Yoga Hosers
Kevin Smith returns to the checkout counter of his cult debut Clerks but this time, the action takes place in a Canadian convenience store. His stars are two teen yoga enthusiasts played by Lily Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith (the director’s daughter) who work in the shop after school. The two Downward Dog obsessed adolescents battle an ancient evil that arises out of the Canadian crust. It’s the second of Smith’s horror comedy trilogy True North and we’re all over it.
Suited
This Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner-produced HBO documentary follows Brooklyn bespoke tailors Bindle & Keep, and a group of its LGBT clients. “We created or provided or found or fell into this untapped demand in our culture for communities that often feel alienated or uncomfortable in the market,” Bindle & Keep’s founder Daniel Friedman told i-D. Suited will hit TV screens in June, but for now, you can read our full interview with Friedman to find out more about his remarkable journey.
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures
Another resolutely queer doc from HBO, Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures promises a “no holds barred” look at the life and art of the legendary NYC photographer. Historically, Mapplethorpe’s work has been subject to much censorship due to its explicit sexual nature, but filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have promised to show his most shocking work, exactly as he intended it to be seen. The film will feature commentary from friends and comrades like Fran Lebowitz and Debbie Harry. It debuts at Sundance and will air on HBO in April.
Goat
Becoming a man — frat style — gets the film treatment in Goat.Nick Jonas stars as a frat boy who begins to question clubbing and college hazing when his younger brother joins his fraternity in a bid to fit in. As real life controversies surrounding sexual assault on college campuses escalate, Goat delves into the young male psyche and the desire for acceptance.
The Fits
Anna Rose Holmer’s directorial debut will feature in Sundance’s Next platform, which showcases emerging film talent. The Fits stars Royalty Hightower as an 11-year-old tomboy and boxer who becomes captivated by the glamorous dance squad that train in the same Cincinnati gym. She learns the group’s drills and absorbs its female confidence from a distance.
Southside with You
This film recounts that one time in 1989 when a young attorney called Michelle Robinson went on a date with her firm’s newbie associate, Barack Obama. Apparently The President and First Lady are aware of it. Will it be as weird for us to watch as it might be for them?
Certain Women
A serious power trio — Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, and Laura Dern — unite for this story of lives intersecting in small town America. Featuring one of the most high profile cast lists at Sundance, this is a must see.
Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall
Spike Lee returns to Michael Jackson’s story for the second time (the Brooklyn-born director helmed 2012’s Bad 25 anniversary documentary). But this time, Lee goes way back to when MJ was just 20 years old and recording Off the Wall. The record was personally liberating for Jackson and a commercial breakthrough for black artists; Lee charts the making of the album and its immense impact.
The Fundamentals of Caring
Sundance’s Closing Night film, The Fundamentals of Caregiving sees Paul Rudd play caretaker to an 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy (played by Craig Roberts) as the two hit the road where they find hope, friendship and a girl called Dot, played by Selena Gomez.
Kiki
Director Sara Jordenö goes behind the scenes of a kiki — a safe space created by LGBT youth of color — in a documentary that promises plenty in the way of executive realness and an insight into the complex lives of its subjects.
Credits
Text Colin Crummy