Sundance 2026 Review: “Prime”

One of the great things about attending a film festival as iconic as Sundance is discovering an emerging voice in the shorts program.  I had the privilege of viewing director Megan Coyle’s debut, “Prime,” as part of the Midnight Short Film Program.

Coyle also pens the short-short screenplay, introducing us to Claire (Katie Mumford), who is still grieving her mother’s death.  Claire has a passion for the environment and decides to heal by joining a utopian framing collective in upstate New York.

Rhea (Anita Durst), the community’s founder, takes Claire under her wing and wins her over quickly, and Claire begins the healing process.  However, she quickly learns all that glitters isn’t gold and finds herself on an eternal journey to discover how far she will go to belong.

As a proud carnivore who revels in the pleasures of dining, I found the plot of “Prime” to be particularly captivating.  I had anticipated that Coyle would unveil a shocking twist related to cannibalism or conjure disturbing echoes of “Soylent Green.” However, she took a different approach, weaving a thought-provoking narrative that delves into society’s pervasive guilt over consuming foods that may not be healthy or ethical for us to eat.

In her lead role as Claire, Katie Mumford skillfully navigates the complexities of her character, steering clear of the clichéd final girl trope often seen in horror films.  She delivers a nuanced performance that showcases Claire’s resilience and depth, making her relatable and engaging.  Meanwhile, Anita Durst portrays the villainess with a remarkable balance of menace and subtlety, ensuring that her character doesn’t fall into the trap of being overly exaggerated or cartoonish.

This thoughtful approach adds a layer of realism, enhancing the film’s tension.  Together, both actresses elevate the narrative, carrying the movie with impressive skill throughout its concise runtime.  If Coyle decides to expand this project into a full-length feature, it would be exciting to see both actresses reprise their roles, as their chemistry and performances are key to the film’s success.

“Prime” is a strong debut short that shows promise from Megan Coyle, and I look forward to watching her career flourish.

Final Grade: B+