The newest edition of the SXSW Film & TV Festival is here, and we’re ready as ever to throw some movies on your radar! Check out our picks after the jump…

Antisocial Network: MEMES TO MAYHEM

(Written by Allison Brown) After years of 4chan mentions in the media, Netflix’s Antisocial Network: Memes To Mayhem finally provides some background for those left in the dark. From its inception, where bored teens posted harmless memes to find belonging, to the prevalence of Anonymous in manipulating history, to the alt-right takeover that has led to today’s political chaos, the timeline here hits nearly everything. For those hoping to learn more about the online community’s far-reaching influence over the world as we know it, this stimulating documentary is not to be missed!

BACKSPOT

In the vein of 2021’s festival gem The Novice, get ready to welcome the newest intense-sports drama to the top of the pyramid. Here to audition for the All Star cheer team, the Thunderhawks: Backspot, co-written and directed by queer filmmaker D.W. Waterson, and adapted from their short film of the same name. Pushing one’s body to the limit has been the subject of many a film, especially when it comes to sports. The name of the game here is character study. Condition yourself to endure a gripping take on mental health set in the world of competitive cheerleading, and strap in for one seriously bumpy ride!

DEAD MAIL

(Written by Allison Brown) Immerse yourself in a wall of sound, defined by an eerily synthy score with droplets of cacophony. Welcome to the Synthesizer Merchant Market circa 1970 to 1980. Audio electronics engineer Josh (Sterling Macer Jr.) and wealthy enthusiast Trent (John Fleck) lock eyes and plant the seeds of a budding partnership. Their mutual love for synth and woodwinds puts them on a path to industry defining greatness…or does it? A blood-soaked note of desperation pleading for solace from a kidnapping makes its way to the Dead Mail Office. Is it a hoax or is malfeasance running amuck? Unlock this mystery—with twists and turns at every corner—when Dead Mail premieres at the festival.

I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST

13 Reasons Why breakout star Tommy Dorfman makes their feature directorial debut with intimate coming-of-age young adult adaptation, I Wish You All the Best. This unique feature follows non-binary teenager Ben (Corey Fogelmanis, Ma, School Spirit), just at the impetus of their coming out journey. Cast aside by deeply religious and judgmental parents, Ben gets taken in by their loving sister, Hannah (Alexandra Daddario, Texas Chainsaw 3D, Percy Jackson), and her chemistry teacher husband, Thomas (Cole Sprouse, Riverdale, Lisa Frankenstein). Enrollment at a new school may be exactly what they need; Ben soon falls for charismatic classmate, Nathan (Miles Gutierrez-Riley). An instant love affair has been born, but is it too much for Ben to juggle with their gender exploration? Dorfman explores gender identity thoroughly in ways we have not seen before, injecting enough heart and humor to win over even the most cynical. Connoisseurs of queer cinema, this one feels special. It’s giving they/them.

NATATORIUM

(Written by Intern, Shaun E) Dreamy and entrancing, Natatorium examines the influence of religious zeal and generational cycles of abuse in a dark drama/thriller. An Icelandic teen (Ilmur María Arnardóttir) learns more about her estranged grandparents, while staying at their stylish mansion. Despite warnings from her father and aunt that things in the home are not quite what they seem, she delves deeper into strange mysteries and family secrets. Writer/director Helena Stefansdottir lets tensions sink in slowly through eerie ambience and striking cinematography. Prepare to dive into the cool waters of Natatorium and witness this chilling tale.

SECRET MALL APARTMENT

(Written by Allison Brown) From director Jeremy Workman of 2021 hit, Lily Topples the World, comes another quintessentially quirky SXSW documentary impossible to forget. Secret Mall Apartment tracks Michael Townsend and his ragtag band of charitable artists over the span of four years, as they manipulate unfinished, raw corners in the Providence Place Mall in Rhode Island into a home away from home. Reclaiming stolen land for those who have been displaced by capitalism in a meta commentary of gentrification becomes the group’s inspiration for rebellion, rather than assumed homelessness. At a time when urban exploration was not a common hobby, these creatives stumbled upon unoccupied space to call their own. Check out their incredible, documented personal footage through every step of renovation in this meticulously developed artistic journey. 

For more information about this year’s exciting iteration of the SXSW Film Festival, including ticketing and the entire lineup, please head over to the official festival website for full details.