With the Sundance Film Festival over, 150 films premiered showcasing some of the freshest new voices and some of the most unique directors in the world. The following is a list of the must see films from Sundance.

1. "The Birth of a Nation"- Having won the Grand Jury Prize at the festival, Nate Parker's directorial debut garnered traction throughout and the film lived up to its hype. While it will draw comparison's to "12 Years a Slave" due to its subject matter, Parker's vision of Nat Turner is one of the most compelling films to have premiered at Sundance in years. Parker gives a wonderful performance, and Armie Hammer is at his best as a conflicted slave owner. The film's unapologetic tone will definitely be getting a lot of attention come award season, and it is truly one of the best films to have already been screened this year.

2. "Dark Night"- Tim Sutton's experimental film about the events that led up to the Aurora killings in Colorado was one of the most polarizing films of the festival. However, Sutton's film is revelation in his storytelling. His script is bare and the pacing is slow making for a difficult experience. The audience is asked to observe each character through their actions with no explanation. But this makes the film even more complex and increasingly thrilling to watch. One of the characters is introduced through her cell phone while another is introduced through an interview with his mother. It is fascinating and visually beautiful to watch.

3. "Christine"- Antonio Campos' film is yet another dark movie that is boosted by a career high for Rebecca Hall. The film depicts the events that lead to Christine Chubbuck's suicide and humanizes this isolated and depressed woman. Campos and his cinematographer showcase this woman's isolated through diverse shots including frame within frames and always showing Christine isolated from everyone else. It is also great that Campos keeps some of the tone light, making this dark film a wonder.

4. "Love and Friendship"- The period film can sometimes be marred by its costumes and its production design. However, Whit Stillman is a perfect fit to adapt a Jane Austen novella. Bringing together an exquisite cast led by the charismatic Kate Beckinsale, this film has a breath of fresh air for a period piece. Half love story, half comedy, the movie is a critique on high society and what a widow would do to secure the security of her future and her status. The costumes are gorgeous to look at as well as the designs, but it is the story and the performances that enlighten this film and make it one of the funniest comedies and period films in years.

5. "Weiner"- The Grand Jury Prize documentary winner is an entertaining depiction of the fallen mayoral candidate. The film depicts Anthony Weiner's candidacy and his campaign trail as he goes from being the front-runner to becoming the a ridicule for his sexting pictures. What is wonderful about the film is the behind the scenes action and how much access the directors got to Weiner and his families and how this politician ends up being humanized and likable.

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