The 2024 Sundance Film Festival Genre Lineup Is Terrifying

Sundance
‘Presence’ - Photo credit: Peter Andrews and the Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival has unveiled their 40th lineup, and as usual, their genre fare looks to be as unmissable as ever. The festival has earned a reputation for debuting some of the most important independent horror films of the past few decades, including Talk to Me, The Blair Witch Project, Hereditary, Mandy, American Psycho, The Babadook, and so much more.

This year includes some of the year’s most anticipated genre releases, including I Saw the TV Glow from creator Jane Schoenbrun (We’re All Going to the World’s Fair), Love Lies Bleeding from Rose Glass (Saint Maid) and Presence from director Steven Soderbergh (Unsane). I’ve gone ahead and assembled the darkest films making their debut this year.

Presence

U.S.A. / World Premiere

From director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) and screenwriter David Koepp (Stir of Echoes). In the film, a family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they’re not alone. Cast: Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Julia Fox, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland.

I Saw the TV Glow

USA / World Premiere

The hotly anticipated new film from director and screenwriter Jane Schoenbrun (We’re All Going to the World’s Fair) is also produced by Emma Stone. In the film, Winshall Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack. The cast includes Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Fred Durst, and Danielle Deadwyler.

In A Violent Nature

Canada / World Premiere

From director and screenwriter Chris Nash and producer Peter Kuplowsky and Shannon Hanmer. The film will show the enigmatic resurrection, rampage, and retribution of an undead monster in a remote wilderness. The cast includes Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, and Lauren Taylor.

It’s What’s Inside

U.S.A. / World Premiere

From director and screenwriter Greg Jardin. In the film, a pre-wedding party descends into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend shows up with a mysterious suitcase. The cast includes Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Gavin Leatherwood, Reina Hardesty, and Nina Bloomgarden.

Kidnapping Inc.

Haiti, France, Canada / World Premiere
From director and producer Bruno Mourral. In the film, tasked with what appears to be a simple abduction for hire, two hapless kidnappers find out that it’s anything but and end up in the middle of a political conspiracy. The cast includes Jasmuel Andri, Rolaphton Mercure, Anabel Lopez, Ashley Laraque, Gessica Geneus, and Patrick Joseph.

Krazy House

Netherlands / World Premiere

From directors and screenwriters Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil. In the film, when Russian workers in Bernie’s house turn out to be wanted criminals, Bernie has to man up and save his ’90s sitcom family. The cast includes Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone, Jan Bijvoet, Gaite Jansen, Walt Klink, and Kevin Connolly.

Love Lies Bleeding

U.S.A., U.K. / World Premiere.
From director and s screenwriter Rose Glass (Saint Maud). In the film, a reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family. The cast includes Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Jena Malone, and Anna Baryshnikov.

The Moogai

Australia / World Premiere

From director and screenwriter Jon Bell. In the film, a young Aboriginal couple brings home their second baby. What should be a joyous time takes a sinister turn as the mother starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. The cast includes Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt, Tessa Rose, Jahdeana Mary, Clarence Ryan, and Bella Heathcote.

Your Monster

U.S.A / World Premiere

From director, screenwriter, and producer Caroline Lindy. In the film, after her life falls apart, soft-spoken actress Laura Franco finds her voice again when she meets a terrifying, yet weirdly charming, monster living in her closet. The cast includes Melissa Barrera, Tommy Dewey, Meghann Fahy, Edmund Donovan, and Kayla Foster.

The 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival will take place in Park City, Utah, from Jan. 18–28.

Share: 
Tags:

Categorized:

Sign up for The Harbinger a Dread Central Newsletter