Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Cronos’ Returns in 4K at Sundance

Guillermo del Toro, the celebrated filmmaker behind a string of acclaimed works, is pausing his current Frankenstein press tour to revisit the project that first put his name on the map. His 1993 feature debut, the gothic horror ‘Cronos’, is making a comeback at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the Park City Legacy programme. On 27 January 2026, audiences will have the chance to see a newly restored 4K version, followed by a conversation with del Toro himself.

This special event is part of a section at Sundance dedicated to revisiting films that once graced its screens. ‘Cronos’ originally appeared at the festival in 1994, sharing the bill with the likes of ‘Clerks’, ‘Reality Bites’, and ‘Hoop Dreams’. The Park City Legacy programme, running from 27 to 30 January, will also feature digital restorations of other notable titles, including ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Half Nelson’, ‘Mysterious Skin’, and ‘Saw’.

Del Toro’s Unconventional Take on Vampires

While ‘Cronos’ is, at its core, a vampire story, it’s a far cry from the usual fare of seductive immortals and hapless victims. Del Toro’s approach is layered, weaving in mythological elements and a sense of melancholy. The plot centres on an antique dealer who stumbles upon a mysterious device, inadvertently transforming himself into a creature of the night. The promise of eternal youth comes at a cost, as he finds himself gripped by an insatiable thirst for blood. As he grapples with his new reality, he must also fend off those determined to reclaim the ancient artefact.

The official synopsis puts it succinctly:

Antique dealer Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life – but also a thirst for blood. As Jesús enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de La Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesús will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).

A Lasting Impact on Horror Cinema

‘Cronos’ marked a striking entrance for del Toro, who quickly established himself as a director with a distinct voice in horror. More than three decades on, the film stands out for its willingness to humanise its monsters, inviting viewers to empathise with those lurking in the shadows. It’s a world away from the more formulaic offerings of the 1990s, instead favouring a character-driven narrative that encourages audiences to root for the so-called villain.

With its return to Sundance, ‘Cronos’ is set to remind a new generation of viewers why del Toro’s debut remains such a singular entry in the genre. The restored screening, coupled with the director’s insights, promises a proper treat for fans of horror and film history alike.