21 Must-See SXSW Premieres That Will Leave You Buzzing!

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This year marks a change from previous years as the SXSW Film & TV Festival is not taking place on the same weekend as the Academy Awards for the first time since 2022. Interestingly, this year’s lineup seems to be exceptionally star-studded and engaging compared to past events. The festival, running from March 7th to the 15th, boasts an impressive roster of over 111 films and 17 series screenings. Some notable A-list celebrities joining us in Austin, Texas, include Ben Affleck, Nicole Kidman, Seth Rogen, Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Issa Rae, Matthew McConaughey, Kurt Russell, Laurence Fishburne, Ramy Youssef, Jacob Elordi, Kate Mara, André Holland, Zazie Beetz, Sadie Sink, Daisy Ridley, David Oyelowo, Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, Paul Rudd, and Jenna Ortega. Alongside these stars, we have a variety of buzzworthy documentaries and unique indie films that aim to captivate and entertain our festivalgoers amidst their breakfast tacos and barbecue experiences. Here are some of the most anticipated titles.

    The Age of Disclosure

    Reach out to your friends who are passionate about extraterrestrial life and UFOs, and they’ll likely be familiar with “The Age of Disclosure” – a documentary that gained widespread attention upon its release, garnering millions of views on social media platforms. Directed by Dan Farah, the film features testimony from 34 high-ranking individuals within the US government, military, and intelligence community. They allege a secret space race involving various nations attempting to replicate technology created by non-human intelligent beings. Remarkably, one interviewee even claims to have personally witnessed these extraterrestrial beings. It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that “The Age of Disclosure” and the discussions it inspires could significantly alter our worldview. – S.H.

    American Sweatshop

    In the movie “American Sweatshop,” the main setting is not a factory but an agency. This agency serves as a witness to the worst aspects of human nature, as it’s in charge of deciding whether questionable images should be allowed on the internet. Lili Reinhart plays an employee who becomes obsessed with a disturbing video she encounters at work and sets out to find the person responsible.

    The plotline is reminiscent of “Job,” a recent Broadway play about a content moderator driven to take action, and it follows closely on the heels of the widespread concern caused by TikTok’s 14-hour ban in the US. The film delves into a very timely storyline about how social media can seem unreal until it impacts our lives directly. — S.H.

    Another Simple Favor

    In 2018, Paul Feig’s “A Simple Favor” earned $97.6 million worldwide and became a cult classic, largely due to its intriguing tale of Stephanie (played by Anna Kendrick), a widowed mother, and her enigmatic best friend Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). The story concludes with Emily, the stylish working mom, being sent to prison for a double murder as a result of Stephanie’s detective work. However, in Feig’s upcoming sequel, titled “Another Simple Favor,” these characters are seen on the sunny Italian island of Capri, where Emily is miraculously out of jail and marrying an Italian entrepreneur, while Stephanie attends. The cast includes Andrew Rannells, Henry Golding, Elizabeth Perkins, Allison Janney, among others. With its campy appeal, “Another Simple Favor” promises to make SXSW’s opening night film a highly anticipated event. Adding to the excitement is Blake Lively’s real-life legal drama with Justin Baldoni that has garnered headlines. — A.B.V.

    The Baltimorons

    Over time, both SXSW and its hosting city have expanded, with ups and downs, but one constant remains – the Duplass brothers’ regular appearance at the festival. This year, Jay Duplass is back in Austin, debuting his first solo directorial project. Titled “The Baltimorons”, this film follows a Christmas Eve incident that strands newly sober Cliff (Michael Strassner) and an emergency dentist together on an unexpected journey through Baltimore during winter. The unusual pair, the festive setting, and the filmmaker’s homecoming promise to make “The Baltimorons” a delightfully snug premiere for this year. — S.H.

    Brother Verses Brother

    The conversations are spontaneous, the locations are all genuine – including well-known spots like Vesuvio Cafe and City Lights Bookstore – and the narrative unfolds in real time over approximately 90 minutes in a continuous shot. — A.B.V.

    Clown in a Cornfield

    One popular horror film across the globe, titled “Clown in a Cornfield,” is based on Adam Cesare’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The production company known for creating “Smile” has brought us this chilling tale. A young girl (Katie Douglas) and her stepfather (Aaron Abrams) seek a fresh start in a small town, but soon discover that the community is tense. To make matters worse, Frendo the clown has arrived and begins taking lives one by one. The movie was produced by RLJE Films and Shudder, with Eli Craig directing and both Craig and Carter Blanchard adapting the screenplay. — E.L.

    Death of a Unicorn

    Unlike many significant festivals, SXSW often showcases popular, creatively innovative comedies in its programming, and this A24 production – the directorial premiere of independent producer Alex Scharfman (“Resurrection”) – appears to be no different. Starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo, they find themselves in an unusual predicament after striking a unicorn with their vehicle while on their way to a weekend retreat hosted by the father’s billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant). Upon arriving with the creature’s carcass in tow, the boss and his family (which includes Téa Leoni and Will Poulter) immediately capitalize on its remains for various medical wonders – only to learn that the legendary magical beast has a partner, and she is enraged. — A.B.V.

    Drop

    Viewers grew fond of Meghann Fahy in “The White Lotus.” Now they’ll witness a different side of the actress as she takes on a new role in the latest Universal-Blumhouse thriller. In this film, Fahy portrays a widowed mother who is tormented by anonymous text messages containing ominous commands: if she fails to comply, her child will be harmed. The director of “Happy Death Day,” Christopher Landon, has collaborated with producers Jason Blum and Michael Bay for the movie, which also features Brandon Sklenar, Jeffery Self, Gabrielle Ryan Spring, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, and Ed Weeks as co-stars. — E.L.

    The Dutchman

    Amiri Baraka’s 1964 play “Dutchman” tells the story of a 20-year-old Black man named Clay and an older white woman named Lula, who engage in a dangerous game while traveling on the New York City subway. This dynamic is symbolic of the deadly relationship between white and Black Americans. In the modern adaptation, director Andre Gaines introduces a 45-year-old businessman character (André Holland) named Clay instead, and broadens the narrative to include his wife (Zazie Beetz) and their couple’s therapist (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Lula’s intentions become more intricate due to the presence of the therapist, who also has a secret plan. Not everything is as it appears in this tale. — A.B.V.

    Fucktoys

    The logline for “Fucktoys” is undoubtedly fitting for SXSW, a festival renowned for its lively and eccentric audiences who appreciate the unusual. This is the same event that provided the vibrators of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” with enough acceptance to propel a successful best picture bid. Described as a journey through a dreamlike terrain of smut, filth, and psychics, the movie portrays writer-director Annapurna Sriram exploring the exhilarating peaks and draining valleys of sex work while playing AP, a woman striving to gather enough funds to break a supposed curse plaguing her life. Given the grandiose world-building that Sriram manages on a likely modest budget, this storyline seems fitting. — S.H.

    Hallow Road

    In a chilling turn of events, the movie “Hallow Road” centers around a pair of parents, played by Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys, after they receive an ominous late-night call from their daughter, Megan McDonnell. She informs them that she’s been involved in a severe car accident and is in grave danger. This suspenseful tale predominantly unfolds within the confines of the parents’ vehicle as they speed through the night, desperate to reach their child before someone else does. “Hallow Road,” produced by XYZ Films, is skillfully directed by BAFTA winner Babak Anvari, who is also set to lead the upcoming “Cloverfield” sequel. — E.L.

    Happy Face

    As a film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the CBS Studios drama that unfolds the chilling true story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the Happy Face Killer, portrayed by Dennis Quaid. This series follows his estranged daughter, Melissa Moore, played by Annaleigh Ashford, who embarks on a courageous journey to confront her incarcerated father, seeking justice for a crime she suspects he didn’t commit.

    Decades have passed since Jesperson was imprisoned for the murder of at least eight women, and now Moore aims to save a man who may be innocent. This gripping series is brought to life by Jennifer Cacicio and the talented duo Michelle and Robert King, creators of “Good Fight.” The pilot episode is skillfully directed by Michael Showalter, who also serves as an executive producer. I can’t wait to delve deeper into this captivating tale!

    Holland

    The movie is set in the title city of Michigan, renowned for its tulip festival and windmills, initially painting a serene, picture-perfect image of a Midwestern town. However, when local teacher Nancy Vandergroot (Nicole Kidman), suspecting her husband (Matthew Macfadyen) might be concealing a sinister secret, enlists the aid of a fellow teacher (Gael García Bernal) for surveillance. As she uncovers the truth, Nancy realizes that the town’s idyllic facade hides deep-seated issues. The movie, helmed by director Mimi Cave (“Fresh”), was written by Andrew Sodroski 12 years ago, when his script made it onto The Black List. — A.B.V.

    Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

    The film in question features Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, hailing from Canada, as its stars. This production is a humorous time-travel tale that originates from their mockumentary TV series “Nirvanna the Band the Show,” which ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2018. Continuing the narrative from the show, Johnson and McCarrol portray Matt and Jay, musicians who aim to perform a concert at Toronto’s Rivoli. Despite not having any previously written or recorded songs, their determination is undeterred. Even if you haven’t watched the series, this movie promises to be an enjoyable musical adventure. In 2023, Johnson gained attention on the festival circuit with the dramedy “BlackBerry,” for which McCarrol served as the composer.

    #1 Happy Family USA

    If you believed that Seth MacFarlane and Matt Groening were the only ones creating adult animated sitcoms focusing on domestic life within the United States, you’d be wrong. Ramy Youssef has developed an all-American cartoon series, introducing us to the Husseins – a delightful family with unwavering affection for their nation. However, their patriotism is put to the test following the September 11 attacks. You can expect the dark comedy characteristic of Youssef’s stand-up and Hulu show, now presented in a 2D format. Interestingly, Amazon approved this project three years ago; however, its relevance is particularly striking today, as the war in Gaza underscores that Islamophobia remains a significant concern, not only in America but worldwide, much like it was in 2001. — S.H.

    O’Dessa

    Geremy Jasper’s latest movie, released following his debut in 2017 with “Patti Cake$,” is shaping up to be one of the boldest films this year. This rock opera, set against a vibrant, post-apocalyptic backdrop drenched in neon light, tells the story of Sadie Sink as O’Dessa, a farm girl with an exceptional voice who stands up against a tyrannical ruler, Plutonovich (Murray Bartlett), and his right-hand woman, Neon Dion (Regina Hall). In their quest to save the love of her life, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), O’Dessa employs the strength of her voice. The film is noteworthy for its creatively chosen character names as well as the 16 original songs penned by Jasper and co-composer Jason Binnick. The movie will make its debut on Hulu on March 20, following its premiere at SXSW. — A.B.V.

    The Rivals of Amziah King

    In a small-town Oklahoma setting, the plot revolves around Amziah King, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, an appealing bluegrass artist who manages a honey farm. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets his foster daughter Angelina LookingGlass for the first time in years and brings her into his business. However, this decision leads to confrontations with merciless competitors who pose a threat to both of them. The movie, titled “The Black Bear,” was one of the fortunate few productions that received waivers from SAG-AFTRA during the 2023 strike and continued filming. Alongside McConaughey, the cast includes Kurt Russell, Jake Horowitz, and Cole Sprouse. This project marks director Andrew Patterson’s subsequent work following his successful 2019 sci-fi thriller “The Vast of Night.” — E.L.

    She’s the He

    Under the guidance of director Siobhan McCarthy, this hilarious LGBTQ+ movie touches on contemporary issues. Running for 81 minutes, the story revolves around Ethan (Misha Osherovich) and Alex (Nico Carney), two high school seniors who disguise themselves as trans women to win over their mutual crush. Along the journey, Ethan discovers her true identity as a trans woman and shares this revelation with Alex. The film also features Suzanne Cryer, Mark Indelicato, Malia Pyles, and Emmett Preciado in supporting roles. It delves deeply into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and friendship. — R.T.

    The Studio

    With the absence of the inconvenient clash between SXSW and the Oscars, more industry professionals would be able to witness their business being critiqued mere days after receiving their prestigious awards. The TV series “The Studio,” which debuts on its premiere night, features co-creator Seth Rogen portraying a fresh Hollywood executive grappling with backing daring filmmaking that ignites his passion while simultaneously being pushed to approve uninspired but profitable junk. The satirical Apple TV+ program also stars Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders, with guest appearances from Steve Buscemi and Martin Scorsese in a humorous portrayal of themselves. Well-crafted, briskly paced, and filled with absurd gags, “The Studio” is the type of production that demonstrates why television was included in SXSW’s lineup. — S.H.

    The Threesome

    In a surprising turn of events, Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) and his crush Olivia (Zoey Deutch) end up in a threesome with a stranger named Jenny (Ruby Cruz). As they start to develop feelings for each other, their planned future becomes uncertain. However, trouble arises when Jenny reappears, bringing along a dose of chaos. The movie “The Threesome,” featuring a straightforward title, a complicated love triangle, and an intriguing cast including Jaboukie Young-White and Josh Segarra, has all the ingredients necessary to embody the essence of a modern coming-of-age story for young adults. — S.H.

    We Are Storror

    Since 2010, the British parkour team called Storror, known for their daring jumps over high-rise buildings, off construction cranes, and through London traffic while dodging trains, have been sharing their thrilling stunts on YouTube. With over 10 million subscribers and 3.4 billion views, they caught the eye of director Michael Bay who recruited them for his 2019 Netflix film “6 Underground.” Their fearless acts were so striking that Bay decided to make his debut as a documentary filmmaker with this portrayal of their journey, challenging themselves in four extreme environments. This not only tests their dedication to the sport but also their bond with each other, as described in the festival summary. — Rewritten by AI.

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2025-03-06 22:31