2024 Sundance Film Festival Predictions: Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down

When a pair of exceptionally talented actors initially commit to a project and then part ways, not due to a lack of interest in the project but due to unforeseen circumstances, and are subsequently replaced by two equally exceptional performers, it’s a strong indicator that this debut feature has a promising future. Chris Andrews had a first tandem of Paul Mescal and Tom Burke on board a then found Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott commit. We think that Sundance might be the lieu for the world premiere to Bring Them Down — a film that moved into production in February in Ireland of this year. Also starring Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, Paul Ready and Susan Lynch, this was written by Andrews and Jonathan Hourigan. Limbo (2020) and Sky Peals (2023) cinematographer Nick Cooke in onboard here.

Gist: Michael, the last son of a shepherding family, lives with his ailing father, Ray. Burdened by a terrible secret, Michael has isolated himself from the world. When a conflict with rival farmer Gary and his son Jack escalates, Michael is drawn into a devastating chain of events, forcing him to confront the horrors of his past and leaving both families permanently altered.

Production Co./Producers: Jacob Swan Hyam, Wild Swim Films’ Ivana MacKinnon, Frakas Productions’ Jean-Yves Roubin and Cassandre Warnauts, Tailored Films’ Ruth Treacy and Julianne Forde.

Prediction: World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

U.S. Distributor: MUBI.