Sundance 2026 - D3 - Jan 25
Big film of the day, big winner, was American Doctor which I have already posted about. Awesome film. On the Sundance scorecard of 1 to 4 stars, it is 5 stars! (Out of sequence on the Rave timeline)
HOT WATER
An interesting (fictional) film about a mother and teenage son, and a road trip they take from Indiana to deliver the son to his freeky estranged dad in California. Several scenes were shot in Utah, so it does have a local connection. Interesting family dynamics - seems to be a theme this year. Interesting twists and turns, interesting characters all. Good film, I gave it 3 stars out of 4.
THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Sundance blurbs are often written based on a rough cut or partial cut of the final film; and often rather off-base. This one nails it pretty well:
"A decade-long global journey chronicles the ever-changing record holders of the title of oldest person alive. What begins as a portrait of longevity becomes a meditation on the passage of time, the randomness of fate, and the joy and profound human experience of being alive."
Having turned 69 this year, this coincided with my present journey all too well. Entertaining, but not plot driven. A 'meditation' captures the general nature well. And a bit of wisdom: 'stay away from men!'
MUM, I'M ALIEN PREGNANT
https://festival.sundance.org/.../6932f90dbd86515ab560f3f5
A midnight film. I'm not into horror films in general, having come late to the genre, and mostly through Sundance. I've seen some good Canadian flicks, okay Australian contributions, and the night before a wonderful sendup of 90's Kids shows (Buddy); but this from New Zealand is GOLD!
An outlandish premise, carried through spectacularly! Continuously strange, funny and with very little actual 'horror', and with a happy ending! And some unlikely reflections on Mother-Daughter relationships and the overall strangeness of pregnancy itself.
Unlikely to be in a theatre near you, but I'm sure it will be available streaming. Highly recommended. Good date movie!
And thus ended my first weekend at Sundance. Stay tuned for more!