Natalie Portman has returned to the Sundance Film Festival as both producer and star of The Gallerist, a darkly comedic film that premiered on January 24 at the 2026 edition of the festival.

Directed by Cathy Yan, the movie centers on a desperate art dealer who plots to sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami, according to its official synopsis. The bizarre premise sets the stage for a satirical take on ambition, greed and the absurdities of the high-end art world.

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Charli xcx, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Zach Galifianakis, alongside Portman.

Speaking during a post-screening question-and-answer session, Portman reflected on her role and the unconventional story, noting that the film explores how far people are willing to go to maintain relevance and success in a ruthless industry.

The Gallerist has already generated buzz at Sundance for its bold storyline, stylized direction and standout performances, positioning it as one of the festival’s most talked-about premieres.