Middle School Musical Sparks Sundance Surprise

A unique theme is emerging at this year's Sundance Film Festival: children staging musicals on unconventional subjects. Giselle Bonilla's directorial debut, "The Musical," written by Alex Heller, centers on a surprising and potentially humorous musical production.

The film's plot follows Doug, a middle school teacher portrayed by Will Brill, who is dealing with heartbreak. His ex-girlfriend Abigail, played by Gillian Jacobs, is now dating the smarmy Principal Brady, portrayed by Rob Lowe. Doug's plan for revenge involves staging a wild musical with his students aimed at derailing Brady's ambitions.

As described by Heller, the film is about a "sad and jealous man who wants revenge on the person he hates most in the world." Brill offers a slightly different take, calling it about a "sad and handsome man who is resentful and takes his power back." Jacobs notes her character must navigate working with both ex-boyfriends while teaching, adding another layer of complication.

Rob Lowe humorously adds that his character, Principal Brady, is unaware of the musical's true nature and is expecting something akin to 'West Side Story,' not realizing it will impact his career. Director Bonilla characterizes the film as a satire on "white liberalism" and individuals who "weaponize tragedy for their own agendas."