The Best of SXSW 1019

The Most Anticipated Films from SXSW! 

1. “US”

Probably the most anticipated film at South by Southwest was Jordan Peele’s upcoming thriller, “US”. After the surprising success of his debut film, winner of 2017’s Best Original Screenplay “Get Out”, audiences have been on the edge of their seats waiting for the newest thriller from Peele’s brilliant, slightly twisted mind.

The film, starring Lupita Nyong’o and Elizabeth Moss, follows a family, on their holiday break, that is pursued by a supernatural being that looks just like them. The film has already garnered plenty of buzz, with the trailer itself attracting more than 15 million views on YouTube. The film may have a flashier draw with a budget of $20 million, a lot higher than the $5 million that Jordan Peele was allotted for “Get Out”.  Will it pack the same punch its popular predecessor did?

2. “Beach Bum”

Harmony Korine’s latest film almost seems like it was made with Matthew McConaughey of an alternate universe in mind.

This film follows Moondog, played by McConaughey, a prolific poet that enjoys living life in Miami in the flow of things, engaging in forays of sex, drugs and mishaps. However, when Moondog’s millions fly out the window, he’s forced to face his bleak reality. The film also stars Zac Efron, Isla Fisher and Martin Lawrence.

Korine is known for his eclectic works which focus on atypical characters as leads. His previous film, “Spring Breakers”, the young adult drama starring Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez and James Franco, was both a surprise hit and a controversial film among movie goers and critics alike. While “Moondog” seems to lean comedically and whimsically, it still carries aspects of Korine’s dark and melancholy tones. 

3. “The Art of Self-Defense”

This wacky comedy follows Jesse Eisenberg as Casey, a quiet accountant who, after a traumatic attack by a group of masked bikers renders him a recluse, decides to join a local mixed martial arts dojo to learn the art of self-defense, Karate. 

The film’s director, Riley Stearns, has often been compared to the likes of Wes Anderson due to his quirky ability to tell odd stories gloriously. No truer words could be used to describe his debut feature film, “Cub”, about a young girl raised by wolves who kills her parents. 

4. “Booksmart”

Olivia Wilde makes her directorial debut in this coming-of-age comedy about two young women, on the brink of their high school graduation, who decide they finally need to let loose and have a good time. 

Beanie Feldstein, who got her big break in the critically acclaimed coming-of-age film “Lady Bird”, plays Molly, a booksmart teen who alongside her best friend Amy, played by the talented Kailyn Dever, decide to cast aside their nerdy ways for a night of immense partying. 

The film, produced by Adam Mckay and Will Farrell, has a star-studded cast that includes Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Lisa Kudrow, Billie Lourd, and Jessica Williams, to name a few.