Apparently it's going to rain for the most part this weekend. Need something to do other than sit inside pining after your Easter egg collection that once was? Get your anorak on, hide some snacks in your handbag and trot down to London's O2 for the third Sundance London Festival: three days of brilliant films, live music and panel discussions. If you're not sure where to start, here's your NTK on The Debrief's favourite picks.
The Voices
You know those films that should never be watched stoned? This is one of those. Jerry (Ryan Reynolds) is your average factory worker whose pet cat and dog start talking to him after his relationship with Fiona from accounts gets a bit erm, murdery. Mr. Whiskers is evil, but we think Bosco’s a good lad. Anna Kendrick and Gemma Arterton also star in this ultra-quirky dark comedy directed by Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis).
Hits
David Cross (Arrested Development) makes his directorial debut in this comedy about a man from a small working-class town in New York who makes video rants about City Hall. What happens when they go viral? A mass-hipster fan following, that’s what. The film explores ideas of fame and delusion, starring lots of American funnies including Matt Walsh, Derek Waters and Wyatt Cenac.
**They Came Together
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Amy Poehler is a comedy angel. Starring alongside Paul Rudd, the Parks & Recreation star takes a turn in this spoof-led comedy that rips into the age-old rom-com stereotypes, from neurotic family members to crazy exes and chance meetings. See below for a taster of what you can expect - PLUS Schmitt from New Girl is in it. Love him.
**Fruitvale Station
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Opening with original video footage of a young black man being shot by a white police officer, Fruitvale Station takes the audience back in time to play out Oscar Grant’s day before the shooting. Michael B Jordan plays the loving and troubled protagonist and Octavia Spencer is his protective mother. Based on a true story - you’ll be thinking and talking about this film days after you’ve watched it.
**Kumiko The Treasure Hunter
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Kumiko lives in Japan with her pet rabbit Bunzo – she hates her job and her horrible boss. To escape, she repeatedly watches on old VHS copy of an American film, eventually becoming so consumed by it that she convinces herself that it’s real life. Cue Kumiko embarking on a real-life treasure hunt to America.
Frank
You’ll no doubt have seen the promo shots for this. Frank (Michael Fassbender) is a man who wears a giant fake head. He’s in a band with the terrifying Clara (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and newbie member Jon (Domhall Gleeson). They all enjoy making music for the love of music, recording an album in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, until they’re invited to perform at SXSW and inevitably have to address the issue of The Head as it makes its debut to the eyes of the wider public.
**The One I Love
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Definitely one for Peggy Olsen fans, Elisabeth Moss stars as half of married couple Sophie and Ethan (Mark Duplass) who’ve decided to take a weekend away in order to attempt to avoid their impending break-up. The film makes the audience acknowledge dissolution and reality, and the ways in which we lie to ourselves about both.
**Obvious Child
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Think Sundance films are all about obscure plot-lines you have to Google to understand? Think again my friend. Protagonist Donna (Jenny Slate) is a hot mess of a stand-up comedian, who gets dumped by her cheating boyfriend and ends up pregnant after a rebound one-night-stand. The comedy is dark and witty, and a performance by Debrief favorite Gaby Hoffman is the cherry on top.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.