. Written and directed by Evan Twohy, who adapted it from his stage play, the film promises to deliver something entirely unconventional and wonderfully absurd.

The screenplay—still available online, though likely revised—breaks plenty of rules, much like Woods and Beck did with A Quiet Place. Add a cast featuring Steven Yeun, Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, and Dave Franco, and you’ve got a film that’s equal parts daring and exciting. I can’t wait to see how this one turns out.

Initial Thoughts:
Apparently, I’m a Paul Mescal fan. Two of my favorite films in recent years—Aftersun and All of Us Strangers—featured him in unforgettable performances. Naturally, I’m intrigued to see how he takes on the challenging role of a fictionalized William Shakespeare. No pressure, right?

He’s joined by the equally brilliant Jessie Buckley, who portrays Agnes Shakespeare, with Joe Alwyn and Emily Watson rounding out the talented cast. The story follows William and Agnes as they struggle to cope with the devastating loss of their son to the Black Plague. This feels like a project perfectly suited to Chloé Zhao’s introspective style, and I’m eager to see how she tackles such an emotionally charged narrative.

Initial Thoughts:
Choosing a top film is never easy, but Materialists, Celine Song’s follow-up to her incredible debut Past Lives, stands out. This New York-set story follows a matchmaker, her ex-boyfriend, and a wealthy businessman, navigating a tangled web of relationships.

With a stellar cast featuring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, this film is brimming with potential. Interestingly, both Song and her husband, Justin Kuritzkes (writer of Challengers), have tackled narratives involving “throuples” in their work. I’m excited to see how Song brings her unique voice to this dynamic story and builds on a pretty impressive start to her career.