★★★ From descriptions alone, SXSW horror film Witch Hunt sounded like it would be one of the strongest selections. The concept is timely, and provides metaphors for deportation and discrimination. Witch Hunt doesn’t do anything new with either of these concepts, instead letting them take a backseat in favor of obvious character drama and eerie … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Witch Hunt
SXSW 2021: Offseason
★★★★★ A devilish blend of It Follows and Silent Hill, Mickey Keating’s SXSW film Offseason emerges as one of 2021’s best horror offerings. The haunting visuals are biting and effective. The film is split into chapters; flawless scripting weaves out a complex web of mythology. It tows the line carefully between showing and telling, never … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Offseason
SXSW 2021: The Fallout
★★★★ School shootings are a touchy topic for obvious reasons, covered to varying degrees of success in films like Elephant, We Need to Talk About Kevin, and The Dirties. 2021 Sundance Film Festival favorite, Mass, tackled this through the lens of the parents, and how they are affected emotionally. SXSW drama The Fallout similarly approaches … Continue reading SXSW 2021: The Fallout
SXSW 2021: Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break
★★★ New SXSW comedy Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break evokes a familiar mood that fans of British humor will enjoy immensely. It’s a demented blend of Hot Fuzz and Spree that somehow paints the lead character simultaneously as both unhinged psycho and affectionate softie. Paul himself is majorly weird, with an innate charm that sadly … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break
SXSW 2021: Broadcast Signal Intrusion
★★★★ Sometimes the eeriest horror movies of all are the ones inspired by real-life events. SXSW horror/thriller Broadcast Signal Intrusion is based off actual broadcast interruptions that occurred in the late 80’s in Chicago, and still remain unsolved. The film takes place in Chicago circa 1999, and right from the start, it presents us with … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Broadcast Signal Intrusion
SXSW 2021: Introducing, Selma Blair
★★★★★ I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a big fan of documentaries. Occasionally, a great one that interests me will break the mold of the talking heads monotony. SXSW documentary Introducing, Selma Blair, is a deeply moving, and emotionally unflinching, film examining the actress’s arduous journey to feel normal again after being diagnosed … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Introducing, Selma Blair
SXSW 2021: Ninjababy
★★★★ The honesty and gentle charms of Ninjababy won me over almost instantly, solidifying it as another hilarious offering from SXSW. Taking a page from Juno’s playbook, Ninjababy is a decidedly different and humorous approach to unexpected pregnancy. The script is razor-sharp, and does an excellent job getting us acquainted with artistic Rakel. Director Yngvild … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Ninjababy
SXSW 2021: Potato Dreams of America
★★★★ The quest for the American dream is a topic constantly tackled in cinema, but rarely executed effectively. Thankfully, Potato Dreams of America is here to save the day, and take us “gay all the way!” The biggest surprise from the new LGBT comedy is how relevant the narrative feels in the context of the … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Potato Dreams of America
SXSW 2021: See You Then
★★ I love the idea behind SXSW drama See You Then: an intimate character study exploring motherhood, transgenderism, and relationships. It’s in the execution of these themes that it flounders. The film contains a bombshell revelation in the latter half, which could have been so effective if it landed properly. The characters are heavily fleshed … Continue reading SXSW 2021: See You Then