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Here Are Our Editors' Picks From the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

Best Movies From Sundance Film Festival 2023

Here Are Our Editors' Picks From the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

August 21, 2023 by Njera Perkins First Published: January 30, 2023

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"Magazine Dreams"

"Elijah Bynum's 'Magazine Dreams' will lure you in with Jonathan Majors's massive muscles, but you'll want to stay to see the actor's hypnotizing performance. The brutal drama follows the story of antihero Killian Maddox (Majors), a tormented, fitness-obsessed bodybuilder grappling with childhood trauma, an explosive temper, and major insecurities as he yearns to one day see himself on magazine covers — just like his idol Brad Vanderhorn (played by Michael O'Hearn). As much as his physical transformation is evident, Majors's acting chops are sharper than ever as he perfectly channels the persona of a man pushing his body (and mind) to the limit before ultimately spiraling out of control. The hard-to-watch scenes of 'Magazine Dreams' will twist your stomach in knots and nearly send you over the edge, but they prove just how captivating Majors is on the big screen." — Njera Perkins, associate editor, celebrity and entertainment
"Without a doubt, one of the best films to hit Sundance this year. Jonathan Majors shines in his role as Killian Maddox, a socially awkward bodybuilder yearning for connection, whether it be through landing a date with the co-worker he's long had a crush on, gaining the approval of the bodybuilder competition judges who think his deltoids are too small, or the acknowledgment of his bodybuilding idol, Brad Vanderhorn. While Killian swears off junk food (it'll kill you, he says), he pumps himself with steroids and cocaine, all in his quest to meet impossible bodybuilding standards. And yet, the "perfect" body is always just out of reach. Ultimately, Killian's drive to be the best bodybuilder pushes those he yearns to connect with away as he hurtles right past rock bottom to dark places that are truly hard to watch. However, Majors's layered performance won't allow you to look away, or to ever stop rooting for him. While you may think you know where 'Magazine Dreams' is going, the conclusion will likely surprise you, and by the time the credits roll, it'll be hard to imagine a world where Majors isn't nominated for an Oscar for his performance." — Noelle Devoe, senior editor, TV and movies

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