by Rosa Parra

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival has ended, and it featured a variety of genres, stories, and formats. This year, the documentaries were particularly strong. The following are my favorite films from the festival. This year my final tally was 35 films. So here are my top 10 films of the festival.

10. Sally

This documentary by Cristina Costantini chronicles the life of Sally Ride, the first woman to go to space. It offers a thoughtful and sensitive look at the life of a relatively reserved woman who, due to her lifestyle, had to live in the shadows. The film highlights a trailblazing figure in American culture.

9. Coexistence, My Ass!

This documentary follows comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi and her stand-up show of the same name. She uses comedy as a way to raise awareness about the Israel/Palestine conflict. This is an eye-opening film about how one woman chooses to confront the socio-political turmoil, and we witness how it helps her face the challenges.

8. Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)

This movie follows Rico, a young man living life to the fullest. When his girlfriend, Destiny, moves in with him and his family, Rico’s life begins to change. The film provides a raw portrayal of a young man growing up and stepping up to support his girlfriend. I appreciated the complexity of the characters and how they showcased the multidimensional aspects of family dynamics.

7. The Librarians

This documentary was frustrating to watch. It follows various librarians across the country who face backlash for questioning or refusing to remove books that have been “banned” by the government. It’s heartbreaking to see how many people view the history of any minority group as pervasive and “woke.” This film is sure to leave audiences wondering whether we have truly learned anything from history..

6. Atropia

Atropia is a simulated city where upcoming veterans train before being deployed to war. In addition, actors are hired to portray various roles, such as locals and journalists. When an actress develops feelings for a veteran, complications arise. This satirical take explores the purpose of war and how often reality surpasses any form of simulation.

5. The Ballad of Wallis Island

When a fan of a musical duo has the means to arrange a private concert with both members, they agree to perform, though they are hesitant since they haven’t seen each other in years and their past relationship wasn’t necessarily good. This feel-good movie had me laughing from beginning to end and served as a wonderful reminder of the healing power of music. It demonstrates how dealing with grief is easier when you surround yourself with the right people and how interacting with humble, good individuals is beneficial for your well-being..

4. The Perfect Neighbor

This documentary primarily features video footage of police officers responding to calls from a woman who repeatedly complains about kids playing near her house. As the story unfolds, something unfortunate occurs. The film chronicles each of this woman’s calls leading up to the climax of the narrative, which is both infuriating and highly relevant to today’s issues.

3. Sorry, Baby

Agnes is a woman striving to move forward after experiencing an unfortunate incident. This movie skillfully chronicles the various years of Agnes’s healing journey, highlighting her ups and downs. It successfully balances humor with drama and satire with poignant moments, all delivered through sharp-witted dialogue. The film presents a bold commentary on the current state of womanhood.

2. Selena y los Dinos

One of my most anticipated movies of the festival exceeded my expectations. This documentary showcases the inception and journey of Selena y Los Dinos through never-before-seen footage. It serves as a tribute to the entire group and respectfully presents Selena as a relatable person with dreams who wasn’t perfect. Her image isn’t overly sanitized, which I found refreshing. Loved it!

1. Twinless

When two men meet in grief counseling, specifically for those mourning the loss of a twin, they form a special bond, and that’s just the beginning. I haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I first saw it. Dylan O’Brien delivers an unforgettable performance, and James Sweeney’s script and direction, along with his delicate acting, have stayed on my mind. The unexpected twists and turns in the story provide a touching exploration of loneliness, grief, relationships, and the bond between siblings. It’s the best film of the festival!