5 Sundance Movies You Need To See This Summer

In a world...

1. Birth of a Nation

The Daily Beast

Why You Need to See It: Birth of a Nation is an ironic tribute to a famously racist 1915 film of the same name. Nate Parker wrote, produced, directed, AND STARRED in his movie about Nat Turner, a slave who led the largest slave rebellion in Virginia in 1831. The film drives the ongoing conversation about racial injustice while seamlessly discussing moral dilemmas. Oh, and Birth of a Nation won TWO awards at Sundance Film Festival this year (Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition). Casual.

Starring: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Garbielle Union

Release Date: October 7, 2016

2. The Lobster

Rolling Stone

Why You Need To See It: This dark comedy from the mind of Yorgos Lanthimos is set in a dystopian world where if you don't find a romantic partner in 45 days, you are turned into an animal of your choosing. It's absurd and hysterical, while actually making a sly point about how society handles dating and marriage. Plus you get to see Colin Farrell in all his dad bod glory, which I'm kind of into...?

Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, John C. Reilly

Release Date: May 13, 2016

3. Captain Fantastic

thewrap.com

Why You Need To See It: Captain Fantastic is a quirky yet charming movie about a father who attempts to reintegrate into society with his 6 children after a decade of living in isolation. The portrayal of a growing sense of self, rising tensions within a family, and figuring out our own place in society is so perfectly laid out that you almost begin to feel apart of their own eclectic family.

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn

Release Date: July 8, 2016

4. Swiss Army Man

independent.co.uk

Why You Need To See It: A suicidal man marooned on an island suddenly sees his luck change when a corpse washes up on the beach. He starts an unlikely and bizarre friendship with the corpse, giving him the ability to speak and perform surreal abilities. Despite some of the negative reviews Swiss Army Man received, it's actually a uniquely comedic look at a dysfunctional relationship between two men stranded on an island. Why wouldn't you expect some weird shit to happen?

Starring: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe

Release Date: June 24, 2016

5. Wiener Dog

thewrap.com

Why You Need To See It: Ignoring the fact that the main character of this movie IS A WIENER DOG, Wiener Dog effortlessly shows the full spectrum of human relationships through the brilliant storytelling of Todd Solondz. One very unassuming wiener dog takes us through 4 strangers lives, breathing insight into their relationships and how one little wiener dog can change them for better or worse (but mostly better because dogs are the best).

Starring: Kieran Culkin, Danny DeVito, Greta Gerwig, Zosia Mamet

Release Date: June 24, 2016