The Most Exciting Movies Playing at the 2025 Chicago Critics Film Festival
The Chicago Critics Film Festival returns to the historic Music Box Theater in Chicago for the 12th time to highlight some of the most exciting films making their rounds on the film festival circuit. Once again, the festival showcases an eclectic group of films, from indie sensations to midnight hits to anniversary screenings of beloved favorites. Here are some of the titles I am most excited about at this year’s festival.
Film synopsis from IMDb.
A Little Prayer [Closing Night Film]
What It’s About: A man tries to protect his daughter-in-law when he finds out that his son is having an affair.
Why I’m Excited: I’ve been looking forward to Angus MacLachlan’s latest film since it premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where I unfortunately missed it. Early word on the film has been positive, particularly for the performance by David Strathairn.
The Baltimorons [Opening Night Film]
What It’s About: A newly sober man’s Christmas Eve dental emergency leads to an unexpected romance with his older dentist as they explore Baltimore together.
Why I’m Excited: The festival kicks off with the latest film from director Jay Duplass, which won the Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.
Friendship
What It’s About: A suburban dad falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor.
Why I’m Excited: I don’t need much convincing when there is a comedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Robinson. Positive early word helps, but I am all-in on seeing two of the best comedy stars in the game today together in a film.
Lurker
What It’s About: A retail employee infiltrates the inner circle of an artist on the verge of stardom. As he gets closer to the budding music star, access and proximity become a matter of life and death.
Why I’m Excited: I’ve already had the pleasure of seeing Alex Russell’s directorial debut, and it is a darkly funny and deeply uncomfortable look at obsession, loneliness, and modern fame.
Sorry, Baby
What It’s About: Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on – for everyone around her, at least.
Why I’m Excited: Arguably the hottest title coming out of Sundance this year, writer/director/star Eva Victor’s honest and funny film is one of the best discoveries of the year.
Strange Days [35mm 30th Anniversary Screening]
What It’s About: A former cop turned street-hustler accidentally uncovers a conspiracy in Los Angeles in 1999.
Why I’m Excited: Kathryn Bigelow’s Strange Days is one of my biggest blind spots as a movie watcher, and I am lucky enough that my first viewing of the film will be a glorious 35mm print.
Twinless
What It’s About: Two grieving men bond in a support group and form an unlikely friendship.
Why I’m Excited: One of my favorite movies from this year’s Sundance Film Festival was James Sweeney’s delightful dramedy featuring the best performance of Dylan O’Brien’s career.
The Chicago Critics Film Festival takes place May 2nd through May 8th at the Music Box Theater in Chicago.
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