Sundance Filmmakers Find Humor in 'The Musical'

Writer Alexander Heller and director Giselle Bonilla hope Sundance audiences will connect with their comedic film about a theater teacher seeking revenge.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Screenwriter Alexander Heller's film 'The Musical' isn't actually a musical, but rather a humorous look at a theater teacher's revenge-motivated efforts to get back at his nemesis through his art. Heller and director Giselle Bonilla, who are making their feature film debut, hope Sundance audiences will connect with the comedy that was inspired by films they loved growing up, like 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Election'.

Why it matters

Heller and Bonilla's unique comedic sensibilities, developed over years of exposure to Sundance-style films, are on full display in 'The Musical.' The film's premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival marks a significant milestone for the pair, who are excited to share their vision with an audience that appreciates the blend of seriousness and humor that defines their work.

The details

The film follows the perspective of Doug Leibowitz, a theater teacher played by actor Will Brill, whose quest for revenge against a couple, portrayed by Rob Lowe and Gillian Jacobs, drives the plot. Bonilla and Heller said Brill's performance is particularly memorable, with the director describing him as 'the funniest actor I've ever worked with.' The score, composed by Mateo Nossa in a tight two-week timeframe, draws inspiration from classic film composers like Bernard Herrmann and Jerry Goldsmith to capture the emotional arc of Leibowitz's journey.

  • The Musical premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
  • The film will have in-person screenings on January 29, January 30, and January 31, 2026.

The players

Alexander Heller

The writer of 'The Musical,' who developed his unique sense of humor through childhood exposure to Sundance comedies like 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Election'.

Giselle Bonilla

The director of 'The Musical,' who is making her feature film debut. Bonilla's time as a Sundance Ignite fellow influenced the creation of the film.

Will Brill

The actor who plays the lead role of Doug Leibowitz in 'The Musical,' delivering a performance that the director and writer describe as particularly memorable and funny.

Rob Lowe

A veteran actor who plays a role in 'The Musical' that helps drive the plot forward.

Gillian Jacobs

A veteran actress who plays a role in 'The Musical' that helps drive the plot forward.

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What they’re saying

“We really want to make a comedy that was inspired by a lot of the movies that we loved, that blends these elements.”

— Alexander Heller, Writer (Park Record)

“It's about a breakup, and I was going through a breakup at that time. That feeling of oscillating between the mania of wanting to get back with your ex and back at your ex was very resonant with me.”

— Giselle Bonilla, Director (Park Record)

“I've never met anyone like him. He's the funniest actor I've ever worked with, and he's a very dramatic actor, but he's so committed to the truth that it is hysterical.”

— Giselle Bonilla, Director (Park Record)

“We had this unspoken language where, if I didn't have that, I don't know that we would have made any of these deadlines. I could speak about music emotionally, and he will translate that to whatever genius he works with. And it was really, really fun and exciting to see his interpretation of the film.”

— Giselle Bonilla, Director (Park Record)

“I have to go and research a bunch of other music, try to … soak myself in different music with every project that I have with her, which is absolutely wonderful. So I become a better composer after every project.”

— Mateo Nossa, Composer (Park Record)

What’s next

The big reveal at the end of 'The Musical' is something the filmmakers are excited for audiences to experience, hoping it will elicit laughter and a strong reaction.

The takeaway

With their unique comedic sensibilities and a talented cast and crew, the filmmakers behind 'The Musical' have crafted a Sundance-inspired film that blends seriousness and humor in a way that they hope will resonate with audiences and establish them as fresh voices in independent cinema.