By Jessica Herndon
This summer, we’re turning up the heat with a watchlist series dedicated to exploring some of the most irresistible dynamics in love and romance — straight from Sundance Institute films. From the dreamy thrill of best friends turning into lovers to the fiery sparks of battling enemies becoming flirtatious, the sweet deceit of fake relationships that lead to desire, and the undeniable intrigue of second chance romances, we’re covering all your favorite romantic tropes. Think of it as the ultimate love story binge with a Sundance Institute twist!
We’re keeping the romance sizzling with another set of irresistible love stories after kicking the season off with a watchlist of magnetic “friends to lovers” must-sees. In this installment, we’re exploring two classic narratives: the “second chance romance” and the “fake relationship.” Whether it’s rekindling a lost love or pretending to fall for someone, films including these storylines show that matters of the heart can be tricky.
“Second chance romances” are all about the beauty of love rediscovered. It’s the spark that reignites after time apart. Who hasn’t dreamt of a second shot at the one that got away? Sometimes, love needs to be tested and challenged to come back stronger. Tried and true crowd-pleasers, these films are full of emotional depth, nostalgia, and the universal desire for reconciliation.
On the other hand, “fake relationships” are the perfect mix of fun, tension, and unexpected chemistry. At first, the relationships in these stories are all for show — an arrangement, a facade, a little white lie. But somewhere along the way, the characters start to feel the very real emotions they’ve been trying to keep at bay. It’s a classic “will-they-won’t-they” with a twist, where the lines between reality and illusion get deliciously blurry. Oh, the charm of this trope’s ability to surprise us as a game becomes a genuine connection.
Below, delve into the six Sundance Institute–supported films that will make you swoon over a second shot at love and a feigned relationship that evolves into the real thing. From romance rekindled to a ruse that turns into devotion, these films are a perfect fit for our “Summer of Love” series. And take note: there are numerous spoilers ahead
“Fake Relationships”
Rye Lane (2023 Sundance Film Festival)
Set against the vibrant backdrop of South London, Rye Lane begins with Yas (Vivian Oparah) overhearing Dom (David Jonsson) crying over his ex-girlfriend in a public bathroom. When Dom meets up with his ex and her new boyfriend, Yas steps in and pretends to be Dom’s girlfriend so he feels more confident, sparking an unexpected and hilarious chain of events. What begins as a lighthearted lie quickly turns into something deeper as the two form a genuine connection.
The Wedding Banquet (2025 Sundance Film Festival)
In The Wedding Banquet, Min (Han Gi-Chan), a gay Taiwanese-American man, agrees to a fake marriage with his friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) to appease his traditional family, who are pressuring him to settle down. The wedding events become the backdrop for a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of expectations. Though the fake relationship doesn’t lead to romantic love between Min and Angela, it deepens his bond with his partner, Chris (Bowen Yang), as well as Angela’s relationship with her own love interest, Lee (Lily Gladstone). The film beautifully captures how a ploy can bring clarity and enhance true love.
“Second Chance Romances”
Palm Springs (2020 Sundance Film Festival)
In Palm Springs, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) play two wedding guests who end up trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Sure, this one begins as a frustrating and surreal experience for our leads. However, as they repeatedly experience the same events, their connection deepens, especially considering there are plenty of opportunities for a romantic redo.
Love, Brooklyn (2025 Sundance Film Festival)
Love, Brooklyn captures the emotional complexity of relationships amid a rapidly changing city. André Holland shines as Roger, a free-spirited man navigating his evolving relationship with Nicole (DeWanda Wise), a no-nonsense woman juggling a young daughter and dating life. But he’s also entangled in a rekindled romance with Casey (Nicole Beharie). A layered and romantic modern love story, this film is a poignant exploration of how we reconcile past connections with new realities.
Sleeping With Other People (2015 Sundance Film Festival)
In this hilarious rom-com, Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis bring their sharp comedic timing to their roles as two people who reconnect years after a brief fling. As they embark on a friendship after running into each other at a sex addiction meeting, their unexpected second chance unfolds amidst hilarious moments as they work through their past baggage and fall for each other.
The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025 Sundance Film Festival)
The Ballad of Wallis Island weaves together the whimsical charm of a remote Welsh island with the romantic drama of a second chance at love. When Charles (Tom Basden) wins the lottery, he invites his favorite musical duo, McGwyer Mortimer — who happen to be ex-lovers — to reunite for a private show at his home. Though old tensions between the bandmates, marvelously played by Carey Mulligan and Sian Clifford, resurface, their chemistry is undeniable.
The Kids Are All Right (2010 Sundance Film Festival)
The Kids Are All Right follows Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), a married lesbian couple raising two children in Los Angeles. When their teenage son, Laser (Josh Hutcherson), seeks out his biological father, the family’s world is turned upside down as they meet Paul (Mark Ruffalo), the sperm donor who helped them have their children. As Paul becomes a part of their lives, Jules begins to feel appreciated in ways she hasn’t felt in her marriage. When she and Paul embark on an affair, it creates a rift between her and Nic, testing the foundation of their long-term relationship. But in the end, the couple comes to terms with their struggles, ultimately reaffirming their bond.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001 Sundance Film Festival)
Packed with an all-star cast, including Molly Shannon, Bradley Cooper, Janeane Garofalo, Amy Poehler, and Elizabeth Banks, Wet Hot American Summer is a hilarious satirical comedy that follows a crew of camp counselors and campers at summer camp in 1981. Among its many plot points is the exploration of a make–up–to–breakup relationship between counselor Coop (Michael Showalter) and counselor Katie (Marguerite Moreau), for whom Coop has a huge crush. When Katie’s chauvinist boyfriend Andy (Paul Rudd) cheats on her, she starts to date Coop. But the romance doesn’t last long, as she soon goes back to Andy — only to find her way back to Coop shortly after. Inevitably, she leaves camp on Coop’s arm. Okay, so it’s not a happy ending for Coop. But there’s no denying that a sweet smooch from your crush is swoon-worthy.
