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Sundance Shifts to Surreal: Wicker Man and Art World Satire
25 Jan
Summary
- A fisherwoman commissions a husband to be woven for her in a medieval comedy.
- A desperate gallerist will sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami for relevance.
- A paranormal podcast host's skepticism is shattered by terrifying recordings.
As the 2026 Sundance Film Festival progresses into its third day on January 25, 2026, the cinematic landscape is transforming to embrace the surreal, satiric, and supernatural. The day's offerings include a range of unconventional narratives.
'Wicker,' a new film from the directors of 'Save Yourselves!,' presents an eccentric historical comedy. Olivia Colman stars as a medieval fisherwoman who defies tradition by commissioning a husband to be woven for her, with Alexander Skarsgård portraying the enigmatic wicker man.
Director Cathy Yan's 'The Gallerist' brings a ruthless modern world satire to the screen. Natalie Portman plays a desperate gallerist willing to sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami to maintain her relevance. The film features a star-studded cast exploring high-society desperation.
Later, the festival turns to the visceral with the premiere of 'The Undertone.' This debut feature follows a paranormal podcast host, played by Nina Kiri, whose skepticism is challenged by terrifying audio recordings. The film delves into grief and madness as she isolates while caring for her dying mother.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. Awards will be presented on January 30.
