So there we have it. 9 Days, 24 films, a exorbitant number of (mostly free) tacos and beer. SXSW Film 2017 was a finely put together exhibition of some great pieces of filmmaking. Sadly I was unable to catch Mr Roosevelt or Gemini, but if I made it to every film then I probably wouldn’t be here regaling you with this list right now. What follows is my top 5 of the festival, along with some honorable mentions. Some big films, others smaller, that I hope you’ll give attention when you get the chance.
Honorable Mentions
The Transfiguration, La Barracuda, Prevenge, Colossal, Fits and Starts.
5. Free Fire
Free Fire has a concept that could easily fall apart in lesser hands, but thanks to Ben Wheatley and a gusto cast, it delivers on every level. It’s a messy, hilarious indictment of the male ego that sustains its mayhem for the entirety of the runtime. Stylish and darkly comedic, charm and hilarity ooze as much as much as sweat and blood, resulting in a glorious barrage of banter, bullets, and John Denver. Bloody brilliance from Ben Wheatley. Full review.
4. Hot Summer Nights
Hot Summer Nights is yet another entry to the coming of age genre, but one told with a bold flourish, starting with a youthful bang and transitioning into a brooding noir. Abetted by a superb cast, Elijah Bynam makes his mark as a a bold new voice in filmmaking, delivering a pulsating slice of Americana. Full review.
3. Most Beautiful Island
From both in front of as well as behind the camera, Ana Asensio has crafted a truly impressive debut feature, one that sucks you in and ultimately leaves you breathless. Most Beautiful Island is an enthralling character study, a tale of survival, and a determination to go beyond that, to live. Full review.
2. The Big Sick
As a genre, the romantic comedy has gotten something of a muddied reputation over the years. It’s often a cloying, mawkish product, one that may draw tears and cheers from some, but eye rolls from others. On the rare occasion that the two components are married properly, you can get something special; The Big Sick is one such example. It’s genuinely heartfelt and moving, while being one of the most hilarious films you’ll see this year. A perfect marriage of material and talent, brimming with genuine humor, charm, and emotion, The Big Sick is what all rom-coms should aspire to be. Full review.
1. Baby Driver
Baby Driver switched between #1 and 2 on this list but finally locked down the top spot not just because of it being a hell of a film, but because I’m convinced it’s true greatness will become apparent after multiple viewings.
Last year Edgar Wright published his top 1000 films. Baby Driver works in a similar way, as an education in not only cinema, but music too: a marriage of these two mediums in perfect harmony. A musical for the modern age, the film people pop in to show off their new home cinema sound system decades from now. There will be plenty of deconstruction and appreciation of what Wright has achieved, but even without delving too deeply, Baby Driver is something unique, a joy to experience, and showcases a filmmaker with a hell of a swagger in his step. Full review.
