I was lucky enough to catch the premiere of Over Your Dead Body at SXSW 2026, and it’s my favorite of the festival. It’s directed by Jorma Taccone and written by Tommy Wirkola, Nick Ball, and John Niven. Samara Weaving and Jason Segel star as a married couple who have decided to kill one another during a cabin getaway. You’d think that was enough for a great movie, but there are also surprise guests and cozy sweaters.
Dysfunctional Couples
Husband and wife, Lisa (Weaving) and Dan (Segel), are not on good terms. They planned a vacation to rekindle their relationship, but they both have ulterior motives. Lisa is an actress, and Dan is a director, but they have little else in common and little to be happy about.
Dan has a plan. He is going on vacation and making sure everyone knows his wife is also planning a dangerous hike. Don’t worry, Lisa is quick to join in because she has also informed her best friend that Dan insists she go hunting despite her fear of guns.
Unbeknownst to the pair, they also have a few uninvited guests hiding out in their attic. Juliette Lewis, a prison guard, and her prisoner boyfriend, Timothy Olyphant, and fellow prisoner, Keith Jardine, are three fugitives on the run who stumble on the cabin and take shelter.
Cabin Shenanigans
Obviously, everyone’s plans quickly spiral out of control. Dan and Lisa not only have each other to contend with but also dangerous criminals. We all know a cabin in the woods is the best location for chaos. Lisa and Dan are quickly taken hostage. The three fugitives find an easy way to get money, but nothing is easy for anyone in this movie.
We’re left to see whether our unhappy couple will band together to work their way out of this situation. Some of my favorite moments involve the multiple escape attempts.
The pacing is right on. I was at attention the whole movie and didn’t want to look away. Although I had seen the original Norwegian film, The Trip (2021), I was surprised by every twist and turn. Key points from the original were made wild and fresh. Each scene moves swiftly and is packed full of action. The quick flashbacks punctuated their plans. Each sequence is expertly intricate and fun. Weaving and Segel are both hilarious. The audience was cheering and laughing so often that I wish I could watch it again with the same crowd.
What could I say to convince people to watch Over Your Dead Body? It’s hilarious, action-filled, exciting, and has spectacular kills. It’s rare that you can match an original film against the remake and come out with two winners. Check out Over Your Dead Body when it’s out in theaters and read more from SXSW HERE.
