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With the Oscars wrapped up and Emmy season underway, it’s a perfect time to indulge in some tacos and dive into the exciting world of film. The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival kicks off in Austin, Texas, renowned for showcasing innovative genre films and television series. This year’s roster promises to deliver several highly anticipated releases, and we highlight 11 films and shows that are generating buzz among festival-goers.
Another Simple Favor (March 7)
Seven years have passed since the success of A Simple Favor, and the original cast—Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding—along with director Paul Feig are set to premiere its sequel. While the first film was adapted from Darcey Bell’s novel, the new installment emerges from an original concept crafted by Feig and writer Jessica Sharzer. Feig has indicated that they made significant changes to the initial screenplay to meet the expectations of fans. He noted the importance of not just conforming to audience expectations but also respecting the essence of what made the first installment popular. Lively’s return to the spotlight at SXSW will also be of interest, marking her first public appearance since a well-publicized legal issue. Audiences can look forward to streaming Another Simple Favor on Amazon Prime Video starting May 1.
O’Dessa (March 8)
Geremy Jasper, known for Patti Cake$, is back with O’Dessa, an imaginative rock opera blending elements of Mad Max with The Running Man. Sadie Sink from Stranger Things leads the story of a farm girl on an adventurous quest to recover a family heirloom and save her true love. Sink, who began her artistic journey in musical theater, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to her roots. The film is set to premiere on Hulu on March 20.
Every SXSW lineup typically features a unique A24 film, and this year, it’s Death of a Unicorn. This horror-comedy, directed by Alex Scharfman, stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn on their way to a secretive estate. The whimsical chaos that ensues draws attention to a film that promises to be both playful and absurd. A24 will release this quirky comedy in theaters on March 28.
Also set to make waves is The Accountant 2, a follow-up to the 2016 film that grossed over $155 million globally. Star Ben Affleck shares that the original found enduring popularity among viewers, leading to a resurgence of interest in a sequel. Reuniting key players including Affleck, Jon Bernthal, and director Gavin O’Connor, the film is expected to deliver more intense action sequences. Unlike Another Simple Favor, The Accountant 2 will hit theaters first on April 25 before streaming on Amazon.
Mimi Cave, known for her work on Fresh, returns with a new thriller titled Holland, featuring an impressive cast that includes Nicole Kidman and Matthew Macfadyen. The film follows a Midwest housewife whose life is not as picture-perfect as it seems, mixing noir elements with dark humor. Holland is slated to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on March 27.
Drop (March 9)
Director Christopher Landon, celebrated for Happy Death Day and Freaky, introduces Drop, a thrilling film centered around the perils of technology in dating. Starring Meghann Fahy, the plot revolves around a single mother confronted with a life-or-death decision during a blind date. Anticipation is high for this suspenseful tale as it premieres in theaters on April 11.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s latest collaboration, The Studio, will also be showcased at SXSW. This series, which addresses the complexities of modern filmmaking through a satirical lens, stars Rogen alongside a cast that includes notable celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The series aims to blend comedy with critical insights into the film industry and will be available on Apple TV+ starting March 26.
#1 Happy Family USA (March 9)
#1 Happy Family USA is another comedic venture to look out for. Co-created by Ramy Youssef and Pam Brady, the series follows a relentlessly positive Muslim family adapting to life in post-9/11 America, offering a satirical commentary on cultural perceptions. The voice cast features notable comedians and actors, with the series scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting April 17.
Government Cheese (March 9)
A hybrid comedy-drama, Government Cheese stars David Oyelowo and will begin streaming four episodes on April 16. Set in 1969 San Fernando Valley, it explores the unconventional lives of the Chambers family as they pursue their dreams amidst challenging circumstances, resulting in a mix of surreal humor and heartfelt moments.
Happy Face (March 10)
Premiering on March 20 on Paramount+, Happy Face is a true-crime limited series inspired by the notorious serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, known as the Happy Face Killer, and his daughter Melissa Moore. Executive producers Robert and Michelle King, along with writer Jennifer Cacicio, aim to delve into a poignant narrative of discovery and familial conflict, featuring Dennis Quaid as Jesperson and Annaleigh Ashford as his daughter.
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