Our staffers share the picks they don’t want to miss
Elizabeth Stoddard
As in years past, I have overfilled my possible SXSW schedule to give myself plenty of options. There are a number of films that have piqued my interest, but a priority for me is Sister Aimee. I am curious about this fictionalization of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s biography (which is fairly fantastical to begin with).
Stella Meghie returns to SXSW with The Weekend, after her debut with Jean of the Joneses. As I attended that (hilarious) 2016 premiere, I want to try to catch the director’s new work. Somewhat in that same vein is director Elizabeth Sankey’s work of cultural criticism, Romantic Comedy, a documentary making its world premiere. And then for something completely different, I’ve got The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story on my schedule; it will screen during the latter part of the fest, after the Music crowd joins in.
Jon Partridge
It might be predictable, but Us is my most anticipated. I saw the first trailer and was floored. Genuinely unnerved. Having avoided everything since, the imagery of that first glimpse has lingered in the mind. I can’t think of a better way to kick start the fest than in the Paramount with 1000 people, all jazzed to see Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort.
Chris Morris is one of the most talented satirists Britain has in its ranks, and his first feature Four Lions remains one of my all time favorites, a absurd, yet cutting look at terrorism in the UK. Hopefully his new film The Day Shall Come captures even an ounce of its brilliance.
What’s SXSW without a slice of genre cinema, and this year Body at Brighton Rock looks to be the one to watch. The first full feature from Roxanne Benjamin, who previously crafted segment for XX and Southbound, tells of a ranger stranded overnight in her park, alone with her thoughts and a corpse.
Finally, cop Dave Bautista chasing killer Iko Uwais. In between them, Uber driver Kumail Nanjiani. That’s the basic premise for Stuber, and it sounds like a fucking riot.
Ed Travis
I’d like to begin by calling bullshit on the entire endeavor of picking out the most anticipated films of SXSW (or really any film festival). Most likely, “most anticipated” films are going to have some kind of point of pre-established connection, such as a star, a filmmaker, or even a label you’re particularly fond of. But, in reality, many of the best film festival discoveries come from risks taken on films where you know little or nothing about who made it or what it’s really going to be like. Anyone who’s attended a film festival could likely attest to this phenomenon of joyful discovery.
And for another thing, film festivals are the places that even hardcore film devotees go to learn about what is coming up and should be buzzed about all year long. I make these discoveries DURING the fest, normally. So beforehand I’m not really sure exactly what to be excited about.
All that said, here’s a few things I’m anticipating in no particular order:
STUBER: While I sadly will not be able to see this film at the festival, I adore the idea of an action comedy featuring Dave Bautista and Iko Uwais (two of the most exciting names in action cinema right now) in which they’re paired up with Kumail Nanjiani, one of the most exciting names in comedy right now.
LITTLE MONSTERS: Lupita Nyong’o killing zombies in an Australian horror/comedy? Absolutely count me in.
MICKEY AND THE BEAR: This movie has James Badge Dale in it. I therefore want to see it.
THE BEACH BUM: Not only was Harmony Korine’s last film Spring Breakers an amazing trip, but it was also very much a part of my SXSW experience the year it hit. So soaking in his follow-up with Matthew McConaughey in the leading role sounds like cinematic wonder.
VILLAINS: Again, my logic here is shallow: I am interested in watching movies starring Maika Monroe! The premise here also sounds playful and right up my ally.
HER SMELL: I don’t really know anything about the filmmaker, but Elizabeth Moss as a punk rock star wrestling with her demons sounds fantastic. And I feel like this movie has been coming out forever so it’ll be nice to finally check it out.
COBRA KAI Season 2: It’s actually impossible how good Cobra Kai Season 1 was. Miraculous even. While I entered into Season 1 with incredulity, I highly anticipate a phenomenal Season 2.
MS. WHITE LIGHT: I just love the premise of a counselor for the terminally ill who relates well to those who are dying but not with anyone else. That’s a damn good premise right there. I don’t know anything else about the film but they hooked me.
US: I’m going to miss the screening so I hate life and everyone who will be there that night, but this film is among my most anticipated of the entire year and Jordan Peele is a genius.
Rod Machen
My focus is always on local filmmakers and local projects. The one I’m most looking forward to is the Frances Ferguson, the latest from Bob Byington. He’s mastered the art of depicting aimless young men. Let’s see what he does with a young woman.
A project close to my heart (and that of Cinapse founder Ed Travis) is Community First: A Home for the Homeless. It tells the story of Community First! Village, a place where people are given a home and much more as they transition off the streets. I’ve been out there several times and look forward to its depiction on the big screen.
Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan are Austin-based filmmakers who have made some amazing work in Florida. The short “The Send Off” was an amazing insider look at a high school prom in an impoverished area. Like nothing I’d ever seen. Now they come back to SXSW with Pahokee, a look at four young people growing up in the Everglades.
There are some great angles in works like Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivans, Becoming Leslie, and Nothing Stays the Same: The Story of the Saxon Pub. Texas is represented in The River and the Wall and Running with Beto. Lots of Lone Star State to enjoy.