2018 Sundance Film Festival Predictions: RKSS’ Summer of 84

François Simard

, Anouk Whissell and Yoann-Karl Whissell got their first taste of Sundance (and accompanying accolades) with an excellent throwback to VHS era adventures in 2015’s Turbo Kid. As witnessed in their numerous short film contributions, going by the moniker of RKSS (Roadkill Superstar), this Quebecois filmmaker trio headed out to Vancouver, B.C this past July for their sophomore feature which once again abides by a certain pastiche and kitschiness of films produced in that golden age. Perhaps in the vein of the celebrated Sundance short, The Legend of Beaver Dam, Summer Of ‘84 attacks suburbia with Goonies aged protagonists. Written by Matt Leslie and Stephen J. Smith, this was featured on the 2016 ‘Blood List’ selection of the best dark genre screenplays and should be a top ticket item for aficionados.

Gist: Set in 1984 and centres on 15-year-old neighbourhood conspiracy theorist Davey Armstrong who suspects his police officer neighbour might be the serial killer all over the local news. He and his three best friends begin an investigation that soon puts them in danger.

Production Co./Producers: Brightlight Pictures‘ Shawn Williamson, Jameson Parker (Horns), Matt Leslie.

Prediction: Park City at Midnight is the only section where this could land. If it doesn’t drop here, expect TIFF in the fall.

U.S. Distributor: Rights Available. TBD (domestic). TBD (international)