Sundance Recap #1

Sundance is well underway with the first weekend in the rearview mirror. I've had the opportunity to see eight films so far at the 2026 festival, with plenty more to come. Here are my thoughts on the first three movies I've watched at Sundance.

THE INCOMER

On a remote island off Scotland, two siblings were appointed as protectors of the land and forced to look after themselves at a young age after their father died. Now adults, Isla (Gayle Rankin) and Sandy (Grant O'Rourke) are practically feral and completely unaware of the bigger world around them. All they really know is to be afraid of people they don't know. Their monotonous world is turned upside down when a stranger (Domhnall Gleeson) tasked with evicting them from their island shows up on their shore. The siblings were warned against incomers and the threat they posed to the land, so naturally, their guard is up, and their trust is low...that is, until they're able to find some common ground with this intruder.

The Incomer is an absolutely oddball, yet winsome Scottish comedy that's full of heart. It's a reverse fish out of water tale where a fairly normal bloke gets immersed in the world of two lovable weirdos. Together, they all discover the importance of belonging and facing one's fears with plenty of laughs along the way. Its sensibilities might not be for everyone, but for those willing to truly embark on the journey, they'll be richly rewarded.

RATING: 8/10

TUNER

Tuner tells the story of Niki (Leo Woodall), a gifted piano tuner with an unusual hearing condition that makes him sensitive to noise. This sensitivity also leads to the discovery of a hidden talent: the ability to crack open safes. Desperate for money to help a loved one, Niki happens to meet the right (or wrong) people at the right time who know how to use his gift for financial gain. Niki must juggle this new high-pressure gig, visit his ailing mentor, and nurture his new budding relationship with Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), an ambitious student composer, all while trying not to get caught.

Tuner is a bit of everything: it's a fast-paced heist thriller dramedy that, in its best moments, has echoes of Whiplash (utmost complimentary). It isn't quite to the level of that masterpiece, but its editing always kept things lively. But Leo Woodall's charming and vulnerable performance is the film's biggest strength. He really shines here and gives this movie his all. In another actor's hands, this movie could be a lot more forgettable, but he really makes this work.

RATING: 8/10

BUDDY

Buddy dares to ask the question, "What if Barney & Friends were a horror movie?" The answer, unfortunately, might not be as compelling as the question. Buddy follows a small group of kids stuck in a 90's television show, trying to escape the vengeful rage of a fictional, giant orange unicorn named Buddy. These kids have no idea how they got here, but after one of their friends mysteriously disappears after refusing to play along with one of Buddy's games, they realize they can't trust him anymore

The filmmakers really commit to this concept and completely nail the feel and tone of the "show." But unfortunately, the film never feels funny or scary enough to justify stretching this idea to a full-length feature film. Plus, some pacing issues throughout, and a subplot featuring the parents really derails the momentum the film has going for it in the first half. While the film as a whole is not without its moments, Buddy definitely falls more into the missed opportunity category for me.

RATING: 6/10

That's it for my first recap, but look out for more reviews coming soon!