One of the reasons SXSW has been in our festival rotation for years is that it’s one of the few festivals we can all attend. Having all three editors on the ground is fun and also means we get to spend time together. However, this year’s selection of genre fair was so large that we had very little overlap in our schedules. That didn’t stop us from recommending movies to each other. Nor did it stop us from finding some titles we adore. Which is why we rounded up our top 10 of the SXSW in this handy guide to help you remember our personal highlights.
Chili Finger
Chili Finger is a fantastic dark comedy with an outstanding ensemble cast. Judy Greer and Sean Astin play a couple of empty-nesters, and Jessica (Greer) has big plans of blackmailing a chain restaurant for some easy cash. However, nothing is that simple when you have John Goodman and Bryan Cranston joining the party. – Alma
The Life We Leave
I’m someone who has always been interested in the death care industry, so this movie was perfect for me. The Life We Leave is a documentary that follows the business of human composting. While non-traditional, there is growing interest in this type of death care. The Life We Leave is a fascinating look into the death care industry’s resistance to change. – Dalia
Forbidden Fruits
I was in no way prepared for Forbidden Fruits to be this good. I’m a fan of wicked women and witchcraft, so this was definitely my vibe. Think Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Craft, and Mean Girls in a blender, but somehow even darker than you could have dreamed. At the moment, this is my favorite Shudder baby of the year, and I am obsessed with this cast. – Sharai
Over Your Dead Body
Over Your Dead Body had everything I needed from a cabin in the woods to a couple with plans to kill each other and a few surprise guests. Samara Weaving and Jason Segel star as a couple needing a romantic getaway, but they both have ulterior motives. I couldn’t stop laughing as every scene was wilder than the last. – Alma
Sinner Supper Club
Sinner Supper Club is a movie about friendships. They all have a beginning, the messy part in the middle, and for some, the end. Sinner Supper Club is about the friendships that are messy and end. It’s a beautiful film that I cannot recommend enough. – Dalia
I Love Boosters
Boots Riley is a vibe, and so is this movie!! You might show up for this stacked cast and funky aesthetic, but you’ll stay because this is pure cinema. The gorgeous visuals, outstanding performances, amazing humor, and important themes are all worth the trip to the theater. I’m so sad my other editors didn’t make it into this one because words don’t do it justice. – Sharai
They Will Kill You
Give Zazie Beetz everything and now. This movie is fun, bloody, and the personification of WTF. If you want unhinged ass kickings and chaos, this is your girl. I cannot wait for it to come out because I am making everyone I know see this batshit gem of a movie. Give more Black women weapons if you really want my generation to go back to the theater. – Sharai
Obsession
Bear (Michael Johnston) wishes on a One Wish Willow to have the love of his crush, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Of course, the wish comes at a wicked price. Nikki is instantly obsessed with Bear, and her behavior is scaring everyone, including me. – Alma
Grind
Because I am a millennial, this anthology about the gig economy, hustle culture, and capitalism struck all of the right chords. Each story is wilder (and sadly more relatable) than the last, which is a huge win for an anthology girl like myself. This is wicked, pointed directly at a company that shall not be named, and made by some of the hardest horror hustlers you know. So, it’s unsurprising that Grind is one of the most popular fest films among our humble staff. – Sharai
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come
Killer cast. Check. Kick ass action. Check. Tons of blood. Check, check. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come wasn’t just a favorite of mine, but of all three editors. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton getting shit done. – Dalia
This year’s SXSW lineup was amazing and gave us a lot to chew on. We watched women throw hands, play with fingers, and a surprising amount of cultish activity. Check out our festival coverage and let us know if you have seen these movies. Extra points if you tell us what your fest favorites were.
